Loose Change

So previously on Pinterest I've seen a few projects people had posted using change like penny's and nickels to tile their floors, or their countertops.  It's a really cool look.  Can't say I could live with it daily, well unless I lived in a really industrial type space like a loft or something then I would say yes to it.  I have a friend who was thinking of doing it and since has decided to go the concrete route.  She still wanted to do copper in her kitchen, so she knew she wanted penny's somewhere.  My friend and her husband just bought their first house this past October, so I decided to make her a house warming gift.  We had seen someone covering wood letters in penny's at a crafting event.  She was sold.  So that's what I made for her.  I covered 3 paper mache letters in penny's "EAT". 

{thanks Rhi for taking such awesome pics!}

Here's what I did:
{materials}

- Paper mache letters

- Penny's

- Weldbond glue or your choice of glue

- Copper acrylic paint

- Paint brush

- Clear spray sealer

Start by painting your paper mache letters copper! I did two layers and that was enough to cover the paper mache. After I painted it copper I used a gunmetal silver color with a dry brush technique to give it a bit of a patina.


Then get your glue ready! I think this glue worked pretty well. We'll see how it holds up over time.  You'll also want to start picking out your "good" penny's! I picked mostly shiny, but threw a few duller ones into the mix. That creates character!



Then I layed out the penny's on each letter ahead of time. That way I new exactly what pattern, and placement they were going to be in. I put most face up, but did some face down too.  Then you just glue until your hearts content. When you've got them all glued on and they are all dry (let it sit for at least 24 hrs) you can spray them with a clear satin or glossy spray paint.   I did it to protect the penny's and the copper paint on the paper mache.
 ..................................................
Here are some more awesome loose change remodel projects. 
Maybe you'll be inspired to do something out of the box.

Penny BackSplash

 

Penny Countertop

Penny Flooring

 
Penny Letters

 
Wall of Pennies - No Source

 
Nickel Tiled Floors

 
Nickel Letters