It’s time to admit it. I have a bit of a problem….
It wouldn’t take you long, say maybe 20 seconds of walking into my home, to realize that I am slowly becoming a textual “art” junkie. It seems like I am not alone. Go to any store that sells home goods and decor and you will find them. In every size, style, and pattern.
I just can’t help myself. I am in love. I love fonts anyway. Pair them with a phrase, Bible verse, or a song lyric I love? I am one happy camper. (Case in point…this wall has THREE textual art/signs….They seem to be multiplying like rabbits over here!)
But just because I love something, doesn’t mean it’s in the budget to go and buy it….
Enter Easiest Sign Making Method EVER.
It Worked!
When I first did this a couple years ago I thought, “This LOOKS easy and LOOKS like it should work, but I’m not committing to BELIEVING it will work until I see it.” (Anybody else work in this manner and play it safe so you don’t get disappointed?) In fact I was so NOT believing it would work that I used a pizza box to make my first sign. (Really! I kid you not!) I figured if it didn’t work, I had only invested my time and not any money.
But, cue heavenly choir, it DID work!
(Here is the made-from-a-pizza-box-fall sign I made 2 1/2 years ago….and yes, I TOTALLY put it out in my house in the fall every year.) You now are on the Inner Circle of some of my decorating secrets….wink, wink.
Want to learn how to make the signs yourself? Yes? (Really, it’s SUPER EASY! Once you learn the technique you can use it on all kinds of things!)
Although I WILL warn you, once you get started, it’s hard to stop! (It’s like donuts people, you can’t stop at one!)
{This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Using these links might result in me receiving a small commission, but at absolutely NO cost to you! You can read more about my commitment to transparency, by visiting my Disclosure Statement.}
(Disclaimer: This method is on lots of websites, so I am NOT reinventing the wheel or anything (and sadly I can’t remember where I first saw this technique so I can give credit to that blogger…sigh….No joke: I turned thirty and my brain went to mush. Or maybe it was having kids that did it?….hmmm….one of the mysteries of life!)
Here’s what you need:
wood, canvas in background color you want (painted pizza box…ahem 😉
sharpened pencil (Go with Ticonderoga. They are the Ferrari of the sharpened pencil world. Ha! But really- you will be converted!)
access to computer with internet or word processing & printer (This is a similar laptop to what I use, although mine is “plum,” but this one is TOUCH SCREEN?!! I swear sometimes I feel like we are living in a “Jetsons” episode!)
paint pen (or Sharpie marker depending on the surface you are working on) I’ve done the signs both ways: painting with a brush (pumpkin sign was done this way) and paint pens. Paint pens make this SO quick!
Process: Pencil Lead Transfer Method
Type words you want on your sign in word processing program and print them out in the size you need.
Use pencil and color over entire BACKside of where the text is. (The pencil lead needs to be thick enough to transfer onto your sign.)
Flip over to the right side of your paper and tape where you want the word to be on your sign.
Use your pen to draw along the outline of your text. (Carefully lift an edge to make sure lead is transferring onto sign well. If not, change pen type or make sure pencil lead really covered the area on the paper well; you may need more.)
Once you have all of the text outlined in the font you chose, remove the paper (You can save this to use again if you are wanting to make multiple.)
Using the pencil transferred outline, color in with your paint pen in the color of your choice (or Sharpie depending on the surface you are working with).
Stand back and admire your new sign! For the wall signs I’ve made, I’ve been able to use the 3M Command Strips (I LOVE these!). Here is my “blessed” sign on part of a gallery wall in my living room. (The bear print was made by my talented brother-in-law. You can peruse more of his artwork here. The Romans 12:13 pineapple is a printable made by Amber at Wrapped in Raffia. You can print yours here.)
It’s Easy, I Promise!
There might be seven steps listed above, but it literally took me 15 minutes to make BOTH signs.
This little wooden “blessed” sign cost me $1 to make. I call that a WIN!
Update: Want to make a large sign on canvas? Check out my latest sign-making post here.
What are you going to put on your sign? I’d love to hear about your plan in the comments!
Hi there friend! I'm Morgan and I'm a thrifty DIY-lover just like you! My small budget has taught me to make a dollar stretch 'till it's basically transparent!No matter what your budget is, I want to give you the motivation and encouragement you need to make your own nest feel like HOME.
SO grab your glue gun and let's get DIY-ing, sister!
