DIY wooden signs

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Do It Yourself Pallet Wood Sign (or any piece of wood :))

List of Necessary Supplies:
1. deconstructed pallet
2. sand paper
3. carbon paper
4. acrylic paint
5. paint brush
6. ball point pen
7. computer/printer

1. Once pallet is cleaned and sanded, paint or “wash” (mix paint and water equal parts) your sign in color of your choice.
2. While drying, go to computer and type out the word or quote that you desire to put on the wood
and then print it in the font of choice (*see note below.)
3. For lighter colored boards, take that printed sheet and put carbon paper between it and the
board. Use a ball point pen to trace around the outside of the letters on the printed paper and this transfers a perfect “stencil” for painting. On very dark paints, the carbon won’t show. In those times, I don’t use carbon paper, but I will color with white chalk on the back of my computer paper print out (color the inverted letters), and then place that down on my board and lightly trace over. It will copy/transfer a white chalk line on your board. Works perfect for the dark colors.
4. Paint the outlined letters on the board.
5. Put hanger of your choice on the board and Enjoy!!

“In most word processing programs, you can make the font a “stencil” where just the letters are outlined, rather than entire filled in letters. This saves a ton of ink for your printer! Once you’ve created your text, highlight it (control/A in Word), then open up your “font” menu – in Word 2007 & up, there’s a little teeny arrow at the bottom right corner of the font area when you’re on your “home” tab. When the font menu opens up, look for the “effects” section. Check the box that’s marked “outline” & it makes it a stencil. You can also make it bold, which gives it a heavier line.”

Using the idea of carbon paper is such an easy alternative. I love that tip. You can buy Pattern Transfer Paper for Wood on Amаzon or pick it up at any Hobby Lobby or Michael’s craft store.

There are sign inspirations everywhere. Stroll through your favorite stores and just look around. You can believe that my next signs will have pops of turquoise, yellow and green.

My sweet friend, Angie from Country Chic Cottage, shared how she did a dry brush technique. She put down her vinyl letters and painted over it, and then removed the letters to have the wood show through. I love that option.