This welcome center wall had been itching for some TLC for a long while. So when the Missions Team at The Rock Church (Yuma, AZ) approached me on reconfiguring this space, I jumped at the chance. With families serving in South America and beyond, the goal was to highlight the work being done abroad as well as the service projects taking place right here in Yuma...all on a budget.
After searching Pinterest and talking to the Missions teams directors, we figured on some pictures, an oversized map, some signage, and a display case to provide information on our missionaries and upcoming missions work.
Here is where we started:
And here is the finished wall:
1.) The Map: I wanted to include an oversized map of the world to serve as the backdrop for the rest of the elements on this wall. Local vinyl phenom, Lindsey Elk created this gorgeous black matte piece and even installed it for me too. She's awesome. The contrast of the dark black on top of that painted SW Dovetail wall is dramatic and seriously striking!
2.) Canvas Photos: I love the look of a canvas photo collage. It's simple, clean, and makes a huge impact. By combining stock photos and mission trip pics in various sizes, AFC was able to really set the mood and tone of this wall. Using my "go-to" for canvas prints (www.easycanvasprints.com), a little editing on Pic Monkey to lighten, brigthen, and alter the hues just a bit, and then by adding a fantastic rustic frame (thanks, Nate Koogle!) to accent our beautiful African girl, the wall began to transform.
3. Signage: Letters, signage, and the likes can really take its toll on one's budget and since this was a church project, moola was scarce (appropriately so). However, I really wanted to add some industrial letters to coordinate with the rest of the welcome center and direct parishioners/visitors attention to this wall.
In an effort to save money, I found these paper mache letters on HobbyLobby.com for $1.50 a piece (on sale).
I then picked up a can of silver, hammered spray paint (I love me some spray paint) and got to work making each letter appear to look like metal.
Next, I distressed them using ink (of all things) and boom(!)---rustic metal-looking letters for crazy cheap.
The remaining "ministry" signage was custom made from a great shop on Etsy. I ordered this piece in a raw metal finish and then spray painted it upon arrival. I really wanted to tie in the orange hue found in both the floors of the lobby as well as the matching decor.
While this wall is close to completion, it still needs a few more special touches; a kiosk to help balance out the top and bottom, lighting to highlight those pictures and create even more interest in this wall, and possibly some interactive screens to showcase our missionaries and the work they're doing abroad.
The Details
Paint: SW Dovetail Gray
Vinyl World Map: Lindsey Elk-Yuma, AZ
Canvas Collage: www.easycanvasprints.com
Industrial Letters: Hobby Lobby
Display Case: www.displays2go.com
Ministry sign: Shop Simply Inspired--Etsy
Rustic Picture Frame: Nate Koogle-Yuma, AZ