I’ve wanted some really big letters that spelled “Porch” for my screened porch but couldn’t find any that were really big at a reasonable price (I love/want the Pottery Barn ones). So I’ve been thinking of how to get what I want at a reasonable price. I actually did find one huge letter at Goodwill but it was an “L” and it was the only really big letter I’ve seen there in years!
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Do you all have a place like this in your yards! A place where you store bits and pieces of things you don’t know where else to put? This is behind our barn so it’s hidden and even our neighbors don’t see it as it’s at the back of all our properties and they have lots of trees!
I’m keeping old windows and doors to make a greenhouse one day! But I spied two old fence boards and though they looked interesting. Then I decided to use one to make a sign for my porch.
So originally I was going to do “The Porch” but we decided on “Paradise Found” because sitting in our porch early in the morning or late at night is paradise!
How to hand paint a sign.
1. Decide how large you want your letters. These are at 400 and I used Microsoft Works Word Processor but any program you use that has fonts would be fine. To change the size you have to type in the size you want in the font size box and then hit enter. The font I used was Times New Roman but sometimes I choose a more cursive font.
2. I sanded my fence board because it was rough and dirty and then I dry brushed some white on. Usually I use a flat or matte paint underneath the wording.
3. To transfer your word(s) onto your sign use either graphite paper which is what I did here or cover the back of your words with artists charcoal or crayon. I’ve used all these methods and the graphite paper ($2 at Michaels) has been the easiest to work with.
4. Use a dull pencil or something that’s not too pointy and trace over your printed out letters. You should have your board, graphite paper and printed out words in that order.
Now your letters should be transferred and all you have to do is fill them in! You can use a paint pen if you think your hand isn’t steady enough for a paint brush. I’ve used them both and for me one isn’t easier than the other. I’ve used house paint (great way to use up those little bits left in a can) and craft paint. Both work fine. I’ve never used a high gloss paint (don’t ever really paint with it) so I don’t know if that will work as well but I imagine so.
It’s really pretty easy and I’m getting better at it the more signs I make!
You can find some scrap lumber in lots of places – just keep an eye out for it and an open mind! Even if you had to buy a piece of lumber you could easily get at least three signs from it. I hope you try it! I think this would make a wonderful and inexpensive Christmas present that’s easy to personalize!
Think of the possibilities! It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas especially if you want to give handmade things!
Love your porch, love your sign…you did such an awesome job! Thanks so much for sharing the instructions.
I'm planning to make a teacup planter for my front garden area soon – thanks as well for sharing those instructions!
Have a lovely day!
~Michelle
(Treasure the Moment)
I do have a place like that in my yard…it's between my shed & teh fence.
Love the sign you made. My yard guy brought me a whole bunch of old weathered lumber last year, saying that he knew I'd do something w/ it but I haven't gotten around to anything yet. maybe you've inspired me to get at it!
Manuela, this looks great! I love it! And I love where you're putting it–that space above the door is just perfect.
Yes, I'd say that your porch qualifies as Paradise Found. In combo with your cool deck, it's just unbeatable. Can I come over?
Perfect! You are really inspiring!
That looks great! You said that you might make the letters darker? I love that color blue! How about tracing around each letter with black or navy blue? That would really make them show up well!
Do you distress & age when you are done? That would definately add another element of depth to it.
In any case, it's a great sign, and a great post to help others create one for themselves.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
I'm thinking, I'm thinking! I think that it's important to also think very carefully about what to place on the sign…yours is perfect.
Great idea!!! The sign turned out fabulous. I think I might just make a sign.
The sign is awesome! I love it!!! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Manuela, that is a great sign. You know about the thrift store….uh…for some reason I just could not get myself to buy anything. I went in and I didn't like the scent in there and I looked around and this particular thrift store didn't have anything I want or need. I didn't take many pictures because the clerks kept looking at me. I don't think I'm a thrift person although I do patronize yard sales. So that's my story. I will post the pictures and talk a little about how I "felt" in the store at a later time. Some thrift stores just don't get taken care of like others. Have a great Wednesday and great work with the sign.
Luuurve the sign. I have some old fence board that I use from time to time, but hadn't thought about stenciling on it. Now I will.
I sent your blog link to my sis so she can see your painted patio and the GREEN wall. She just painted part of her kitchen "jalapeno" green. I haven't seen it yet.
Love the sign, you did a great job. Creative and also nice and neat. Thanks for the instructions.
Cute project! I would like to try, but paint and/or glue projects scare me. Give me a sewing machine and I'll try anything, though. I envy your abilities. Sally
Do You Ever Sleep? I love your sign! I use to paint signs. I never tried the computer for letters, but one day. Hubby has what I call his scrap pile ten times bigger than your, living in the country, its is at the back of our ten acres. But I can see it as it grows! I go back there once in a while and find things to make stuff. Now my girls hit it too! lol He is always needing something and finds it there. Save a trip to Jackson! And it free! People are always giving him things! I had no kids this week, but running fever feeling better today. Love your sign! May ride to Louisiana with him Friday, oh that tomorrow!
Hi Manuela, I love it! Gosh, you always have great ideas for us:) I'll add this to my to do list. 🙂 hee hee
blessings,
Sandra
Oh I LOVE it! What a great looking sign and a wonderful saying. I just did a new post on signs today as well. Check it out if you have a moment.
