Keep Life Simple DIY Sign

How to make a DIY Wood Sign

It seems that the whole world is always rushing.   I am constantly busy,  and juggling that results in insomnia.  I think most women live this lifestyle.  This  DIY wood sign reminds me to remember whats important, slow down and reduce the noise.  Focus on the things that help me grow as a woman,  time to learn, read,  work and just breathe.  On a more practical note, the little bit of turquoise over the couch is what the family room needed.

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The turquoise was for the new color decor theme and I kept the wood unstained with just polyurethane one it as it looked simpler to me that way.    I made the simple envelope cushions to add some colour, and  I will soon be sharing how I made the DIY couch cover.  It’s a much lighter and fresher look than the dark grey couch and purchased art I had there before.

Home Decor Sign Tutorial

This sign requires a few materials in very small quantities.  As I had left over plywood from other projects, all I purchased was the 1″ by 2″  lumber.
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Supplies 

2- 1 by 2″ lumber

1/4 inch plywood 19 by 41″

A cutting machine

Sticky vinyl and transfer paper

Vinyl seeding tool

Prepare the Wood

Cut the plywood to the size you need.  This sign is 19 by 42  inches.    Sand your plywood until smooth.     Apply two coats of turquoise paint, allowing it to dry well between coats.

Cut your 1″ by 2″ lumber.  This frame is overlapping the long piece on top of the short pieces. Attach the frame from the back using 1 1/4″ nails.

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As shown, the long pieces are the same length as the plywood 42″  the short pieces are 17 1/2″.    To keep with the saying I chose to leave the wood unstained but gave it one coat of polyurethane.

Design and Cut the Wording

In order to emphasize the statement, the lettering on this sign is small.   Using whatever brand of cutting machine you have, set up your cut.  Make the page setting 12 by 24″.

The text is Sweet Pea, size is 320.

Place your vinyl on cutting mat and cut out.

Weed of the excess vinyl.
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Remove the backing from the transfer paper and place over the wording.  Rub the transfer paper where the letters are to ensure they adhere.

Measure and find the center of your blue background mark with chalk.

Measure the distance from the top of the letter F to the bottom of the letter P.  Divide in half and measure from the center point vertically on both sides and mark with chalk.  Measure the distance from the letter K to the letter E, again divide in half.  Measure from the center point vertically on both sides and mark with chalk.  Use the chalk marks as general guidelines for your wording placement.

Lay your wording facedown and measure again this time using the distance from the frame.  Once you are sure the wording is centered rub the lettering to adhere the vinyl.
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Carefully remove the transfer paper.  Slowly peel the transfer paper away while applying the vinyl.  Hold down the vinyl with your fingers and picking tool, and carefully pull on the vinyl.  I find that it works better if you pull the vinyl away at an angle.  You will be left with just the Keep Life Simple saying.
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Apply the White Paint

Using a small brush carefully paint from the center of the vinyl pulling outwards, this will minimize any bleeding.

Paint over the turquoise paint with two coats of white paint, letting the paint dry well between coats.

Using a weeding tool (or needle) carefully pull up the vinyl, leaving the blue lettering showing behind.

If you have any bleed through onto the blue surface of the lettering like I did on the letter M, use the corner of a piece of sandpaper to remove as much of the bleed through as possible.

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Softly using 220 grit sandpaper, sand the surface of your sign smooth.

If you still have some bleed through, use a small brush and the turquoise paint to touch up your lettering.  Let dry and then sand smooth if needed.
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Attach a frame hanger to the back of the DIY wood sign frame, and enjoy.

This DIY wood sign is so bright and cheerful, it adds light to the room.  It also feels casual and cottage decor feel so it pairs well with the simple homemade decor elements.   Eventually, it will warm up and I will be able to open the doors to the adjoining deck, decorated in the same colour scheme.

How do you like the bright colours?  I am going to try and use the turquoise year around, do you think its possible?  Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Enjoy your week!