Ah Pinterest, we get lost in your pins for days pinning all the things we want, things we love, things we desire to make and things we want to wear. If only we spent all that time being productive!
A DIY tutorial to make a Pinterest inspired handpainted sign. You’ve pinned 1000s of projects you want to try, see how I tackled the Pinterest Challenge.
Challenged by a few fellow bloggers to recreate an inspirational pin I decided to use this pin:
That’s a very fun layout and graphic design and it seems the original source is niftyswank.blogspot.com however that site does not exist anymore. But we can still recreate a similar version and I’m sharing how to do that today.
After much investigation I found similar fonts, changed the colorway of the sign to fit my decor and ended up with my own version here:
I’m not one for inspirational quotes especially those ultra cheesy ones you see in office conference rooms. But there are some really nice lines out there and this one truly struck a chord with me perhaps because I’m a maker. And anyone who likes to make things understands the importance of just doing it. No one else is going to do it for you so you better get up and push on.
I love the genuine handmade nature of a handpainted sign. You can see in the detailed photo above how the lines have an authentic weight to them. You won’t find that aesthetic on a machine made preprinted sign.
I opted to hand this sign by the front door in our old home as a good reminder before heading out the door.
Down below I’m sharing how to make a handpainted wood sign. Be sure to read through the tutorial entirely before beginning.
Step 1: Cut 3/4″ plywood piece to 20″x 30″ then paint Annie Sloan old ochre. Let dry. Print out words and layout to fit space.
Fonts used:
good & best: Bordeaux Roman Bold
things come & but: The Only Exception
to those who & the: Rockwell
wait & do: Anderson Four Feather Falls
Step 2: Using a ballpoint pen trace the letters with heavy pressure to create an indent in wood.
Step 3: Paint on and inside the indent.
Step 4: Work in sections and layer up the paint colors as you go.
Step 5: All painted and ready for sanding. Sand to distress.
Step 6: After distressing apply Minwax Early American stain.
Step 7: Seal with clear satin poly.
Step 8: Predrill holes in back for hanging.
Step 9: Screw in eye hooks and wrap wire around.
Then hang and enjoy!
Even my kids can read this one, a good little reminder as we walk out the door every day.
I’m linking up to:
I love it!
Wow! That looks great and as though it takes a steady hand and lots of patience. Way to Go!
Love how your sign turned out – I want to do this with a printable I pinned long ago! Thanks for the inspiration~
Visiting from 36th Ave…
Rhonda @ home.made.
This is an amazing sign … love the hand painted quality!
Beautiful Jaime – your sign looks great!
Love it and I pinned it! Take care, Laura
Great tutorial! I have used this method with good results. I have a tip to pass on, if I may. Put carbon paper under your print out, and you don't have to press as hard, and it makes a clear outline to paint on. 🙂