Elementary Abstract Art Project Bulletin Board

It all started with this picture on Pinterest.

Of course it did because most of my ideas originate from a "find" on Pinterest. 

At my children's school, there is a bulletin board outside the 4th grade classroom. I've had the privilege of being asked to create a few winter themed boards and the one I recently assembled was due to be taken down. Also this year, I have had the privilege of voluntarily teaching an arts and crafts class with the 3rd and 4th grade classes at their school. Because of my involvement with these students and an upcoming open house, this picture brought about an "inspired" idea. 

After getting permission from the board's next in line creator and the school principal, I started scheduling time to "create" with all the elementary classes a collaborative bulletin board. 

Now, I have to admit when I first saw the original picture I didn't really notice the cross. So, I decided to change that  portion making the cross stand out more reflecting the beliefs of the Christian school our board would be representing. 

Now came the hard part, coordinating 7 classes to come and paint Popsicle sticks for the focal point of the bulletin board with only one week (including the weekend) to paint, create and assemble the entire board. We were up for the challenge!!

Each student received a red painted Popsicle stick that they wrote their first name on with a white "paint" marker. Then, they were given 2 Popsicle sticks each to decorate as they desired. Now, to save time I had pre-painted the sticks with a base coat of color. We started the painting process on a Wednesday. On Friday, I conducted the final Popsicle stick painting classes. During the last class, I let the students paint 3 to 4 sticks each, thinking I would have extras when I assembled the framed focal point. Well, that wasn't the case. When I pre-assembled the piece later that evening, I found we were short by 60 sticks. UGH! 

So, the following Tuesday during recess, I asked the 5th and 6th grade classes to come in and paint the remaining sticks. Thank you students! 

That evening I put the board together. The sticks were glued to a black piece of foam board with the cross taking center stage. A frame was created with extra pieces of black foam board and a specialty paper was adhered to the frame portion with Super 77 spray adhesive. Whew, the main element was created. 

On Wednesday, I went to assemble the board. The previous day I had attached the black background paper so my first task was attaching the Popsicle art element to the board. 

I used my Cricut cutter to cut out the title "Elementary Abstract Art Project" from white card stock which seemed a little plain so I added colored tape to the word "abstract" for a pop of color.

Also added to the board, using the Cricut cutter, was the phrase "Christ died for ME" in red card stock signifying the blood Jesus shed on the cross for each of us. 

I have to tell you it was wonderful seeing the kids looking for their names on the cross and for the sticks that they had created. The board was also done the day before the open house and was on display for that event. 

Thank you Pinterest for inspiring an idea that brought our elementary students together on a collaborative project that inspires not only them but those who see this bulletin board.

Way to go HCS Elementary! 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Snow Ball Fight!!!!!

Well not really a snowball fight. It is more like a snowball piling.

Today I was able to go into the elementary classes at my children's school and collect a snow fall estimate from each student for the winter bulletin board mentioned in my previous post One Week - Two Boards. Each student was able to guess how many inches of snow will fall cumulatively from tomorrow (January 25th) until February 28th. 

There were some very interesting guesses the most outrageous being 1,000,000 inches. Would never want to live where snow fell in that amount. Yes, the student was allowed to submit a second, more reasonable guess.

I took all of the snowballs and "piled" them according to class starting with the Kindergarten class right next to the snowman leading to the 6th grade at the far end of the board after the yard stick. There were a few students missing so a snowball has been left for them to complete upon their return to class next week.

The kids seemed excited to participate in this poll and make reasonable guesses especially when the mention of a "reward" was made for the correct guess/guesses or the one/ones closest to the true snow fall amount. 

I've never been more excited to monitor snow fall! When the poll is completed, I will post about the winner/winners.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

One Week - Two Boards

Last week was a pretty busy week with the completing of the elements needed for and installation of one bulletin board and then the cutting of items and installation of another bulletin board. These boards are "living" boards with information being added each month for the one board and info on the other after a poll is taken. I wanted to wait to post until more info was added but I just couldn't wait. 

This first board was completed for a fellow church. 

The sermon series is regarding discipleship with the theme "Who's at Your Table?" When the message series was first presented to me, I had a whole other avenue of thought for this board. My original plan was to make it look like you were entering into a dining room seeing a set table and place cards but the theme and the concept just weren't meshing. So, I did the thing I always do when I am conflicted on a bulletin board. I went to talk it out with my creative friend and cohort, Debbie. From our conversation, a whole new idea, this idea evolved.

