How To Make Your Own Medal Display

So for the past couple of months I have really really and I mean really wanted a race medal display thingy. I mean really! I asked for one for Christmas and while I got a lot of great stuff, I didn't get that. Note: not complaining, just stating a fact. Well, I also have some time off and I have been pretty handy with the computer and with pinning on pinterest. I pinned some tutorials for a race bib holder because I have a lot of bibs and right now they are just hanging from a caribeaner (i have no idea how you spell it) in my room. While on my daily pinterest scavenge I started looking at the diy bib displays and the diy race medal racks. I decided I would make my own. The one I asked for for Christmas said "Race Bling" on it and I decided to gather my craft store coupons and venture out to procure my supplies.
 
What I Bought:
1 wooden board $5.99
1 small container of hot pink acrylic paint $0.59
1 small container black glitter $2.59
1 package command picture hanging strips (rated to hold up to 16 lbs) $3.79
1 small package of wood screws $1.79

What I Already Had:
Modge Podge Matte Finish
Modge Podge Acrylic Sealer
Pink and white glitter
Black acrylic paint
Phillips screwdriver
Foam paint brushes

Total Cost: $15.64
Time to Make: 2 hours including dry time for paint, etc...

The benefit, a lot of the supplies I bought I can use for other projects.

What Did I Do:
First I used a foam paint brush and I painted the entire board hot pink. It took about 3 coats before I got it where I wanted it. Then, I took a combination of the pink and white glitter and I sprinkled it all over the top layer of paint. My goal was to get the paint to dry with the glitter on top so it would be stuck. This process took about an hour to do. I went to bed after this just because I didn't want to screw anything up due to my impatience.

Next morning, I used black paint and painted the words Race Bling at the top. I free handed it mainly because I have that skill, but online I have seen a lot of people use stencils. Its up to you. Once the letters dried. I took Modge Podge and I painted over the black paint and then sprinkled a generous heap of black glitter over everything. I then took another foam paint brush and I put modge podge over the outside edges of the entire race plaque. Again, I sprinkled a generous heap of black glitter over everything. I let it all dry and shook off any loose glitter. In particular, I wanted to make sure I removed as much of the black glitter as possible. Finally, I sealed the entire project with Modge Podge Acrylic Sealer (a little hint: buy this from Walmart. It's much cheaper there!).  I let it dry.

Final step before race medal display glory involved me screwing the wood screws into the wood. I did 3 screws for the top layer and 2 screws for the bottom layer. Then, I placed the command picture hanger strips on the back. Just follow directions on the package. And, VOILA! My very own race medal display hanger thingy!


I anticipate having to make another one eventually, but this was pretty fun to make. Its also super sparkly and girly, so it fits me to a tee!

The Benefit:
1. It allowed me to make something for only about $15. The race medal display I wanted was about $50. What I saw on Etsy cost about $23.
2. Its personalized. All of my friends know that I love sparkle, so being able to glitter the crap out of something was a way of making it my own. Plus, its tailored to my individual personality and tastes. I have not come across a display that is hot pink and black. 
3. I got my modge podge fix in. I love crafting almost as much as I love running. This has combined the best of both worlds. 

Well, if you want more ideas or want to see other crafty things to do, then feel free to follow me on pinterest @ Michelle Suzanne.

Until next time, happy running!