Hi there! I just wanted to say that I’m embarrassed for not thinking of this idea, but I’m glad you had it and shared it. A long time ago, I was incarcerated. The way that I took care of myself was to make greeting cards and various other gifts of art for people and sell them. And believe it or not, this was the exact method I used! Card stock is extremely cheap, and some of us can do wonders with color pencils and gel pens. I also found that using magazine ads works too. You just have to be extra careful with these, because the ink isn’t erasable. I recently tried your idea and laid the pattern on top of a magazine picture, because the pencil lead wouldn’t work on the wood I was using. It turned out perfect! Thanks again for sharing!
No need to be embarrassed- I am constantly learning too, Michaela!! That’s the fun part with DIY projects! I am constantly on the hunt for inexpensive ideas-I will have to try and use your magazine tip! Thanks for sharing!
Why don’t you just use carbon paper? I’ve made address signs, private drive signs, directional signs, and on and on … with carbon paper. To scratch pencil on the back then flip is so laborious. I would agree, however, that Ticonderoga is the best, as far as pencils go. I just wouldn’t use a pencil for a project like this.
Hi Barb! Thanks for your suggestion! The main reason is: because I am CHEAP! (Ha!) And also because I wanted to show how you can make signs with things around your home. I’ve actually never owned carbon paper, so I wanted the DIY to be as inexpensive for everyone as possible- with things everyone would have on hand! But you are absolutely right, it does sound like it would make the one step a bit quicker! (And yay to Ticonderoga pencils!)
Sure thing, Linda! I’d. love for you to join our community! You can get signed up for the email newsletter that will give you the passcode for the free Printable Resource Library here: https://landing.mypeartreehome.com
I have a little sitting area/ patio that’s covered at the one end of the house a sign made of wood with this saying would be perfect. Of course I have to choose a fun font😊
I completely understand about the fonts Carol! My husband is always warning me about that! You can use the free printables in the Printable Resource Library or if you want to make your own, I use Microsoft Word or a free online program like canva.com. Hope that helps you get started with making some signs!
Hi! http://www.dafont.com is also an AMAZING, searchable site for free fonts! I like your ‘hack’ on using the pencil to create a transfer medium. Graphite paper is available to purchase for transferring images, is less messy than carbon paper and is not terribly expensive. It is also reusable many, many times before having to move to a new piece! So, overall, if you are making many pieces, it would be worth it to invest in a package of graphite paper.
Many blessings Morgan! Nice work! 😊
~ Kelly K
I prefer carbon copy paper u know the black transfer paper I’ve not had any problems with it at all. I love love love it. I also recently got me a cricut and I love it too u can get them fairly reasonable off face groups
Morgansays
Checking on Facebook groups to find a Cricut for a good price is a great idea. I kept wishing one year that one would fall off of Santa’s sleigh, but checking on Facebook yardsale groups is probably a surer bet! 😉
Where do you get the wood pieces? Loved your different signs! I am going to try to makeChristmas gifts with this idea! Thank you! I always look at the signs but never bought them bc too expensive!
Hi Ellen! I got these at Hobby Lobby in the unfinished wood section. They had lots of different sizes. Make sure you use a 40% off coupon- you can download their app so that you will always have one handy-that’s what I do! The wood I used to make these signs was a pack of 2 for about $2 after my coupon! Yay! Good luck on your sign making! Such a great present!
I got my wooden signs after Easter when they were 90% off because they had bunnies and bunny sayings on them. Then I just did whatever background paint to cover the picture or words on it. Another great place to pick up old unwanted signs is Goodwill.
I did the same thing with Goodwill, Mischa! This is a great tip! I got a large wall art sign for less than $1.50. I’ve painted it, but still thinking about what I want it to say! 🙂
Mine are actually wood cabinet doors. I went to the local discount hardware store (Big John’s) and found them. They were overstock and they let me have them for 2 dollars each! They’re solid, prepainted, and the holes for latches on the back were perfect to place hanging brackets. I painted beach scenes on them and then printed. They had several sizes and shapes.
Hi there Lindsay! Don’t you love all of the options for fonts these days!? (Although it can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many!) If I remember correctly, it was “Playlist Script.” Hope that helps!
Lovely! Thank you for sharing!
What’s your favorite paint pen type/brand? I’m looking to simplify my new wood sign biz and it would be so much faster than using a brush!
Thanks again
Margaret R.
Goodness yes! It is SO much faster than a brush! I’ve done both ways and whenever possible I always choose to use a paint pen (although it limits your color choices for your font color). I’ve had pretty good luck with “painters” by Elmer’s brand and also “Craft Smart” (I think these were just cheapo ones from Hobby Lobby or Michaels). I always keep a scrap piece of paper beside me for when the paint pen stops flowing as easy (just press pen for a little while to get the paint going again). I recently bought an oil-based Sharpie paint pen to try something new and am going to use that one soon. 🙂 Best of luck on your new sign business Margaret! That’s exciting!