The premise is that you are looking at an event planner's notebook. After all, the decision of who sits at what table for an event are usually mapped out by the event planner with the help of the event's host. I used a large black piece of foam board for the outer portion of the binder and a matte finished piece of white foam board for the information pages. To make the binder look authentic, I added a silver strip of paper and pliable wire shaped into loops to imitate the three ring area of the binder. 

The page in the binder is a table seating floor plan. This was all done by free hand. I traced with pencil a circle cutting ring for the tables and a smaller circle for the chairs then went over the pencil with a ultra fine black Sharpie marker. I also measured out a rectangular head table at which I placed the Holy Spirit, Father and Son. 

The tables are being used to record the fellowship events the church will be having monthly. There are 12 tables for the 12 months. So far they have had one event - Ziti Spectacular, Spectacular and  their next event is going to be Soup 'n Bowl Sunday. These I wrote out in red so they would pop off the page. Events will be added to the appropriate table as they are announced. On the opposite side of the binder, I placed the theme which was cut using my Cricut cutter. I also printed out the church's logo on silver paper and wrote in silver Sharpie "Property of". 

The other two pages are "event" pages that have not made it into the binder. The top page is being used for the currently planned event. Computer printed "titles" are going to be generated by the Pastor and hung using repositionable stickers tabs in the appropriate areas of event, date and time.  The open area of the page will have sign up sheets (also hung by repostitionable sticker tabs) for the items that are needed to be brought for the fellowship. The page peeking out behind will list the next planned event and the date. A pen is going to be hung by these pages to be used for the sign up sheets.

Beside the missing titles showing the current and upcoming event information, I'm working on place cards with the names of 12 church families that still need to be attached to the board. I decided on 12 families taking into account the 12 disciples. Yes, I do a lot of symbolism when it comes to the boards I create. When I add the place cards, I will take another picture and post it so you can see a more completed version of this board.

The other board I completed was for the 4th grade teacher at the kid's school. The board is located outside his classroom and is decorated on a rotation basis with 2 other teachers.

I did this board in two parts. This was part one.

I put up a dark royal blue paper as the background. The snowman was made for a previous board I did for my church. He was a lot of work so when the board came down I kept the snowman for future use and here he is! The "snow" batting was also used on another board and repurposed here. The yard stick I've used for crafting projects and recently replaced it with a metal one that can withstand the "use" I put yard sticks through. 

So you get the idea that the board is snow themed but what is the main theme, well here it is - How much snow by March?

I used two styles of snowflakes to decorate the board. The first are the hot glue snowflakes I made and used on a previous church bulletin board. Then, I had cut with my Cricut cutter snowflakes both large and small in a shimmer blue and white card stock. I was so please with the look the snowflakes added to the board.

Now this board is not quite done. The fourth grade teacher is having each student in the elementary classes write down their guess of how much snow will fall on precut snowballs. We will then stack each classes snowballs in a triangular form along the snow line. When the snowball poll has been completed, I will take another picture of the board to show it in its completed form. 

It was a busy week but a very successful one in the area of bulletin boards. Now on to the next one!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Get Out Your Checkbook

Last week was a very busy week for me making a new bulletin board at my church. Normally, I would post a "sneak peek" picture on Facebook to spark interest but not this time. Because of the content, I had to be "mum" about it and let me tell you that was hard.

The majority of the boards I do at my church do not coordinate with a specific sermon series or themed event. Of course, God always uses them in the capacity He chooses to effect those who see them. 

The week before last, I was suppose to get working on putting up a new board for the main hallway. I knew the board I wanted to create (it was an idea off a graphic I saw) but was lagging in getting started. Little did I know that God was keeping me from starting on something that was not a part of His timing. I received a call from my friend Debbie, who works at the church and is my co-creator in the making of these boards, and she told me of a financial challenge that was going to be put out to the congregation.  She felt that a coordinating bulletin board regarding the challenge would be a great idea. In the middle of our conversation, I knew why God was having me lag on getting the other board started.....He had a better plan. We met later that week and formulated the idea for the board.

Okay, so the financial challenge that has been set before the church congregation is to pay down the church mortgage of $80,000 and build up capital by tithing an extra $20 a week per family for the next 6 months. 