Thanks for letting me know about the silver cleaner. I'll look for it soon.
Have a blessed day my friend. ~Melissa 🙂
That looks great! I like the colour you chose, and the patina of the old wood. I'm thinking of making some signs with some 1x4s we have in the garage, but they are nothing like the aged wood you used.
I absolutely LOVE your sign and Paradise Found is perfect for your fabulous porch!!
Very pretty! I bought a sign similar to that years ago at a craft show…knowing that I could probably do it myself! Maybe this time I will make it myself!
Blessings!
~Nadine
It's perfect!
Love your porch and love that sign! It looks so awesome and best off all it didn't cost anything! I'm not sure what size letters you were looking for but if you have a Michaels near you they have 9inch letters clearanced for .99 and I use woodenletters.com to order mine and you can get HUGE ones, pretty much any size, plus you can pick the font. Just a thought if your still looking.
Thanks for always coming by and leaving such nice comments! Your fantastic!
That looks great!
So funny … our junk spot is behind our shed next to the back fence. 😉
That looks great!
So funny … our junk spot is behind our shed next to the back fence. 😉
you made this look "do-able" for me! I may just try it out.
I love how it turned out. Great job!!
Manuela,
You read my mind, I have been wanting to make a new sign for my garden for a while and you solved my "letter" issue.
Thanks for the info!
Rosey
thanks for the instructions. and I love the phrase.
we once lived in a condo in Oceanside California on a
cul-de-sac named
Paradise Cove Way.
Our son was in kindergarten and he asked if it was the real Paradise. It was a wonderful place for us to live at the time.
and I am so glad you like Aldis!
We went today and I got some yummy fresh blueberries for just 99 cents and $100 of other groceries too.
Love your signs!!! Thanks so much for the tutorial!
Cute!! I love it!
Great job on your sign and thanks for the instructions! paradise found is sooo much better than porch! good choice!
Another great project….You need to give craft lessons…you have the best ideas…
You always do the neatest projects & I've missed being here! Glad I checked in – awesome sign Manuela! I need to make one of those!
Love it! I have some fence pieces so I totally need to do this too!
It is an awesome sign! I have several fenceposts that came from my father's home. I had no idea what I was going to do with them when I got them. Now I have a plan and if it wasn't dark I would go out back and get one. Guess I have to wait till tomorrow. Thanks for the great idea!
It turned out so cute, Manuela. I might just have to try to make one for our new shed. Mimi
It looks awesome Manuela! Hey, I might actually get some potatoes this year!
Very cool sign and eXpression! ThanX so much for the how-to's. I'm so glad you shared where to buy graphite paper. I've been hunting high and low for quite some time (at office supply stores) without success. It never ocurred to me to try Michaels. I don't get there often, because it's a bit of a drive from here. I'm off to make a list and find myself a coupon…
How cute Manuela! I love it. You are so clever! It looks great there!
XOXO
Jen
I love the idea, plus it costs nothing, so I like it even more! I'll leave on saturday for a two weeks vacation, I wll miss your blog so very much. See you in august, take care.
Love your porch and the new sign! I wish I had that "L"…it is my last name.
Always enjoy your surprises you share!
I love the sign!! You are so creative!
Love your porch and the new sign.Have a great week end.
Barb
I *wish* I had a pile like that behind my garage!
Your Paradise Found sign is wonderful! I love the old fence board you used.
Really like your sign. Thanks for the tutorial.
Glenda
So love this!
Dear Manuela,
Thank you for sharing your ideas and creativity with us 🙂 I love your sign and plan on making a couple for our garden 🙂
Oh and yes, we have a couple of outdoor storage areas too!
Have a great day!
~Sharon
Great sign, Manuela! Your screened porch really does seem like paradise found! Enjoy!
Hi Manuela 🙂
That sign is fantastic! You are so good at finding ways to make your home more and more beautiful 🙂
I had the best time catching up with you!
xoxo,
rue
I had tried several different ways of doing headers and got frustrated with all of them.
Scrapblog makes it fail proof. Go ahead, you can do it.
Is there no end to your creativity Manuela? This sign is wonderful!!
I also scrolled down to see the beautiful Dog Prints you put into the sale frames. Wow, what a difference…beautiful! : )
Manuela…you've done it again!
Love it!!!
Susie
Thanks for commenting on my blog. I'm touched! I love to see all your thrifted treasures and redesigns…very inspiring.
Manuela,
When my husband is done building anything I always grab and stash the extra wood. I especially love barn wood for painting projects.
Your sign is just perfect. I love that you ended up using "Paradise Found". That's how we feel about our screened porch.
Gretchen
birdnestcottage.typepad.com
This is why being poor is good , it forces you to create something way more intersting then what you would buy xoxox Clarice
Thank you so much for the info on how to make the sign. I have an old board I've been wanting to use to make a sign with, and have been trying to find a tutorial online on the easiest way to do the lettering. I couldn't seem to find what I was looking for, and then I find it here on your blog! Your instructions are so clear. Thanks again.
Blessings,
Marcia
See…I tell you you are smart!!! I love it!!!!! Thanks so much for telling us how to do it!!! I might try it! Nancy