NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

Creating a cursive sign with the Dremel Micro 8050

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I really really want to learn how to use power tools.

Only one problem – I’m scared. So very scared of power tools. I’ve sort of mastered the drill. (Sort of.)

Which is a big step since the last time I used a drill, the toilet paper holder didn’t quite stay on the wall. (I found this photo way back in the archives from 2008 and couldn’t resist.)

kim drilling

Now, I’m moving on to the wonders of the Dremel Micro 8050. And guys, I think this is the start of a long term understanding and friendship.

Making a home sign with Dremel NewlyWoodwards2

 

Ryan and I spent 45 minutes in the Dremel tools aisle at Menards marveling over everything I could do.

I could cut. I could carve. I could engrave. I could sand. I could grind. I could sharpen. I could clean. I could polish.

I could even exfoliate my face (Kidding on that last one. Although that could be cool, am I right?)

There are so many ways to use this little tool and it is super light and nimble for detailed projects. It also has a soft grip, LED front-end lighting to illuminate projects, a docking station that continually charges, and an 8V Max Lithium-ion battery. I love this little guy.

I started simple – I wanted to make a wooden sign for our porch in my own cursive. So, I started practicing on a scrap piece of wood. When I moved to my “real” sign board, I simply used a small carving accessory to outline my words. (I could have started by penciling the word, but I didn’t because I’m bad to the bone.

After I was happy with the word, I turned to a sanding accessory, which allowed me to get into the groove a little deeper and sand and smooth the edges. I was shocked at how well it went and how easy the Dremel Micro was to handle. I just played with it outside for about 20 minutes and I had a sign that I actually liked.

Making a home sign with Dremel NewlyWoodwards1

I rubbed the whole board down with a piece of sandpaper to smooth it out, and then I used a wood finishing cloth to stain the board.
 Making a home sign with Dremel NewlyWoodwards3

I decided to paint the carved area a different color for a little pop.
Making a home sign with Dremel NewlyWoodwards4

And that’s it- I have a very homespun sign for our front porch.Making a home sign with Dremel NewlyWoodwards5

I love that the Dremel gave it a fun, carved detail. 
 Making a home sign with Dremel NewlyWoodwards7

 

It’s not perfect, but neither am I.  And it looks pretty sweet on my door hanging with my burlap wreath.Making a home sign with Dremel NewlyWoodwards6

I felt so arrogant confident that I’m planning to try my hand at carving our names onto a stone next. Wish me luck.

 

About Dremel and the Dremel Micro 8050

Dremel offers a full line of versatile tool systems that provide the perfect solution for almost any craft, hobby or DIY project. The Micro 8050 is the most “brilliantly powerful” and precise cordless rotary tool that Dremel has ever produced. It’s fully compatible with all Dremel rotary tool accessories and available online at Amazon and Home Depot for $89. 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Comments

  1. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something
    which I think I would never understand. It seems tooo complicated and extremely broad for
    me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  6. The sign looks cute on the wreath like that 🙂

    And I have a Dremel but never thought of using it to carve out letters like that. (Instead I’m currently using it get rid of grout, fun fun!)

    • Yeah, grout doesn’t sound like an enjoyable project. But I guess having some help from a tool is handy.

      I have all kinds of projects I’d love to try with this puppy.

      • There have been a lot of sponsored posts lately, and I know that not everyone likes them. But I am trying to make sure the projects and posts are in line with my life and blog when I take them on. And I do my best to make sure that when I do sponsored posts, I actually “do” something – like creating a sign with the Dremel. That takes time and thought. But, there are plenty of projects coming up that aren’t sponsored and I’ve literally written thousands of posts that aren’t sponsored. That’s gotta count for something, right? 😉 Happy Friday!

  10. Cute! What I’ve managed to do so far with my new dremel is: charge it. But you have to start somewhere, right? Seeing you actually make something with yours is going to inspire me, I just know it!