How to Make a Rustic Sign

It’s been waaaay too long since I’ve actually made something cute and posted a DIY tutorial. *sigh*

I’ve been up to my neck in painting kitchen cabinets (it is the project that will not end), and by the time I finish sanding and painting my bazillionth cabinet door, I can hardly be convinced to do anything,  let along make cute crafts.

BUT, the other night Miss L and Mr. Hoff ran to the grocery store, and while I had 45 minutes of “me time” I crafted up a DIY Rustic Lettered Sign that I simply love.

I’ve passed these Wood Painting Panels at Hobby Lobby in the canvas aisle a time or fifteen, and I’ve always wanted to make a cute sign with one of them. I wanted to alter the tone of the light unfinished wood, so I used a special recipe for creating the perfect “driftwood-y” finish.

1 coat of Minwax’s Driftwood + 1 coat of Minwax’s Classic Gray = The perfect “Driftwood-y” finish. {Let one coat completely dry before applying the next coat.}

I used my Silhouette Cameo to create a stencil for my 8″ x 8″ sign. This particular design was a pre-made design that I purchased from the Silhouette Store. I’ve always loved this quote, and as soon as I saw it in the swoopy calligraphy, I knew it would be perfect for this project!

My favorite material to use for stenciling is vinyl. I always get a super-sharp lines with little bleeding or touch up required.. I ran this vinyl through my Silhouette, and then used a sharp, pointy tool (that came in my Silhouette starter kit) to gently peel off all of the little holes and excess vinyl. It was a bit of a tedious process.

Next, I used transfer paper to transfer the vinyl stencil onto my wood sign.

There we go! All ready for paint!

I dry-brushed some chalk paint over the vinyl letters, then gently peeled each letter off before the paint dried. I used chalk paint, because I like how easy it is to sand it off to achieve a very rustic look.

And there she is! My rustic beauty. 😉

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Before we move on, I’d like to let you know about a little change in our “Get Your DIY on” lineup! January’s GYDO link-up party marked the last for our sweet friend, Abby. We’ll miss her dearly, but we’re excited to announce that Nancy, from Artsy Chicks Rule, will be our new co-host! We look forward to the new energy and projects that Nancy will bring! 🙂

Let’s see what my “Get Your DIY On” co-hosts came up with for this month’s “Numbered and Lettered” theme!

Confessions of a Serial DIYer’s DIY Numbered Tray

The Happy Housie’s Home is Wherever I’m With You Free Printable Art

The Hankful House’s Wood Baseball Sign

Artsy Chicks Rule’s DIY Coordinates Sign Tutorial

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Don’t forget to link up your own numbered or lettered projects this Sunday at 7:00 PM EST!

Have a great day!