Immediately when I heard this idea, a big personal check came to mind. We brainstormed from that idea and came up with the concept of a board that looked like a person's bill paying session and a check written for the $20.

Here is a picture of the completed board.

So, let me give you a run down of the board and all the elements that were made. 

The first element made, which is my favorite, is the checkbook. 

The outer part of the checkbook is a black display board that would be used for science projects, etc. I cut this to fit the standard size piece of white foam board being used for the check "stack". On top of the white foam board, I place the check which was created freehand on a sheet of 2 sided blue poster board. The one side looks exactly like a check and the other is the royal blue color used at the top of the check where the perforation would be. The check is being written/coming from "Your Faithful Steward Sojourner on Earth Heaven Bound" and is made out to "God's House". On the top of the checkbook flap, a "post-it" has been place with the verse Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." As I said before, the check is my favorite element of this board.  

The next element is the note pad ledger. I used a piece of left over foam board from another project. What I like about this piece of board is that the surface is paper and not glossy like most foam board giving it that true paper look. It also makes it a lot easier to erase pencil marks from.  Also, to make it truly look like a note pad, I put two lines of black artist tape at the top mimicking the binding/perforation part of the pad and wrote "mead" in silver sharpie. Of course, I put the purpose of our challenge at the top of the "note pad" and then made a ledge sheet portion for the date paid, amount paid and balance. This will allow the congregation to see the progress that is being made on the challenge. I did not do all 24 lines for the 6 months of updates because the board would be too busy.....so when we do run out of lines I plan on putting a piece of paper/card stock over the ledger portion with a ripped top so it looks as if a portion of the page has been ripped exposing another page to continue the ledgering. 

Now when it comes to note pads and notes, I'm a doodler so we only felt it was appropriate to include a little doodling on this note pad. As Debbie and I were talking about this, it came to mind that most of my doodlings tend to be bulletin board driven. Jokingly I told her that I should doodle a picture of the bulletin board I had intended to put up. Well, I did exactly that and let me tell you that board doodle is so appropriate to the theme of this current board. It is a picture of a moving box and on the outside of the box is Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." God will supply that $20 extra dollars a week or the "need" that has to be met via that $20 we give to Him. 

I know I have post it notes strewn all over my "home central" area where family paperwork is done so it seemed appropriate to include some on the board. These are just pieces of 8 1/2 x 11 paper cut into 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 squares with written messages on them. 

Now you can't write a check if you don't have a pen, so using a left over piece of the paper style foam board I cut a replica of our church's ballpoint pen. Using a Copic marker in red and a silver sharpie, I colored the pen appropriately.

The only item cut with the Cricut was the title "Paying Down Building Up" which we done in the appropriate "accounting" colors of red and black. They were shadowed in ivory so they wouldn't blend into the brown background. 

This board is a longer term board than normal so I may add one or two other small elements as the months go by..... we'll see.

I really enjoyed making this board and am looking forward to seeing the progress that is made in meeting the challenge of paying down the mortgage and building up capital. May God bless those abundantly who give cheerfully for the purpose of further His Kingdom. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

An Divine Idea

The ideas I get for bulletin boards come in multiple forms. It could be a picture, a graphic, a verse or song that triggers an image, etc. No matter how they come I know that it is God who gives me the idea and the ability to make it come into existence on the board.

It was March 10, 2013 Sunday morning service. Our pastor was doing a series "Journey to the Cross". I remember growing up there being an evangelistic tract with a picture that had man on one side, God on the other and the cross as the bridge between. Of course, through the years, I've seen variations of this theme. That morning in church on my sermon notes, I sketched this idea for a possible upcoming board. 

Toward the end of summer I knew a new board would need to go up soon, so I took out this sketch along with a few other ideas. I decided (well, God chose) to make this sketch "come to life". So, I asked one of the elders from our church if he could give me some verses I could use on the board regarding man's condition, Jesus' payment and God's feelings toward man. He returned his copy of my little sketch with quite a selection of verses. 

This is the result of that idea and little sketch.

Now, for a brief detour of thought. I always like to give details regarding the materials used for the boards in case someone has the desire to recreate them. For this board, I used pieces of left over black, white and red bulletin board paper. On the red portion, I layered red cellophane that would be used for wrapping gift baskets. 

The title words, man and God, along with the verses were cut using my Cricut cutter.

