Wooden signs are very popular. Signs with sayings such as, “live, laugh, love,” or “always kiss me goodnight” are selling for anywhere between $12-$40 on the internet and in country craft stores. Did you know that you can make a beautiful wooden sign for your home for just a few dollars? It's easy to do if you just follow these five simple steps.
Select Your Wood
Finding a piece of wood to use is very easy. You can find all different sizes and shapes of wood at craft stores, other stores with a craft section, or even in your own back yard. These are usually only between $1-$3 at a craft store. If the wood is not already smoothed down, you will need to first sand and smooth the surface you intent to paint.
Paint the First Coat
You will need to paint your wood with an acrylic paint. Acrylic paints are found in a wide variety of colors at craft stores or stores that have a craft section. These bottles are usually only $1-$2 and you will be able to use these on numerous signs. You will want to paint the sign with a very light color first, such as white or a very light beige. Let this first coat dry completely before moving on to step three.
Give It an Antique Look
To give your sign an antique look you will need to coat the sign with medium crackle paint. This again can be found at any craft store or section and is very affordable. You will not see the paint “crackle” until you apply the third coat of paint. The first coat of paint will show through the cracks. This is why you use such a light color first. Once the medium crackle coat is completely dry, apply a coat of acrylic paint of a color of your choice. This will be the color of the sign. As it dries, you will have created an antique look for your sign.
Stencil on Your Greeting
Once you have decided what you would like your sign to say, you will want to find the right kind of stencils. Stencils are very easy to come by. There are several websites which offer free stencils. Find the image or lettering you desire and print it off in the size which fits your sign. Ready-made stencils can also be found at craft stores for very affordable prices. Use an adhesive on your stencils in order to keep them in place as you paint.
Dry and Enjoy
Allow the paint to dry completely before you remove the stencils. Make sure to peal off the stencils gently. Find something you can use to hang your sign. You can use ribbon if the sign is light-weight or you can use any type of hooks or wire to staple to the back of your sign. Hang up your masterpiece and enjoy! These make great gifts too. Your friends and family will love receiving a personalized sign made by you.
