Date night. You know what that is, right? You and your sweetie talk it over, make plans, find a sitter and off you go to share some much needed time out on the town with one another. Yeah, I remember when date night actually happened for us - prior to the birth of our son. I hate to admit it but we don't get out as a couple much these days. We find it hard to fit it in with work and family obligations. So how do we keep the spark alive? Date night at home!
My blogging buddy Denise over at Go Cheap or Go Home hit the nail on the head when she posted her now famous 52 Stay At Home Date Night Ideas. This list gives you some amazing ideas of how to enjoy a date night without ever leaving your home. That's right, no need for a sitter because these can happen after you've put the kiddos to bed. Check out the list for yourself. Of course the crafter in me was immediately attracted to #18. A fun night and a craft to boot...what could be better!
I started with the last of the three wood tile boards I purchased at Walmart a while back {the other two were used for my It's Fall and Christmas Countdown boards}.
Each tile was painted in an antique white acrylic paint. The best part -- the little prince stopped playing crossing guard to come help me with the painting. What a good assistant {smile}.
Using a pencil and ruler, I created a grid in each tile to match that of a true scrabble board.
I painted over each pencil line with white acrylic paint. Note: if I were to do this again, I would use a paint pencil to make the lines. I hand painted the lines and they are a little wonky...lol. And speaking of wonky, I should have created the star with my Silhouette using vinyl. Boy am I awful at hand painting stars. Aren't all preschool teachers supposed to know how to make those!?!
Fast forward. The frame is painted blue, I've completed the colored tiles, and added some fun lettering. This is really coming together.
The letters were printed on regular printer paper. I cut each letter out carefully and glued them in place. I needed to make sure that I protected the letters, so I used Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. This was my first time using the product and I loved it. Remember that a little goes a long way. I used a toothpick to spread it around on each little square and let it dry.
The finished product. I'm so happy with it, little imperfections and all.
What's next? Put the kids to bed, make a dessert to share, grab the scrabble board and make it a date night -- bringing the 'love in' house. Not fond of playing board games? Seriously, there are 52 ideas on the list, I'm sure there is something on it that will fit your fancy. Go ahead, I dare you. Date night doesn't have to break the bank and the creativity goes a long way to strengthening your relationship!