The cross is an element I used on two other bulletin boards at the church. It was crafted by a gentleman at the church using balsa wood that was stained. On the cross, I layered pieces of parchment paper and wrote portions of the verse from John 14:6 "I AM the way the truth the life" in bronze metallic sharpie. I aged the edges of the parchment using a brown stamp pad and dauber. 

Now to get back on track. When showing the condition of man and how we need to come through Jesus to have access to God, many familiar verses come to mind John 14:6; John 3:16, etc. What I appreciated was that the elder, who gave me the verse options, gave me verses I had never even thought of in this context. 

The verse used for man is Ephesians 2:1 "And you were dead in trespasses and sins". The verse used for God, when I read it,  I knew it was meant for this board. It is I John 3:1 "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God..." Why I felt strongly about using this verse is how the "see what kind of love" refers back to the cross and the bridge Jesus' death has made for sinful man to a pure and holy God allowing us to be His children. Although a simple board in in elements, it's message speaks in volumes.

Now I know that all of these ideas and the execution of these boards are a gift that God has bestowed upon me in order to bring Him glory. I don't need verbal affirmation that this was the right board at the right time. But let me tell you, God knows when to speak to me in order to affirm that He is working in me and through me. This "idea" came to mind when our former pastor, who only just retired at the end of September, was still our Shepherd. The board was completed and up last Sunday and do you know that our new pastor's message related to every part of this board. As God spoke through him, God spoke to my heart, not only of this amazing gift of love, Christ's death, that allows me to be His child but also that I am using the talents He has given me for His glory. I pray that I will continue bring Him glory through this ministry. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Repurposing is Key!

When I started "creating" bulletin boards, I enjoyed the task of taking one down and putting up a new one. Those feelings have changed.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the task of creating and installing new boards. It is the taking down and disposing of the old one that has gotten a little more difficult. Over the three years of creating bulletin boards, the elements created have become more involved making them harder to part with. 

Thankfully, on the recent "makeover" of bulletin board outside the school office of HCS (my kid's school), I was able to reuse elements that were being replaced with new items on the school's side entrance board. 

This is a picture of the previous information board that was outside the school office.

The perpetual calendar was a concept we wanted to continue; however, we decided that the box top fundraising information was not being utilized accordingly and needed to be eliminated. Although not shown here, the senior class tribute area was completed. The decision was made to do a different application for this year, so that also needed to be eliminated.

The first task was to create a new calendar. In order to make it useful for many years, I decided to put it on foam board. This way if the background needs to be changed the calendar can be used again. This was not the case of the previous calendar, it was created directly on the background paper.

Using a large piece of foam board, I measured out equal boxes for the days of week. Because some events occur over the weekend, Saturday and Sunday were included on the calendar. I also created two additional horizontal columns so that all days of the month will appear no matter when they fall. In each square, there is a clear adhesive pocket which can hold a 3x5 card and also a small repositionable dot that the date can be attached to.

I'm able to reuse all of the month titles and date numbers created last year. The school emblem, which was used for the senior's tribute, was placed by the month placard.

It was so nice reusing items but the main repurposing was the "Words of HCS" game board that was being used on the school's side entrance bulletin board. We placed the game title, game board and academic achievement boards (Principal's List, Dean's List & Honor Roll) here. This is information that is more relevant to parents and students who usually pass by this area close to the school office. 

The last thing I did was take the "Words of HCS" ABC border and place it throughout the board to giving it a little color and drawing your eye through the entire board. 

It gives me great joy to be able to reuse these elements. Yes, repurposing is key!!! 

Time Flies.....when you're creating a bulletin board

I apologize for how long it has been since my last post. I've been very busy getting several bulletin boards created and installed. 

The one that took the most amount of time was for my kid's school, Hackensack Christian School. Over a year ago, I had created a board for their side entrance. This year I wanted to change it to a board that could be in place for several years and serve as a primary "advertisement" for the school. What better promotes a school than the school itself, so using pictures I started "creating" a foam board replica of the school's front facade. 

To make sure the school adequately fit the size of the bulletin board (which is quite large), I split it into 5 sections.

The first step in the process was penciling on the foam board all of the window and door openings. You can see in the picture above one window section prior to cutting. All openings were cut using an exacto knife.

Here is a picture of all 5 sections with the openings cut out. This was a time consuming process but not the most time consuming part of this project. 