Ahhh I use this method for large chalkboard murals! I’ve never even thought to do it for signs, and I’ve been saving wood scraps to hand paint them too! So glad I found this 🙂
Hey, I also found that if you print your words or image backwards (mirror image), then flip it onto your project, tape it down… then just rub over it with a spoon or the curved part of scissors. Be careful not to rip the paper, the ink will transfer to your project.
I did this at Easter for a secret sister gift. I made 2, it,was the 1st time I tried this technique. I have to say…there were a lot of steps cuz I wanted a more finished look for my signs not rustic but after preparing the wood (sanding and staining) then sealed it, it was just,a matter of the math for the letters to,fit the board, which by the way was even a challenge…..haha
Anyway, thy both turned out beautiful! I was soooo proud of myself! I am a little uneasy of using salvaged wood or uneven surfaces.
Thanks for the tutorial. It will help people like me who are so apprehensive. The groupings look great.
That sounds beautiful Edie! I am always too impatient for the stain to dry to try it! But I did notice some smaller jars of stain at Home Depot a couple of weeks ago that were only $4, so maybe I will give it a try!!
I’ve done this before using chalk instead of pencil! If you accidentally move your paper or make any errors, once the paint is dry you can use a damp cloth and wipe it all away!
This is the method I have been using for some time also with 1 slight difference, I simply tape my tracing paper to my computer monitor and trace the image. This conserves ink or if your printer is broken this is the solution. I’m always looking for thrifty ways to do things because let’s face it, we love to be able to say “This cost me 3 cents to make”.
Hey there, I LOVE your little signs! I use tracing paper as well OR you could use graphite paper instead. I use it instead of rubbing the pencil over the back of the paper. Plus the paper lasts for a good long time. Thanks again!
Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. I tested it on the back of an envelope first. Then when I saw it worked, I went for the 9×12 canvas that I was going to use to make the door sign with my daughter’s name on for outside her classroom. I did put a book under the canvas so it had some support while I was tracing the letters. Then I painted the letters and we put paint dots above and below the name for decoration. Turned out pretty well if I say so myself.
Oooh!! Thanks so much for sharing! This makes me so happy! Your sign sounds adorable, Terri! I was a kindergarten teacher for 6 years and a 1st grade teacher for 1 year and I had bright colors and polka dots all over my classroom! I would have LOVED a little sign and I’m sure your daughter is going to love hers too!! What a happy thing to see each morning when she unlocks her classroom door (and what a welcoming sign for her students)! Way to go Mama! (I would LOVE to see a picture!)
I didn’t because I was just hanging it inside on our wall out of direct sunlight, etc. (And I am an impatient decorator/crafter. Ha!) But a clear coat can always be a good idea. But if you are an impatient decorator too, have no fear, mine are holding up fine. (I have one that is 2 years old and no chipping, etc.) Would love to see what you end up making Kathy! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Hi!!! This is a brilliant idea. Thank you so much for taking the time to share. I wanted to know if I could use this same concept on thin construction paper that will be used to cover a canvas (to create a sign for a bridal shower). Or would it work by applying to chalboard paint instead of the wood?
*Hope my question is clear
Hi Von! I think I understood! 🙂 I think you want to put the words onto the construction paper, is that right? That would totally work! You can definitely transfer the pencil lead onto the paper and then use a Sharpie (or paint pen) to trace on the paper. Let me know if that answered your question! Would love to see your bridal shower sign when you finish it!!
How do you avoid the paint pen bleeding on the unfinished wood?? I’m currently working on some Christmas projects and my pen keeps bleeding on the wood 🙁
Hi there Lyndsey! I’m so sorry you are having trouble with your paint pen. When I am using wood, I have always painted or stained the wood first. I wonder if you applied some sort of acrylic sealer to the wood first if that would help?
Hi Morgan! Cute wall! Love it! We are getting ready to buy a new house and I saw an idea I thought would be fun…the top sign says “home” then you hang a separate sign underneath for each place
You’ve lived. Excited to try it!
Congratulations on your new home! That is so exciting! Moving is always hard work, but it is such an adventure (and it is always fun to decorate a new space)! The “home” wall hangings sound adorable! I would love to see it when you get settled! Congrats again on your new home Denise! That is such wonderful news!
Hi there.
