It was a weekend of firsts for me! First I made my first loaf of artisan bread and then I decided to remake a sign I already had. I’ve never done this before but I figure it’s only paint so why not give it a go! This used to have the word “Simplify” on it. First I sprayed it with some gray primer that I had and then I used one of the millions of little sample pots from Benjamin Moore that I have from testing paint over the years and gave it about two coats.
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I printed out the words “Give Thanks” on my computer (I think I used 200 font size) and then I used one of my daughter’s artist charcoal sticks and rubbed that on the back of the paper over the letters. I’ve used just a regular pencil for this when I did some writing on one of my walls and you could also use chalk.
Then you position your word on your board (charcoal/chalk side down) and start tracing around your letters. I used a pencil. You want to be able to see your letters when you lift up the paper
Then I filled in the letters with some black paint. I used a small squared off brush. When it was all dry I took a damp rag and wiped off the excess charcoal and lightly sanded the piece to make it look not so new.
Now I have a whole new sign and it didn’t cost me anything but time! You’ll be seeing this one again as I plan on re-doing it for Christmas (and probably every other holiday)! I’m going to try a more cursive font next time. For those of you have made one of these before, is it better to use a paint pen?
So if you have an old sign that you’re tired of, re-invent it!
It looks wonderful, Manuela!
You did a great job! My brother actually brought over some bread he made this weekend. It was so good, it made me want to get a bread machine. Hope your’s turned out the way you wanted it to.
Dear Manuela,
You did a beautiful job and have inspired me to makeover a sign or two!
I am glad your artisan bread turned out good!
Love, Paula
Your sign is really pretty!
I like how it is simple and elegant.
you have the best ideas.
Hi Manuela –
Your sign is perfect! Are you sure you want to redo it for Christmas? Why not do the other side for Christmas so you have a reversible sign to reuse each year? You’ve inspired me and now I think I need to look around and see what I have that could be redone and used again.
~Adrienne~
Very clever and resourceful you are, Manuela. I never expect anything less from you. I love how it looks with that turkey. Now that turkey is something quite special. What can you tell us about him?
I love your sign and I LOVE that Pumpkin-Turkey it is sooooo pretty. I’m obsessed this year with anything pumpkin.
Have a great day,
Tam
Hi Manuela! Your sign turned out great! I have an old sign that I made for my country den that I’m not using, it says, Memorabilia. I saw that someone in blogland had a sign that said “Harvest Blessings”. I’m going to change mine to that, thanks for the “how to”. Deb
I have been painting some signs for a boutique coming up, and I have had good luck with the scripty fonts and a small script liner brush. I have been wondering about paint pens, too, but I’m worried they would clog up a lot. If you try them, let us know! 🙂 You can see my signs at http://www.salsacrafts.blogspot.com
Your sign turned out GREAT!!! I also LOVE that turkey…cute, CUTE!
That was so cool! I want the bread book! You go me going on the bread! I looked it over on web. I love to have a loaf of the raisin bread too, I always buy it. Oh Left you something on my blog, if you wish.
Never have made one before so I cannot advise you one a paint pen verses sharpee verses plain ole black paint. I tend to use what I have on hand and do not have to go out or spend money.
I love what you did. Great job! And I love love love your turkey!!!
Manuela, you get an A+++ for creativity!
I did not know you can get sample pots of paint. Do you order these or do you just ask at the store?
Beautiful Manuela!!
Great Job!!!
Rosemary
Love the sign. I have never tried the pencil rubbing, but I want to soon.
Your bread looks wonderful too!
I'm loving all these signs & letters. Looks great, Manuela!
Manuela, you just have all these ideas that just amaze me. Looks great.
Very Clever Manuela…I love it! I have worked with the paint pens and I like them…you have more control with them, especially on lettering…give them a shot sometime…if you don’t like them, you can paint over it! Great Turkey, by the way!! You have the best stuff!
Blessings,
Susie
It looks great! It may be easier to use a paint pen, but you did a great job with the brush:>)
It looks great! I have never tried it with a brush or a pen…only mosaics..
Manuela,
That’s a beautiful sign…and we should so often each day…..
Please come and by my blog….Betty
It’s gorgeous…I love it!
~Kelli
I love the idea of putting the sign in front of the books.
Your so clever….I love the turkey, is that another one of your great TJMaxx finds…..
That turned out really great. I love it when a girl uses her noggin.
Ciao
I love the sign! It turned out so well. I just recently tried a similar tactic with graphite paper and tracing, but I think the charcoal pen is actually easier. The only difference is that I did use a paint marker, which I thought was easier than a paintbrush, but then again, I have a pretty unsteady hand so I might not be the best one to ask!
Carrie
Looks great! Love the rubbing idea:)
Love the sign!
What a fabulous idea, and it looks great! Very nicely done. I’ve a couple of signs here that no longer “fit”. I’ll have to think about how I might like to change them. Thanks for the inspiration!
Manuela,
I have a piece of wood something like that and I think I will copy your idea. It really fits the season.
Gretchen
Good grief…what a wonderful and simple idea. I have several signs that I am now tired of ….gonna make a fabulous CHRISTMAS sign now, with your help. Many thanks, sweet Manuela…
love, bj
Very Cute Manuela
Great project with a great message! Enjoy your week in preparation for Thanksgiving! Sally
I recently came across a web site and thought of you it’s called promotional codes and lists ways for you to get discounts at different stores. I used one and it worked just great…
FYI
Kathy 🙂
Hi Manuela, That is a fantastic idea..I have never seen that done before! Thank you so much for sharing it! Hope you have a wonderful day! Nancy
WOW! It looks fantastic!!! Great job!
I have an award for you at Our Scented Cottage! Please stop by soon and pick it up. 🙂 Have a wonderful evening.
Laura
You are such an amazing lady…this is wonderful!
Good job! Great looking sign 🙂 How was the artisan bread? You didn’t take a picture?
So cute, Manuela. I love the color. Think of the possibilities. Mimi
Fabulous project! “Restyling” is my favorite kind of decorating. I’m going to give this a try ~ thanX for the inspiration.
I’ve been in the process of doing one..I used to sell Longaberger baskets and so my sign said baskets for sale….I painted mine yellow and free handed the words Cottage Lover but…I never am happy when I write thing myself..I’m going to redo it and try your technique..I’ll post on my blog. Thanks.
Love your sign. What a great idea. laurie
Hey- this is a great technique and THANK YOU for sharing it. I am just wondering which project to start first!
Anita
homestory-anita.blogspot.com
Love it! What does the back look like? If it doesn’t have stuff on the back to hang it on the wall you could just paint another sign on the back…I need to go get a board RIGHT NOW and paint a sign on each side!!
Wow you did a great job!
Very clever, Mauela! I love it!
XO,
Sheila
LOVE it! You rock!
Awesome idea! I never would have thought of that.
Karol :0)
great job – I so need to try this! thanks!
Thank you so much for this tutorial, Manuela! I have a sign all primed & ready to go, but I was trying to figure out how to transfer the words I want. Aren't you an angel?