I made the decision to create the brick facade using colored pencils. First, I outlined all of the trim work and colored that in with a yellow tinted color. Then using a tan colored pencil, I drew all of the lines for the bricks. Using 4 different brown/red shades, I alternated coloring in all the bricks. I did not count how many bricks there were in all, all I will say is that I was outlining and coloring for days.

Here is a picture of the school's entrance section colored in.

Although the coloring process took several days, the outcome was worth all of the work.

This past Monday I installed the new bulletin board. The school was the first item put in place. Then, I created a banner highlighting the school's verse for the year using poster/banner paper. I wrote the verse freehand in pencil, then went over with black marker. To give it that parchment look, I used a dauber and an ink pad to "color" the banner. Finally, I used my Cricut to cut the other letters and secured them to the board. The school emblem I made last year for another board and used it here.  

Last year, we did a tribute section to the graduating seniors on the bulletin board outside the school office. This year we will be placing pictures of the seniors in the windows of the school. 

When I first had the idea of creating this board, I wasn't quite sure I could make it all work together or up to my expectations. I am happy to say that I am very pleased with the end result. 

Its Iconic

As most of you know, I not only create bulletin boards for my church but another local church. The Pastor will usually send me a graphic that leads me in the direction of how the board should look. Of course, there is always the understanding that I may not be able to reproduce it exactly and variations may occur. 

Here is a picture of one the two graphics he forwarded to be considered for reproduction in bulletin board form.

As soon as I saw this graphic, I knew I wanted to try and reproduce it even though it is out of my creative comfort zone. Of course, I took the pic to review with my friend, Debbie, who always helps me talk through how I can make the possibility given come to completion.

My goal was to make the main element look like a slab of stone with the icons etched in the stone. Now, I've become pretty proficient in cutting items from foam board. However, I also know foam board is not really paintable as it likes to warp during the drying process. It wasn't until I took a trip to Hobby Lobby that I found how to resolve this "problem". There I found large sheets of picture mat board. I purchased two pieces in a sand color. 

Then, the icon process began. 

First, I sketched the 3 icons from the graphic and an additional icon (not pictured) in the form of a cloud on to sketch paper.

Then using a utility knife,  I cut out the "templates" that would be traced onto the mat board pieces.

After measuring and tracing the icons onto the mat board, I used a utility knife to cut out the icons. 

I also cut out the word "The Journey" using letters I cut with my Cricut cutter and I traced onto the mat board.

Over the next few days, I applied stone texture spray onto the board. I used 1 1/2 cans for the base. Then, I used a light gray and pebble stone colored acrylic paint to add some shading to the edges. Once the shaded areas were dry, I sprayed the entire mat board with the remaining stone spray to soften the shading a touch. I also, put a black luster card stock behind each icon and the words to give it the look that they were etched into the stone. Finally, using my Cricut cutter I cut out the title words "Exodus God's Story Continues".

Last Thursday, I installed the board at the church. It was placed off center and on the right side of the board I attempted to do an accordion fold with the background paper to give it a little texture.

The board will be up until the end of November, so the Pastor is going to apply (via ink pad) some sandal "footprints" in some of open the blue space.
This was a first attempt at "mimicking" a slab of stone. There are several things I would do differently. I would back the mat board with foam board to give it some more dimension. I would also give the sides a rugged cut to give that "look" of a stone that has been quarried.
All in all though I am pleased with the outcome.
As always, thanks for stopping by!

Saying "Goodbye"

Saying "goodbye" is never easy. We have been attending our church, Bible Baptist Church, for 5 years. Sadly, at the end of this month, our beloved Pastor is retiring. Our family has been blessed by his preaching for 5 of the 25 years he has been leading this church. He is an amazing man of God who passionately brings the Word every time he is behind the pulpit. Personally, I can say that I have grown spiritually stronger under his shepherding.

Pastor Bill also has a special place in my heart because he has been a strong supporter of me using the abilities God has bestowed upon me to create bulletin boards at the church. He has such a creative side and is always so appreciative of the work that is done. 

With his leaving, it only seemed appropriate to create a bulletin board in tribute to Pastor Bill's service to God's call of preaching the Gospel. This was a hard board to do because I wanted it to show how truly thankful everyone is for his service. After brainstorming with my creative side kick, Debbie, the decision was to go the route of listing the names/titles of what a man called to bring forth God's Word is called in the Bible. Then, also list the character attributes they should possess.