I want to make beautiful art for my home and friends but it gets pretty expensive. Do you sell your art work, as well? I am looking into canva.com and see what all I can find. Thank you for the recommendation.
It can get expensive! Look at places like Goodwill or other thrift stores. I have gotten things there and painted over them to make my own art. I don’t sell any of my signs currently, right now I just share the templates I use so others can DIY their own signs too. Let me know what you end up making, Yvonne! I would love to see!
Hi there, Abby! Thanks for stopping by. (Isn’t “Brusher” font lovely?) If you Google “Brusher Font’ some options are available if you would want to look into options to download it. I personally used a free graphic-design website called Canva, which has “Brusher” as one of the free font options to use. Hope that helps!
Morgan, this post just showed up on the email Pinterest sends out about trending pins this week! Of course I pinned it but I just thought you might like to know that your “trending!” I know I would be thrilled to know that all of the hard work I am putting into my blog is paying off. Have a great day!
I made a sign for my water aerobics teacher as she is always telling us to breath. I was in a hurry and wrote BREATH instead of breathe
Oops……….it was a quick fix. lol It is late and I don’t think I spelt it right there either. lol
Hi! Im new to this! Do I print your template, trace it on to my board then trace on top of my paper then paint? Is it free? I love Little House on the Prairie too!! Thank you!!
Isn’t Little House on the Prairie super?! Yes! You’ve got it right I think. (Make sure that first you rub a pencil on the back of the printable and then place it on your board to trace on top of. (And yes, it’s free- you will get a password emailed to you once you sign up!) Thanks so much for stopping by, Vicky!
Your comment warmed my heart-thank you so much for your sweet words, Caroline. I cannot imagine how hard it must be raising your grandchildren, so it sounds like you, my dear, are the angel! I am sure your signs will turn out lovely and would love to see them when you get them completed!
Hi there Moriah! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! If you are wanting the color of unfinished wood, but want it to be shiny, you will have to put a sealer on the wood. You could use just a spray acrylic sealer in a gloss (you can find this at a craft store), or I imagine a polyurethane would also work too. Hope that helps!
I’m confused.
1 – You print out the template of words/symbol on paper
2 – trace onto wood, canvas, cardboard
3 – then color in the back of the template with pencil for future use
4 – then use pen or paint to color on your wood, canvas, cardboard
Is that correct?
1. Print your template.
2. Rub pencil led on the back of template.
3. Place template on wood/surface and trace the letters. (The pencil lead that you rubbed on the back will transfer onto the wood on;y in the places where you are tracing on the front.
4. Remove the template. (Letters will now be outlined on the surface because of the pencil lead transferring.)
5. Use a paint pen to fill in.
Hope that helps and clarifies the steps!
Hugs,
Morgan
Hi Karen! I was reading your comment when my husband was sitting by me and told him, “This lady speaks my language!” Your comment sounds exactly like something I would say myself. But in all honesty, I’m so glad you liked the post! I would love to see your sign when you get it made!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m a photographer and I also paint, but one thing I just never seem to be able to get down was the transfer method! I do put my Photography on canvas but I use a Matte gel medium and special photo paper, and to be honest that stuff is expensive! Its one thing to use it for my photography but quite another to be experimenting on transferring text, lol. I also have MS, Lupus and Fibromyalgia so i cant always run to the store for new supplies, or spend a lot of money so I try to use what I have available. Believe me I have searched FAR AND WIDE, LONG AND HARD for a good method that actually works and in the 3 years that I got started doing this, its just been in the last two days that I found your blog and 1 other that actually had this methods and another with Krylon spray and a similar method to this but with chalk.
Many blogs that give tutorials, seem very easy and I used to get all excited! But then like so many others I have had the same issues when attempting to do the “easy” transfer. We do not have the correct printer! Lol Its very frustrating, becuase it is only a few steps. Its only after reading comments that many of us realized that we need an inkjet printer (or laser jet, I cant remember off the top of my head), often that little detail isnt mentioned in the post, and it leaves a lot of us wondering why our transfer did not work. Sometimes it will be mentioned, but I find more often than not it isnt.
Believe me there are many others out there looking for other ways to do their transfers. I don’t usually comment or subscribe to blogs I only look at once or to blogs that don’t respond to repeated comments when asked for more instructions such as why their transfers are not working. I understand that every comment can not be answered, but to me that just shows they don’t care about the audience.
Unfortunately some will not allow you to suggest other blogs in the comments either, there was one woman trying to help a few of us and the blog owner deleted all of our comments and prevented any more people from commenting (without following up either).
