Modern House Number Plaque

I've always loved playing up house numbers, but if you order the fancy number plaques they are very expensive or just aren't what I'm look for.  The ones I really like are all designed and manufactured by architects just for the property....and well, that's not happening around my house.  So, here's my version - I used store bought numbers and......wait for it...paint stir sticks!

MATERIALS- A board (I know this is vague, I used a 1"x6"x4" piece of scrap but an old 2"x4" would work)- Paint stir sticks, just make sure one side is blank- House numbers, it's important to get the ones that "float" out from the wall, Home Depot sells a variety that does this- Paint or stain- Exterior wood glue

STEPSCut all of your stir sticks the same length.  I wanted mine as long as possible, so I cut them just before they curve to make the handle.  Since I had to cut so many, I set them up on the chop saw with a guide (okay, it was a brick) so I didn't have to measure them all.  I was also able to cut a few at a time, so it went pretty quickly.  Once done, give the cut edges a light sanding.Take your board and add your glue.  Lay your cut sticks down one by one.  Just make sure that your first one is centered and straight or all of your sticks will be off.  (Yes, that's what I did first time round.)Once dry, stain your board as desired.  I used brown stain on one and then made a blue stain by mixing equal parts water and latex paint for the other.  Add your house numbers according to the included directions - usually they come with a template and then you drill little holes and their hardware slips right in.  Again, I think it makes a big difference to have "floating" numbers - ones where the numbers float out from the surface instead of being nailed directly against it.  You get a nice depth and some shadow.  It's all in the details!!