Looking for easy, simple painted wood sign projects? Here are five simple projects you can create in an afternoon.
I spent the weekend painting a sign for the imagination room.
It’s four feet long and two feet wide and full to the brim with letters turned this way and that way and painted in colors that will make you smile.
I painted it the sign because I couldn’t find exactly the sign I wanted anywhere.
Has that ever happened to you?
You have the perfect sign in your mind and you know what colors you want it to be and you about the size of the sign you need and you know that you know that you know….
….in all the stores in all the world, there has to be a sign like the one you’re looking for.
Except.
Except there isn’t.
So you just make your own.
Here are five simple painted wood sign projects you can make in an afternoon.
It’s so much easier than it looks.
Truly.
Sometimes the hardest part is just deciding what you want it to say and what you want it to look like, so I thought I’d help any other sign painters out there in the universe with few sign painting ideas.
Welcome to sign painting central.
Here’s my top five favorite painted sign projects I’ve ever created.
Spoiler alert: Just because it’s Monday and we all need a little help getting started today….
…I included an extra sign project for the road.
Reclaimed wood painted sign
This made it into the top five because it’s painted on one of my favorite surfaces in the world….reclaimed wood.
And it’s Pi.
Not the kind you eat.
The kind of mathematical constant that goes on forever or until you run out of sign.
DIY found here.
Mileage Distance Sign
I painted this sign before I ever had a blog and it’s hung in the back hallway for years.
It’s a great reminder of two places I love.
And how far it takes to get there.
- To make simply trace around the chipboard letters from the craft supply store
- Use a ruler to draw the arrow
- Then simply fill in the lines
- Use a small paintbrush to get the sharpest edges
DIY Wood Reclaimed Monogram
I included this sign painting project in the top five because it looks like the wood was branded.
Except it isn’t. (I know…right?)
I made it with a stain pen from the home improvement store.
DIY found here.
Brush and Floss Sign
I found this wood by the side of the road.
I wish I could tell you I created that finish, but it came just like that.
- Find chipboard letters at the craft store
- Trace around the chipboard letters with a pencil
- Fill in the outline with gray paint
- I only used one coat of paint, but you can add another if you want crisper letters
The moral of the story? The side of the road always has the best clearance sales.
Reverse Stencil Sign
This is my favorite sign I’ve ever made.
Not because it only took an afternoon and a vinyl stencil.
Because it’s more than a sign project. It’s a story and a celebration of someone special.
DIY and story found here.
Distressed Grocery Sign
And here’s one more sign project for the road.
Free of charge.
How to make a distressed grocery sign.
DIY found here.
Happy sign-making friend!
You got this.
Oh KariAnne, Your signs are just lovely. I'm so inspired by the variety of techniques you have used. The one with your initials stained to look like a wood burn is especially creative. I look forward to visiting the posts and making some of these little beauties to fit my spaces. Have a lovely Monday and a great week, Susie from The Chelsea project
I know exactly what you mean about thinking for sure I'm going to find the something I need somewhere because well, of course, it's everywhere because I've seen it before...(searching, searching, searching)...I know I have...(more searching)...haven't I? I can't tell you how many times that's happened to me. I love the idea of doing it myself. And then the thing that I though was everywhere becomes one-of-a-kind! Yay!!! :-)
Please share your painted sign of letters from the week end. Everything you do is special!
Love your signs Karianne because they are personal and add so much to your home. I've got wood waiting for me in the garage!! :)
Ha! I thought the bathroom sign said Rush. It wasn't until i read further that it said Brush. The Rush fits at least over here. My 3 are pretty slow esp in the bathroom:)
I've always loved your signs! But I've got to say my favorite is "I love you to the moon and back". That's the way I feel about my family!! Have a great day!!
I am loving the colors on the sign you are making. They are so happy and vibrant. Can't wait to see what the finished product looks like!
Now I know that one of my very favorite people in the whole world lives about 1,189 miles away!!! : )
I have a new bathroom sign for you..... seen in a local elementary school. IT'S A POTTY.... NOT A PARTY! tee hee I think I need this one for my crew.
It's on the wall y'all! Love it all!
In your spring homes tour, in your living or sitting room (?) there is a large sign with the words from the song "I Hope You Dance." Did you make that sign? If not, where did you find it? I just love the song and it's words on that extra large sign makes quite a statement. I would love to have in my home, if it could be replicated? Thank you!
Love these and the clearance sale on the side of the road!:)
I love all these signs. Great project for the summer. I totally think I want one of those longitude and latitude signs for my coastal home. Maybe with an anchor. Thanks for the Monday morning inspiration. Nancy
Love YOU to the moon and back...
Hi! I love your signs. And I love reading your stories! I saw this on FB the other day and thought it was neat. Maybe it's where Love you to the moon and back came from, haha "Every day, the heart creates enough energy to drive a truck 20 miles. In a lifetime that is equivalent to driving to the moon and back. So, when you tell someone 'you love them to the moon and back', you're essentially saying you will love them with all the blood your heart pumps your whole life. Which I think is equally meaningful." Dr Asky I thought it was interesting. Have a wonderful day!!!
I love all your signs, especially the "Cape, Dallas distance" sign! Love it. We live in East Texas and I just came back from Dallas last night from visiting my son. I must say I took an Uber a couple places because of the dreaded Dallas traffic but I ADORE the city! Also adore your blog! Thank you for sharing your talents and life!
These are all such great projects, Karianne! I love sign painting...worked on three signs this weekend...just for fun!
You do such a great job at making those signs:D Anxious to see the next one for the girls! I went to Joann's this weekend and came across a cute little saying for that room... "I craft so hard, I sweat glitter". Isn't that adorable? Have a great day Ms. Thistle!
The side of the road has the best clearance sales! It so does!!! I recently made a grocery sign using your idea, except it's running down a length wise to fill a narrowish wall. Loved all your signs!
*Note to self: Pick up some chip-wood letters at the craft store* This is such a timely post for me, KariAnne as I have a bunch of old fence boards out back and want to do something with them...I will be using some of the brilliant ideas you used to create these beautiful signs...maybe even all of 'em, if I can gather the motivation! ;) But when do we get to see your newest sign??? I am seriously jonesing here and have been ever since you mentioned this room makeover! Lemme see! PLEASE!
You have put me in the mood to paint a sign today :)
Kari Anne - I think it must be the creative spirit in us that envisions what is the perfect piece for the perfect spot...but it's no where to be found. Thank goodness for your beautiful blog that inspires us all to think about the perfect piece for the perfect spot and your kindness that continues to share.
Really looking forward to the finished room! Have an amazing trip, Rock Star! In my thoughts...
All of them are so cute! You have provided good inspiration since my husband just cut me out a wood sign to paint for outside. I started it one way and didn't like it so now I am thinking 4th of July - because it is May and it could take a while... : )
These are all great! I might even try one someday. Maybe the wood burned (stained) monogram. Love it! I can't wait to see the colorful one you're making for the Imagination Room!
So many great signs but I really like that mileage one. Great idea!
The finish on the brush & floss is amazing and what an eye you have on adding just the right hue in the words! Musical beep: *pinned* Also, you tease! When will you show us the result of the colorful top sign? :)
Love each and everyone of them and they have the sweetest sayings on them and of course the mileage one from Dallas to Cape Cod...made me really smile! Thank you for sharing them with us at TOHOT too:) Jemma
Love all of the signs you have made!! They look amazing and I'm sure they all hang with pride in your beautiful home :-)