But that was how I found your site thankfully! So hopefully more people did find this blog too also, thank you again, I did subscribe and I really appreciate your instructions! I’m going to check out your canvas one next!
Thanks so much for your kind comments, Maria. I have seen some tutorials for transferring photos to canvas and have always been deterred because of the cost of that gel medium, so I know what you mean! I am all about DIYs that are easy and budget friendly! I am so glad you found the blog! Thanks so much for subscribing to be part of the shenanigans that go on here!
Hugs,
Morgan
It WORKS!! Bought a cute tissue box from Etsy for $30. Printed a similar script “bless you” and used your technique to apply to 2 wooden tissue boxes I already had. So,
so cute. Saved $60 had all the materials at home. Thank you so much 🙂
Yay! DIY project for the WIN! I love it when I can replicate something and save a lot of money in the process. (And it’s fun making something too!) Thank you so much for taking the time, Lana, to come and comment about how your project turned out! It really made me so happy to hear you had success with it!
I want to make a sign like these for my husband for our anniversary/Christmas which are only 10 days apart. My problem is I don’t have a printer so definitely glad I read the comments and seen the one about using tracing paper. I believe my kids have a whole book of tracing paper at grandma and grandpas house. So time to go searching the kids art supplies!
Hi Melissa! Yes! If you don’t have a printer, that would be the easiest thing probably! I have also printed things at the library, so that could be another option if you find something online you really love! (Ours is 0.10 a copy, so your local library might be similar?) Thanks for your comment. I would love to see the sign you make for your husband!!
Hi. I’ve been doing this for 20 years and it’s a simple method. And don’t limit yourself to lettering. Figures and designs of all kinds can be transferred. I’ve found if you are working on a smoother surface you can sometimes print the lettering or design in reverse and just lay it on the surface and scribble over it to transfer the printer ink to the surface. Cuts out a step and eliminates having to outline the letters.
Thanks for the reminder that this can be done with all sorts of images- not just text! I will have to think about what I might want to do next! I also have been meaning to figure out how to reverse the image in some of the photo editing software programs I use! Both of these are great suggestions! Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Bill!
It makes me so happy you found the post helpful, Lidia! But be warned! Once you start making signs, you keep thinking of MORE you want to make! Ha! I would love to see what you make!
I can’t wait to try this but what do you do if you want LARGE letters, like 5 or 6 inch letters. Is there a word processing program that allows very large letters?
Hi there Tricia! I have had pretty good luck using Microsoft Word. I just make the letters on a large font size (like 400) and am able to get the large letters that way. Hope that helps! Thanks so much for your comment-so glad you found the blog!
Hey Morgan, my name is Teresa. Thank you for sharing an easy, cheap (I love cheap too) secret to making these signs look expensive and elegant. I have been thinking of making these beautiful signs for holiday gifts…I saw some beautiful pallet wood boxes with decorative chicken wire that I fell in love with. I have some questions for you before I dive in. Have you ever painted on pallet wood before, and would you suggest sanding the wood before painting, or, go with the whole rustic look? I personally like the rustic look, but didn’t know if it would paint on smooth. Also was wondering if you would suggest painting with a brush, or using a paint pen on this pallet wood? Super excited to get started on this project.
Hi there Teresa! YESSS for decor on the cheap!
I haven’t tried to make a sign on a more rustic surface before, but I have 2 signs I want to make soon that will be done on a similar surface. So I’m not quite sure how it will work yet, but I would definitely recommend maybe using a thicker font. I think there is a chance you may have trouble getting a straight line with a more skinny font (?) with the uneven surface. I think the rustic look will look beautiful though!
Love your stuff! Just signed up for the printables. My daughter has a new dwelling, no money for wall hangings. 🙁 Thank you! She can be crafty now. Another tip, you can use sheet protectors and copy onto them. This may not be correct for a transfer, but if you need something big, this and a borrowed overhead projector is the ticket. Used this for numerous high school projects and for her room. (sure did hate to paint over the last one.) Thanks for the tips, and the paint pens and markers don’t need as steady hand as a paint brush. Thanks again.
Hi there Debbie! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I made some large things when I was a teacher with an overhead projector! If I was still a teacher I think I might use that method for some large signs! It would save a step!
Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Amanda! I’m glad you found the tutorial helpful! Good question-I need to do a post on how I painted the blessed sign! I used some gray chalk paint I had on hand, but rubbed some of it off immediately with a wet paper towel. I liked the “weathered look” it produced.
Hi there, Anette! For the “blessed” and “pray big” signs I used a fine point paint pen and it was water based, but for other signs I have used the oil based paint pens too. The paint feels like it glides a tad different with the two (at least to me), so play around and see what works best and what you like the most! Happy sign making!!
