Ballard Designs Knockoff and a Winner!

When I got my latest issue of the Ballard's catalog, I instantly fell in love with these typewriter key wall plaques. So simple, yet chic and fun! Then I looked at the price...$49 each. Yes, I said EACH. It would cost me $300 to spell this word. Ballards....are you insane???? Who are these people who spend $300 to spell a simple word? Apparently, they have way too much money and are really bored! So, I tore this page out of the catalog and put it in my idea folder.

My plan was to try and collect some similar frames from yard sales, thrift stores, etc. But I got really impatient and just couldn't wait it out any longer. I decided to use embroidery hoops, and at just 99 cents each the price was perfect. Again, I wish I had painted them black, but my severe impatience/ADD couldn't take it. I needed some instant gratification.

I used a scrap of linen material I had laying around, some black scrapbook paper, and my Cricut to recreate the $300 designer look. Guess how much it cost me? Less than $8.

What??? Can I get a witness? An Amen?

I am super excited with the way this fun little project turned out. My wall plaques are a bit smaller than the ones from Ballards. Theirs are 12 inch in diameter and mine are 8 inch...not much of a difference. Especially for a whopping $292, right? I've already started making another set, but with a twist. They have a whole different look and are stinkin adorable! I'm thinking about making some for my etsy shop if anyone's interested. But with those I will use fabric and applique the image onto the linen.

Bet you thought I'd forgotten about the winner, huh? Not a chance...I was just making you sweat! Congratulation to Laura Ingalls Gunn from Decor to Adore. You won the Mrs. Meyer's prize pack!!! Drop me an e-mail - imperfectlybeautifulms(at)gmail(dot)com - so we can get your goodies in the mail to you.

Linked to Kimm's Trash to Treasure at Reinvented

and Amanda's Decorating Dilemas Party @ Serenity Now.