St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Who know that almost one year ago I would run my first race and become an addict?

After running the Shamrock run last March I knew that I would continue to race as long as I can, as many races I could. Last year I was able to participate in five races. Two of those races included finisher medals.

I was a loss for what to do with the bibs and medals from the races. I am kind of sentimentalist so I knew I wanted to keep them, but how do I display them?

I figured I wanted a sign with an encouraging phrase on it and hooks to hang everything. I also wanted to incorporate the distances I ran and one that I will run. I found a blank wood sign at the craft store for less than $5. I picked up the hooks at my one-stop-shopping store for a couple bucks, including the back brackets for hanging. Because of the size of the sign I decided to attach the medal hook to the back and purchased a hook specially designed for that. The paper and vinyl I already had.

I first painted the wood, but didn’t like that look, so I covered it with scrapbook paper using Mod Podge.

After determining the size of the area I had to work with I went to my Silhouette Studio to design my sign. I used the distance (in miles) of a 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon (which I plan on running this year). I used the quote “Take in the fact that you just did that” I really liked the quote because it reminds me that every race, every run is an accomplishment.

MSS_Bib Display

I planned on using white vinyl for the numbers, because I wanted them in the background and not over powering the sign.

After cutting out the vinyl and taking the backing off the numbers I realized my vinyl was clear, not white. I am not even sure where I got clear vinyl….

I thought it would be ok, and that the clear vinyl would make subtle. It was, too much so. If I looked at the right angle I could see the shiny numbers but I needed them to stand out a little more.

I took my white chalk pen and went around the numbers, it gave them more depth and I was now able to see them. I actually like it better than if I used white vinyl because it is visible but subtle. I went over the whole thing with a coat of Mod Podge to protect the paper.

At first I thought I would position the bib hooks so they would hang flat, one hook in each corner of the bib. But I realized that even with only my five bibs there was a size difference, so that wouldn’t work and I decided I would just hang them by one corner. This also allows for another hook if I need it.