Hi there Helen! I’ve been meaning to write a blog post on this actually! I used some gray chalkpaint I had on hand. I used a thin coat and then immediately took a wet paper towel and wiped off some of the paint. (I was going for a more faux “weathered” look. I didn’t finish it in any way. But to make it more “permanent” a top coat of acrylic sealant spray paint would do the trick! Thanks for stopping by! I would love to see your sign when you get it finished!
Hi Morgan!!l this is such a great idea! I just discovered your blog and I love how cheap and easy on the wallet your projects are. And with such beautiful results!! God bless you and your family!!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Amelia! I am ALL about finding ways to make things and decorate on the cheap! So glad to have you here in our fun tribe!
Hmm..not sure I understood your question, Shubhi. I put lead on the backside of the paper to transfer the font on when it was traced. (Transfer paper or carbon-copy paper can do this too, but when you only have a pencil, this little trick works great!)
I’m so thankful for this simple idea! Takes me back to my childhood. My Grandmother love to paint…sometimes she would let me “help”. She used this technique!!!! Totally forgot about it! Now I’m super excited about trying my hand at it once again!!! I have a cheap (free) large and very ugly canvas that I would like to repaint and put “Give it to God and go to sleep” on for over my bed. In the shops it’s every expensive. We’ll see! Thanks again!!! 😁
Love that idea! Your grandma sounds like my kind of lady! I am sure you will get your sign looking just as good as the ones you have seen in the store!
I have used your method some but I tend to lean toward tracing words, shapes, etc. on inexpensive tule. It is very easy to do with a permanent marker and then you can use the pattern on the tule over and over. Just tape the pattern where you want it and trace it with a different color marker.
[…] The third way is for if you don’t have a Cricut or other cutting machine, Morgan from My Pear Tree Home shares an excellent tutorial to achieve the same results with her cheater method. […]
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Hi there! I just wanted to say that I’m embarrassed for not thinking of this idea, but I’m glad you had it and shared it. A long time ago, I was incarcerated. The way that I took care of myself was to make greeting cards and various other gifts of art for people and sell them. And believe it or not, this was the exact method I used! Card stock is extremely cheap, and some of us can do wonders with color pencils and gel pens. I also found that using magazine ads works too. You just have to be extra careful with these, because the ink isn’t erasable. I recently tried your idea and laid the pattern on top of a magazine picture, because the pencil lead wouldn’t work on the wood I was using. It turned out perfect! Thanks again for sharing!
No need to be embarrassed- I am constantly learning too, Michaela!! That’s the fun part with DIY projects! I am constantly on the hunt for inexpensive ideas-I will have to try and use your magazine tip! Thanks for sharing!
Why don’t you just use carbon paper? I’ve made address signs, private drive signs, directional signs, and on and on … with carbon paper. To scratch pencil on the back then flip is so laborious. I would agree, however, that Ticonderoga is the best, as far as pencils go. I just wouldn’t use a pencil for a project like this.
Hi Barb! Thanks for your suggestion! The main reason is: because I am CHEAP! (Ha!) And also because I wanted to show how you can make signs with things around your home. I’ve actually never owned carbon paper, so I wanted the DIY to be as inexpensive for everyone as possible- with things everyone would have on hand! But you are absolutely right, it does sound like it would make the one step a bit quicker! (And yay to Ticonderoga pencils!)
i would like your patterns> I have not done any signs yet but I can not write pretty. So need signs to do them.
Sure thing, Linda! I’d. love for you to join our community! You can get signed up for the email newsletter that will give you the passcode for the free Printable Resource Library here: https://landing.mypeartreehome.com
Life is better on the patio
I have a little sitting area/ patio that’s covered at the one end of the house a sign made of wood with this saying would be perfect. Of course I have to choose a fun font😊
I LOVE that! I would love to see a picture when you finish it!
Where can I get the pretty fonts to load on my computer without getting a virus?
I completely understand about the fonts Carol! My husband is always warning me about that! You can use the free printables in the Printable Resource Library or if you want to make your own, I use Microsoft Word or a free online program like canva.com. Hope that helps you get started with making some signs!
dafont.com is where I get all of my fonts! My favorite is called “buttercup”
Thanks for the suggestion Britney! I will have to check it out! 🙂
I hate to sound dumb but where do you find “Printable Resource Library”?
