Level: Easy Cost: $10 to $25 Time: 1-3 hours
These days it seems that you can't go to any store without finding those adorable country chic signs with cute/funny/inspirational messages written in some fancy, hand-lettered font. They are all the rage right now, and frankly, I am totally on-board with this craze. I think these signs are the perfect way to add a little personality to your home, while still keeping the sleek, simple look that I love so much!
That being said...I have a very difficult time wrapping my head around purchasing an item for at least three times what I know I would spend on it if I just took the time to make it myself. And I know that some people (*cough, cough* MY SISTER!) don't have the time, equipment, space, confidence, and/or desire to make a project like this on their own, and so the cost might be worth it for them - that's great! But for anyone who does have the desire - I can promise that this is one you can do on your own!
SUPPLY LIST
2'x2' Piece of Sanded Plywood
1”x2”x8’ Piece of Wood
Miter Saw
Pencil
Paint or Stain
- Frame: Briarsmoke Wood Stain
- Sign Background: White Paint
- Lettering: Black Acrylic Paint
Paint Brush
Wood Glue
Finishing Nails
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Make Frame Cuts.
Using a miter saw, cut your 1”x2”x8’ into (2) 24” pieces and (2) 21” pieces.
Step 2: Paint or Stain Frame & Plywood.
Using the paint or stain of your choice, it’s time to prepare your plywood for lettering and put the finishing touch on your frame. I used one of my all-time favorite stain colors, Briarsmoke, to stain my sign frame pieces...and plain ol’ white paint for the plywood background.
Step 3: Paint Your Sign.
Now for the fun stuff! Choose your design and get to painting. There are several ways you can do this; free-hand, stencil, lots of color, no color, etc. I used black acrylic paint to make a bold welcoming sign for house guests. It’s important to note that you do not have to be a hand-lettering expert to get a gorgeous finished product that is sure to impress. Check out the hand-lettering hack below if you need some help in the penmanship department.
*Bonus Step: Hand-Lettering Hack
Find the phrase and font you like, and print it out in the size that you need to properly fit your sign. For this size sign, you will likely have to tape a few pieces of paper together once it is printed out.
Next, on the back side of your paper, shade the letters with a pencil, being sure to shade beyond the edge of each letter. Then turn your paper back over, tape in place on your plywood, and trace the outline of each letter. This will leave a faint line that you can use as a guide to fill in each letter with paint. This part takes some time and patience, but I actually found it quite therapeutic.
**Test out our Stenciling Hack without the hassle of making the frame, with our pre-made blank wood signs available here.**
Step 4: Assemble Framed Sign.
After your lettering fully dries, run a line of wood glue around the edge of the front of your sign. Place your frame pieces on top of the glue - lining each piece up to the edge of the plywood - and clamp in place. Flip the sign over and drive the finishing nails into the back of your plywood, being sure to hit the frame below.
Step 5: Display Your Art & Enjoy.
Feel free to add a picture hanger to the back of your piece, or find a good shelf to prop it up on. And get ready to dazzle your friends with your amazing talent and sense of style!
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