Playing with Numbers, Mixed Media Style

Old wooden game pieces can be an endless source of creativity, inspiration, and cheap recycled art supplies. In fact, I sell wooden letter and number tiles in my shop whenever I can find them.

This summer I'm happily back on the patio with my found objects, jars, and potions! I decided to see what would happen if I played with numbers... wooden numbers. Which set do you like best?

Distress Ink sealed with tinted decoupage medium

Apply Distress Ink directly from the pad, let dry, then seal with a brown-tinted satin medium.

India Ink

Apply India Ink directly from the pad, let dry. It bleeds on wood but dries quickly, and it's permanent.

India ink brush markers with satin sealer

I love my set of India ink markers for so many things. Blend several colors, they dry quickly. Seal with a few coats of satin medium.

Distress Ink with high gloss hard sealer

Apply Distress Ink directly from the pad. Let dry. The high gloss sealer intensifies the color. Spooky huh!

India ink brush markers

Back to the India ink markers. Quick and easy tile doodle. First I colored the tiles yellow. Let dry between colors.

Filed and distressed, with almond oil

This distressed set is my favorite, and the technique is so easy. Round the corners and edges with a wood file. Scrape and dent the tops of the tiles while you're at it. Then, apply a light coat of my secret ingredient -- almond oil. Let it soak in for a few minutes then wipe off excess.

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