Hi!
http://www.dafont.com is also an AMAZING, searchable site for free fonts! I like your ‘hack’ on using the pencil to create a transfer medium. Graphite paper is available to purchase for transferring images, is less messy than carbon paper and is not terribly expensive. It is also reusable many, many times before having to move to a new piece! So, overall, if you are making many pieces, it would be worth it to invest in a package of graphite paper.
Many blessings Morgan! Nice work! 😊
~ Kelly K
Thanks for the tips, Kelly! And thanks so much for stopping by the blog!
I prefer carbon copy paper u know the black transfer paper I’ve not had any problems with it at all. I love love love it. I also recently got me a cricut and I love it too u can get them fairly reasonable off face groups
Checking on Facebook groups to find a Cricut for a good price is a great idea. I kept wishing one year that one would fall off of Santa’s sleigh, but checking on Facebook yardsale groups is probably a surer bet! 😉
Thank you for all the great information!God Bless
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Becky! I’m so glad you found something you liked! Have a blessed day! 🙂
Love this! What do you prefer when sign is canvas? Sharpie or paint pen?
Yay! Another sign sister! 🙂 I’ve used paint pen on canvas and it worked like a charm!
Where do you get the wood pieces? Loved your different signs! I am going to try to makeChristmas gifts with this idea! Thank you! I always look at the signs but never bought them bc too expensive!
Hi Ellen! I got these at Hobby Lobby in the unfinished wood section. They had lots of different sizes. Make sure you use a 40% off coupon- you can download their app so that you will always have one handy-that’s what I do! The wood I used to make these signs was a pack of 2 for about $2 after my coupon! Yay! Good luck on your sign making! Such a great present!
I got my wooden signs after Easter when they were 90% off because they had bunnies and bunny sayings on them. Then I just did whatever background paint to cover the picture or words on it. Another great place to pick up old unwanted signs is Goodwill.
I did the same thing with Goodwill, Mischa! This is a great tip! I got a large wall art sign for less than $1.50. I’ve painted it, but still thinking about what I want it to say! 🙂
Mine are actually wood cabinet doors. I went to the local discount hardware store (Big John’s) and found them. They were overstock and they let me have them for 2 dollars each! They’re solid, prepainted, and the holes for latches on the back were perfect to place hanging brackets. I painted beach scenes on them and then printed. They had several sizes and shapes.
I did this too! I used a cabinet door to make the sign here! https://mypeartreehome.com/its-fall-yall-sign-tutorial/
I love re-purposing things!
Hi there! What kind of font did you use for the blessed sign? Thank you!
Hi there Lindsay! Don’t you love all of the options for fonts these days!? (Although it can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many!) If I remember correctly, it was “Playlist Script.” Hope that helps!
Lovely! Thank you for sharing!
What’s your favorite paint pen type/brand? I’m looking to simplify my new wood sign biz and it would be so much faster than using a brush!
Thanks again
Margaret R.
Goodness yes! It is SO much faster than a brush! I’ve done both ways and whenever possible I always choose to use a paint pen (although it limits your color choices for your font color). I’ve had pretty good luck with “painters” by Elmer’s brand and also “Craft Smart” (I think these were just cheapo ones from Hobby Lobby or Michaels). I always keep a scrap piece of paper beside me for when the paint pen stops flowing as easy (just press pen for a little while to get the paint going again). I recently bought an oil-based Sharpie paint pen to try something new and am going to use that one soon. 🙂 Best of luck on your new sign business Margaret! That’s exciting!
Ahhh I use this method for large chalkboard murals! I’ve never even thought to do it for signs, and I’ve been saving wood scraps to hand paint them too! So glad I found this 🙂
Those kind of things happen to me all.the.time Kristin! 😉 Thanks for stopping by! Would love to see your murals and signs! I’m sure they are lovely!
Hey, I also found that if you print your words or image backwards (mirror image), then flip it onto your project, tape it down… then just rub over it with a spoon or the curved part of scissors. Be careful not to rip the paper, the ink will transfer to your project.
I’ll have to try that soon! Thanks for sharing the tip, Miriam! I always like to try out new things!
I did this at Easter for a secret sister gift. I made 2, it,was the 1st time I tried this technique. I have to say…there were a lot of steps cuz I wanted a more finished look for my signs not rustic but after preparing the wood (sanding and staining) then sealed it, it was just,a matter of the math for the letters to,fit the board, which by the way was even a challenge…..haha
Anyway, thy both turned out beautiful! I was soooo proud of myself! I am a little uneasy of using salvaged wood or uneven surfaces.
Thanks for the tutorial. It will help people like me who are so apprehensive. The groupings look great.
