Horseshoe and Letter Dish Wall Art – DIY
Do you have any old horseshoes lying around? We have a whole bunch that a friend of ours gave us a while back. We’ve used a few to make this beautiful “UPCYCLE” sign. Horseshoes are great for making words and when you combine them with letter dishes you end up with some LUVerly wall art 😉
And best of all it fits right in with this month’s Int’l Bloggers “Iron” Challenge too. Well kinda. Horseshoes are made from steel, which is basically iron and carbon. So that counts right!!? Either way, I luv love how easy it was to make, and it adds something different to our gallery wall.
Like iron, we are forged into steel when we turn on the heat
But before I show you how to create some wall art using a horseshoe and letter dishes, let me tell you a little more about the IBC (Int’l Bloggers Club). Every month a group of bloggers, from around the world, get together to create something using a common theme. Our previous challenge was wood and we made a Lorax inspired driftwood fairy scene. I enjoy being part of the IBC. It fascinates me to see how we all interpret the same topic in so many different ways. You’ll be able to see all our projects at the end of the post.
RightyO, let’s have a look at how to repurpose a horseshoe and make ourselves a little wall art.
What you need
For this project you’ll need:
- Wooden frame
- Old rusty horseshoe
- Scrapbooking paper
- Strong double sided tape
- Mod Podge
- Scissors
- Letter dishes (affiliate link below)
You can get a dish for every letter of the alphabet on Amazon so you can always make wall art using a different word if you like.
How to make a horseshoe sign
Remove the glass and backing from the frame. We won’t be using the glass so save it to another crafty day, like when you want to experiment with Verre Eglomise and Unicorn SPiT 😉 Place the backing board on some pretty scrapbooking paper and trace around the edges.
I used some gorgeous yardstick themed paper on ours. Mod Podge the paper onto the backing board. Not only is Mod Podge great for gluing things, but it also creates a protective layer. You know, just in case I ever feel the need to wipe the horseshoe wall art with a damp cloth. Like that’s going to happen anytime soon 😀
Once the Mod Podge dries, use a strong double-sided tape to attach the letter dishes and horseshoe on the backing boards.
Place the backing boards back in the frame and you’re good to go.
This must be one of the easiest repurposing ideas ever. I love the way the yardstick paper creates a subtle backdrop for both the letters ……
….. and the rusty old horseshoe.
Love me some rustification 😉 It’s one of my favorite things. We hung the horseshoe sign with a few of our other favorite things. Like this portrait of my Mom that was taken more than 60 years ago.
And a concrete cross that’s been stained with a homemade “rustification” recipe. (Note to self – remember to put that tutorial up).
Even the little man we bought from a talented street artist here in South Africa fits right in.
And if you like the horseshoe repurposing idea, don’t forget to pin it for later.
I have a few more horseshoes left, so if you have any ideas on what to do with them I would love to hear about it.
Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you 😉
Until next time, hope you have an amazing, fun-filled week and don’t forget the see what my friends from the Int’l Bloggers Club have done with their Iron challenge. Their links should be down below.
Michelle that one looks easy enough for even me to do. Love all the rustic touches and the rustification of the artwork.
Rustification is the best ?
I love this! The white with the wood and how you use the horse shoe, great idea Michelle! Btw, I found and followed you on Pinterest and IG
Followed you right back Mel ?
Such a cute repurpose of a horse shoe Michelle!! I need to ask for one at the horse club my daughter goes to riding lessons… I love the rustic sign paired with the white letters!!
I’m sure they’ll give you one Katrin. I’ve heard that the newer ones are made from aluminium instead of steel, but it should work just as well ?
My grandfather always put horseshoes in his garden. He said it feeds the soil and he had the most beautiful lush garden. Everything grew so maybe he was right.
Oh wow, we’ve put the others in the garden too. Here’s hoping they work as well as your grandad’s seemed to work ?
Luv it ?
? Thank you
When I saw your project I was going to ask where did you get those yardsticks and then I read it’s paper, you are so genius! Like using a horse shoe as a letter, I really luv your project!
That yardstick scrapbooking paper is really cool. I just wish I could remember where I bought it ? I would love to get some more
This is such a clever way to use a horseshoe! I grew up on a horse ranch, so we had a ton of these lying around. Such a cute idea 🙂
Thank you Tiffany and it must be so lovely growing up on a ranch. All those open spaces and just natural, good living
A very creative use of a shoe horse. I used to ride as a child but haven’t for years.
Thanks Claire ? I must be honest I’ve only been horseback riding a few times. I was frightened of them as a child for some strange reason ?
Hi Michelle. We had a lovely horse die in an awful way. I miss him so much. I keep a pair of his horseshoes on my nightstand. I never considered making something out of them. Your artwork is beautiful and that scrapbook paper is a perfect backdrop.
Oh Leanna, I’m so sorry to hear that. To lose a pet is so very sad. They always take a piece of hearts with them when they go ?
This is such a neat idea, Michelle! I love how you used the yard stick paper! They look so real and compliments your cool horseshoe perfectly!
Yeah, I was so happy to find that paper. It does match the whole look perfectly and I have one more sheet hiding in the craft cupboard waiting for another project ?
Amazing project, Michelle. What a great inspiration!!!! Hugs, my dear talented friend.
You’re so special Mia, thank you for always being there for us ?
What a cute way of using the horseshoe with the letter dishes for a sign. Super cute! I also love the cement cross it looks like it’s really made of metal!
Thanks so much Linda. I love that cross, it’s been around for so many years and the metal effect seems to get more intense as time goes by too.
I’ve never seen monogrammed dishes before. Mama Marie needs some M’s! What a cute idea for repurposing a horseshoe and yes, it certainly qualifies for this challenge! The scrapbook paper looks like the real thing and the perfect backdrop for your rustic LUV sign.
I couldn’t agree more, Mamma M needs a few of those dishes ?