As my mom and I began to think about how we would tackle what seemed to be a giant feat of wedding planning, we started by looking at photos of weddings on pinterest, google, blogs, etc. Once we finally landed on a look I could point to and say "that's it, that's the look I want!" we made a list of specific components we wanted to incorporate for my wedding. One of those elegant, rustic signs.
There are many great signs available on Etsy.com and Save-on-crafts.com. We decided, however, to try to make our own. Wood burning seemed daunting at first, but it really is a simple method that comes out beautiful!
DIY Whitewashed, Woodburned Sign
You will need:
Wood stain (I used both oak and dark walnut)
an old rag
white paint, diluted
paint brush
unstained slab of wood, any shaped desired
pencil
woodburning tool (may be found at craft stores such as Michael's, Hobby Lobby for approx. $15. Print a 40% coupon before you go!)
Twine, tulle, or ribbon if you'd like a hanging sign. Frame or plate easel if you are making a standing sign.
1. Take your wood outside, and on a safe surface to dirty, rub a thin layer of stain onto the wood using an old rag.
2. Be sure to cover all the nooks and crannies. Allow stain to dry according to instructions on can.
3. Repeat on backside of your wood slab. Add a second coat. I used a darker stain for my second coat to create a medium shade.
4. Once your wood is completely dry, it is time to whitewash it. I used white wall paint diluted with about half part water.
5. The paint should be thin and slightly translucent. If it is too sheer, add a little more paint to your mixture.
6. Allow your wood to dry once more.
7. Using sand paper, carefully distress your wood. You don't want to completely remove the paint, only create a slight aged, rustic look. I sanded the wood a bit rougher along the edges.
8. I had a friend drill holes in the sides of my wood where I wanted thread a string through. Next, write out your text lightly in pencil. If light enough, this can be erased.
In the mean time, heat up your wood burner. I started out tracing the entire word lightly with the burner to define the lines. Go over your word carefully and slowly with the burner. You could go back at the end and make parts thicker and darker as you desire. I also burned the edges of the sign ever so slightly.
9. To string your sign with tulle, cut a long thin piece of tulle. Push one end through your hole from back to front. with a pencil tip. Tie a fat knot on the end. Repeat on opposite end.
If you like the wood burned look, but aren't up for all the steps, the signs below are now available on my Etsy shop! If you have something specific you'd like to say, contact me for a customized sign!
On a second note...
My friend Cheryl
you met last week at Thecrumbster, is kicking off her DIY wedding series today with a
must-read on getting your wedding planning started, and sorting out all
those details swimming around in your head as a bride. Check it out: Details, Details, Details!
