Post #275399 by ZuluMagoo on Thu, Dec 28, 2006 10:09 PM

I have finished some of the nautical elements that I wanted to incorporate into my space, including a sail from the Kona Luanii and a crows nest. I had to build both of these items from scratch, but that was the fun part.

First, the sail. I drew up a quick 15 second concept sketch so I had something to start working with. Then I started hunting for materials.

I found this old army cot a a garage sale this summer for 2 bucks. The heavy cotton canvas was exactly what I was looking for. I took it home and removed the canvas and pitched the rest. I cut the shape of a sail and got out my old friend the blow torch (a great tool I have discovered for aging and distressing all types of materials).

Then I transfered the Kona Luanii name/font onto the canvas and painted it with standard water based acrylic paint (Walmart $0.88 in the craft dept.)

I need some nautical looking hardware for the rigging, which is difficult to find here in Denver, but of course can be very easily home made to look pretty convincing. I picked up several of these little wooden plaques for $0.40 or $0.50 each (I don't remember where, either Walmart or Hobby Lobby).

Screw them together backwards and stain them.

Then I added some paint to distress and age them. I also added gromets to the sail canvas along with various decorative rope.

Now it is ready to hang on the wall.

I added some additional decorative elements. Hooks that I found at garage/estate sales and I got the pulleys at Hobby Lobby for $2.99 each when they were clearing out their summer decor items.

I think this sail only cost me about $12 in materials, BUT, the trade off is the time spent to create it. Worth it I think, I enjoy the creating part.