To make it even more of a personal thank you, I asked, Debbie, who has been under Pastor Bill's shepherding for many years & has also been working with him in the church office, to write a "thank you" note that we placed in the center of the board. 

This has been such a bittersweet board. Bitter because it means Pastor Bill will be leaving soon and I will truly miss him. Sweet because I can pay tribute to the amazing ministry he has had. Also, it is my thank you to him for always supporting my effort to minister through bulletin boards.

Thank you Pastor Bill, you will be greatly missed!!

The Flowers have Bloomed

Today I put up phase 3 of the "growing" bulletin board at our church. I was going to change the board last week but here in the northeast we had hot, humid rainy days that turned into cold rainy days. Not the kind of weather that makes you think of flowers growing and thriving. 

I have to say this third phase is my favorite of this board. Yes, the flowers are artificial. The morning glories, sunflowers and gladiolus were purchased from a local floral distributor which insured having quality pieces. The pansies were purchased at Michaels. I also purchased the monarch butterflies from the floral distributor.  

I wanted to make sure that the board stayed consistent through all its phases so my goal when placing the flowers was to have it appear they were springing from the seeds and bulbs. The flowers were attached with hot glue and floral wire that was secured into the foam board and bulletin board with thumbtacks (which have been well hidden). 

The most difficult part of phase three was changing out the original blue background with this sunny yellow one. I did have to remove the watering can, shovel, gloves, grass, picket fences and trellis. Once that was done, I removed the paper keeping the "dirt" in place. I was able to cut the yellow background piece so that I could tuck a small portion behind the "dirt" and staple it back in place securing the yellow paper. 

Because of the height of the flowers, I chose not to place the verse on the yellow background.  Instead, I chose to make a "plate" that I attached to the watering can. The verse chosen for this phase of the board is I Corinthians 3:7 "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." 

In order to show the progress of this board, here are pictures of the first two phases.

Phase 1: the planting phase

Phase 2: the rain phase - the trellis was also added in this phase

 Phase 3: flowers blooming & butterflies flying

Into Every Garden a Little Rain Will Fall

In the beginning of March, I put up a Garden "Growing" themed bulletin board at my church.  

This is a 3 phase board. Sadly, I got a little behind on executing the second phase. Thankfully, this week I got back into work mode and produced the additional elements need for Phase 2 - a trellis and raindrops. Today I was able to go to the church and add these new elements. I also added a "budding" stem emerging from one of the gladiolus bulbs.  

In making the rain drops, I followed the same instructions I referred to when I made the snowflakes for the winter themed bulletin board. I didn't use a template, just free handed the shape of a tear drop. 

Instead of coating the raindrops in mod podge and sprinkling them with glitter like I did the snowflakes, I painted them with a clear glitter paint. Wow, did that save a ton of time!! The glitter gave it that additional dimension needed to help the raindrops stand out on the board.

Standing back I was very pleased with how the board looked.  

The rain drops add a layer of dimension that would not be able to be created with paper. Also, the trellis which I cut from a piece of foam board added height to the other end of the bulletin board. In two weeks, I will be adding flowers: gladiolus, sunflowers, pansies (had to switch out the marigolds) and morning glories climbing the trellis. Also, there will be a change that will surprise you. Something  you may or may not notice. 

I look forward to showing you Phase 3 in 2 weeks. 

Delivery Day

Today was delivery day for the message/information bulletin board.  

I was please to be able to deliver it and see it put in its "home". For the time being, white paper was placed on the tiles where messages will be displayed.

There was another task for me to complete at the church and that was the application of a wall decal which the Pastor and I created. There is an amazing website Wall Praise where you can order premade or create your own wall decals. The Pastor chose the verse to be used and we worked together on the fonts and sizing of the decal. 

This is my second time putting up one of their decals, so it went pretty smoothly. It is located in the main foyer just outside of the sanctuary. In the picture above, the doors to the sanctuary are closed when opened the right door is against this wall, so the decal was placed in the middle point between the sanctuary door and office door on the right.  

What is nice about the decal is that your eye is first drawn toward the emphasised words "near God, Lord God, and Your works". The decal is subtle but definitely pops. 

All in all we are pleased with the outcome of both items.