Make Your Own Homestead Sign!

Thanks to Pinterest, I have a list a mile long of ideas and DIY projects I'd love to try. A few weeks ago I saw this sign making technique and I knew I had to try it. If you want detail by detail instructions fro the gal on Pinterest who inspired me GO HERE.
I have to admit that my first attempt turned out well, but I thought I would make it a little darker with some black paint like she showed....then I hated it after messing up the first letter. You might want to try a practice board like I did because sometimes it does take a little trial and error. Here is my shorter version tutorial: Grab a piece of scrap wood. I still have some barn siding left over so I used that. A word to the wise: A faded (light color) of wood will be best. If you want to paint and distress the wood before adding the letters that would be great also...but remember it needs to be a light/white background, otherwise you won't see the letters well at all.

 The next step is figuring out what font you like, the size, and what you want your sign to say. You will need to print your text in "mirror" image. The link I gave above has lots of helpful tips in the comment section to help you know how to print your text in mirror image. After you print it, line it up straight on your board and then tape it in place along the edges. (Be sure not to cover any text with you tape, otherwise you won't be able to transfer it properly.)

 A little tap water in a cup, a brush, and a permanent marker(or other burnishing tool)  is all you need to complete the rest of the project.

 I found that putting very little water over the text, let it sit for a just a second, then brush over it again without dipping your brush again. Take the end of your marker (with the cap still on) and rub directly over the ink text. Dont' rub to hard or to fast or you just rip the paper. I wet just a letter or two at a time.

 Then give it about 5-10 minutes to dry....and Ta Dah You have a new "old looking sign"! The letters look faded when your done, which is fine with me, it's the look I love. The possibilities are endless when you can make your own custom signs.

 I'm linking up to Homestead Revival's Barn Hop...go check out the other links, you won't be disappointed!