DIY Wooden Sign | Print Your Own Stencil Using Word
This DIY wooden sign is the perfect finishing touch on our decorated book nook for the fall season.
You can find out how we easily decorated our nook in this post. But today, I wanted to share the super-easy way I found to make a DIY wooden sign when you don’t have a circuit machine or stencil.
Don’t get me wrong, I love many of the signs from Hobby Lobby, but lately, I’m wanting to be more original with the decor I use in my home. And there are certain quotes and poems that speak to me, that aren’t available mass-marketed.
DIY wooden signs with sayings
What you’ll need:
- wood cut to your specific sign needs
- Stain or paint of your choice, if using any for the surface before writing
- Microsoft word and a printer
- chalk
- paint pen
- Pencil
Making your sign stencil with a word document
Pull up a new word document on your computer. Go to layout, then orientation, and change it to landscape. This makes it easier to get more on each page.
From there, still in layout, go to margins and click narrow. This also allows for more to fit on each page, wasting less paper.
Now that you’re ready, go ahead and pick the font you want. I used Modern Love for this sign. After picking a font and size, go to the A, and click on the outlined A. This will save you so much ink! Then start writing and print it out!
Cut to fit the sign you have, and play with your desired layout. Once you have that done, take a photo if you need it for reference, and then you’re ready to begin!
Transfering the stencle onto the wood surface
Begin in sections, taking the first one, chalking the back completely, then laying back into the correct spot. Hold firm with one hand, and trace the letting with a pencil with the other. Carefully remove the paper, and the stencil should be transferred in chalk to the wood. Lay the paper stencil in front of you for even more reference, and begin filling in the words with your paint pen. Slow and steady wins the race. You may need to go back and do a second coat but wait for two hours before doing that.
Once you’ve finished you sign and let it dry, take a damp cloth and wipe the surface to remove any remaining chalk.
My sign took a bit of time, but that’s because my poem was so darn long. It was worth it though, I’m very happy with how it turned out.
I hope you found this useful and it will help you make your home extra cozy if you’re making a year-round sign or a seasonal piece.
Stay tuned as I make a few more seasonal pieces for our home. Next up, a man in the moon for harvest season decor!
Have you DIYed wooden signs before? Any tips?
