This DIY wall decor idea is perfect for the dad who loves baseball! Adapt this idea for your own dad, using any ticket of your choice.
Hi, it’s David from Cheltenham Road.
I’ve been wracking my brain to come up with a Father’s Day gift. Of course, being me, I’ve left it to the last minute (it’s how I roll) but I think I’ve got a fun, unique, easy and very affordable wall decor idea dads will love.
My dad has enough books to fill a library, doesn’t wear ties anymore, and probably isn’t in need of any more drink coasters (although some dads whose sons don’t make coasters might check out my Etsy shop if you’re so inclined).
What I did decide is that wall decor might be fun, and he loves baseball and baseball history. And since I love anything vintage and graphic, this could work out great!
This project came together crazy quick, so it’s great if (like me) you’re a bit stuck on selecting a Father’s Day gift idea. Here’s what I used:
Baseball Wall Art
Gather These Supplies
- A blown up print of an old baseball ticket (more on that in a sec)
- Medium density fiberboard lumber cut to size: 36″ x 10.5″
- Matte Mod Podge
- Hard Coat Mod Podge
- White Paint
- Sandpaper or sander
- Foam Brush(s)
- Paint roller
- Large plastic tub
- D Hook Hangers
I’m going to explain what I did and then at the end I want to discuss alternate ideas and techniques.
The Graphic:
I found a pic of an old ticket in a book on the history of baseball. I made a high resolution (300 dpi) scan of the picture and resized it on my computer to 36″ x 10.5.”
After you find a graphic you like, save the resized graphic as a PDF (to guarantee that it prints out at the correct size), transfer it to a thumb drive, and take it to Staples.
At Staples I asked for an “Engineering Print.” Engineering prints are affordable, oversized print outs that are great for graphics. My three foot long print out cost $6, and they did it while I waited.
Assembly:
I chose to use Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) for my backer because it is inexpensive and has a super-smooth surface that makes it easy to work with when decoupaging – no splinters or unevenness.
I gave the board a light coat of white paint and, when dry, a light sanding to smooth out bumps or drips and give just a bit of distress to the edges.
After brushing the Matte Mod Podge onto the wood . . .
. . . I let the paper soak in some water for just a few seconds.
Soaking the paper allows the fibers of the paper to relax a bit which makes it easier to smooth out onto the wood with fewer wrinkles.
Since this DIY wall decor project was so large, I used a plastic bin that I had on hand. I’ve done similar using the kitchen sink or bathtub.
Handling the paper carefully – it’s a bit fragile at this point – I laid it on the board and used the paint roller to gently smooth out air bubbles and squeeze out any excess Mod Podge.
Once it was dry, I sanded away the edges for a slightly worn look. Then I sealed the whole thing with two coats of Hard Coat Mod Podge just for durability.
After adding the hanging parts, I was done with my wall decor!
The whole project (excluding drying time for the paint and Mod Podge) took approximately an hour.
And, best of all!?!!!!
No one will know you only spent a few dollars on this DIY wall decor because . . . it looks like . . . A BIG TICKET ITEM! Sorry, couldn’t resist . . . should have, but couldn’t.
Get the printable how to card below:
Baseball Wall Decor
Equipment
- Sandpaper or sander
- Foam brushes
- Paint roller
- Large plastic tub
Materials
- Enlarged print of an old baseball ticket
- 1 piece Medium density fiberboard lumber cut to size: 36" x 10.5"
- Mod Podge Matte and Hard Coat
- Craft Paint white
- “D” hook hangers
Instructions
- Find the graphic you like. Resize and have printed as an engineering print – 36" x 10.5" size.
- Give the board a light coat of white paint. Let dry and then give a light sanding to smooth out bumps and add a bit of distressing.
- Soak your print in a container of water for a few seconds. Soaking the paper makes it easier to smooth out with fewer wrinkles.
- Apply a medium coat of Matte Mod Podge to the board.
- Handling the paper carefully, lay it out onto the board. Use a roller to smooth out air bubbles and squeeze out excess Mod Podge. Wipe away with a brush.
- Let dry and sand away the edges for a worn look. Seal the entire piece with two coats of Hard Coat Mod Podge. Let dry.
- Add the hanging D hooks to the back of the board and hang.
Notes and Thoughts on my Baseball Wall Decor:
I used a vintage ticket design, but you could use anything: a ticket from a favorite game or concert, perhaps? You could also make a collage of tickets or children’s art, black and white pictures – the sky’s the limit.
I used Photoshop to enlarge my scanned ticket, but you can bring your item to any print shop. Have them scan it at a high resolution, blow it up, and print it out for you.
If you want to do a collage for your wall decor, but aren’t keen on doing it on a computer, just grab a sheet of legal sized (or larger) paper. Lay out your collage in a pattern that appeals, then scan it (to hold everything in place and avoid damaging the originals, just use temporary glue dots).
I like working with MDF, but any fairly smooth lumber will work just fine. And if you don’t have access to saws, most lumberyards will happily cut the board to your dimensions.
I hope this helps any last-minute gift makers like myself! If you have any questions about my DIY wall decor, fire away – I will monitor the comments section.
lxbfYeaa
Monday 11th of March 2024
1
lxbfYeaa
Saturday 9th of March 2024
1
WymSkPhN
Friday 8th of March 2024
1
jennimac77
Sunday 12th of June 2016
I never knew about the "engineering print" option at Staples, thank you for that! (and a shout out to the Really Useful Box you used--my fave!)
Laurie
Thursday 9th of June 2016
Great idea! What was the name of the book in which you found the photo of the ticket?
David
Friday 10th of June 2016
Hi Laurie. Thanks! I'm afraid it was a library book and I scanned it so long ago (I'm always squirreling away images) that I can't remember the title. Sorry not to be of more help. - David