That sounds beautiful Edie! I am always too impatient for the stain to dry to try it! But I did notice some smaller jars of stain at Home Depot a couple of weeks ago that were only $4, so maybe I will give it a try!!
I’ve done this before using chalk instead of pencil! If you accidentally move your paper or make any errors, once the paint is dry you can use a damp cloth and wipe it all away!
Great tip Kate! I have seen that, but never tried it! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
This is the method I have been using for some time also with 1 slight difference, I simply tape my tracing paper to my computer monitor and trace the image. This conserves ink or if your printer is broken this is the solution. I’m always looking for thrifty ways to do things because let’s face it, we love to be able to say “This cost me 3 cents to make”.
All about saving more money! 😉
I never seem to have tracing paper on hand, but maybe I will have to pick some up and try your tip! Thanks Vicki!
Hey there, I LOVE your little signs! I use tracing paper as well OR you could use graphite paper instead. I use it instead of rubbing the pencil over the back of the paper. Plus the paper lasts for a good long time. Thanks again!
That’s a great idea Elizabeth! Thanks for your comment and for stopping by!
Thanks for the easy to follow instructions. I tested it on the back of an envelope first. Then when I saw it worked, I went for the 9×12 canvas that I was going to use to make the door sign with my daughter’s name on for outside her classroom. I did put a book under the canvas so it had some support while I was tracing the letters. Then I painted the letters and we put paint dots above and below the name for decoration. Turned out pretty well if I say so myself.
Oooh!! Thanks so much for sharing! This makes me so happy! Your sign sounds adorable, Terri! I was a kindergarten teacher for 6 years and a 1st grade teacher for 1 year and I had bright colors and polka dots all over my classroom! I would have LOVED a little sign and I’m sure your daughter is going to love hers too!! What a happy thing to see each morning when she unlocks her classroom door (and what a welcoming sign for her students)! Way to go Mama! (I would LOVE to see a picture!)
Is there a way to attach a photo of the finished product?
Was there a way to attach a photo of the finished product?
Thank you sho much! I am going to try this method with Psalm 31:25 She is clothed in strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future!
oooh! I LOVE that one Mandi! Such a good verse- I’d love to put that one up where my daughters could see it!
Did you use a clear coat sealer such as a water based polyurethane over the words?
I didn’t because I was just hanging it inside on our wall out of direct sunlight, etc. (And I am an impatient decorator/crafter. Ha!) But a clear coat can always be a good idea. But if you are an impatient decorator too, have no fear, mine are holding up fine. (I have one that is 2 years old and no chipping, etc.) Would love to see what you end up making Kathy! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Hi what Hardware do you use to hang your wooden signs?
Hi Eileen! I always have used the 3M Command products! I love them!
Hi!!! This is a brilliant idea. Thank you so much for taking the time to share. I wanted to know if I could use this same concept on thin construction paper that will be used to cover a canvas (to create a sign for a bridal shower). Or would it work by applying to chalboard paint instead of the wood?
*Hope my question is clear
Hi Von! I think I understood! 🙂 I think you want to put the words onto the construction paper, is that right? That would totally work! You can definitely transfer the pencil lead onto the paper and then use a Sharpie (or paint pen) to trace on the paper. Let me know if that answered your question! Would love to see your bridal shower sign when you finish it!!
How do you avoid the paint pen bleeding on the unfinished wood?? I’m currently working on some Christmas projects and my pen keeps bleeding on the wood 🙁
Hi there Lyndsey! I’m so sorry you are having trouble with your paint pen. When I am using wood, I have always painted or stained the wood first. I wonder if you applied some sort of acrylic sealer to the wood first if that would help?
Hi Morgan! Cute wall! Love it! We are getting ready to buy a new house and I saw an idea I thought would be fun…the top sign says “home” then you hang a separate sign underneath for each place
You’ve lived. Excited to try it!
Congratulations on your new home! That is so exciting! Moving is always hard work, but it is such an adventure (and it is always fun to decorate a new space)! The “home” wall hangings sound adorable! I would love to see it when you get settled! Congrats again on your new home Denise! That is such wonderful news!
Hi Morgan, this idea is awesome. Jusf curious, do you have a printable template for ‘Happy Fall Ya’ll’? Thanks in advance
I don’t…yet! 🙂 But stay tuned!
Love your blog post and can’t wait to try this
Thanks so much Diane for your kind comment! I am so glad you stopped by and found something you liked!
Enjoying all the comments and sharing. Looking forward to getting into action after summer vacation.
Thank you everyone!
Thanks so much for your comment, Donna! This is such a great group of ladies. 🙂 I would love to see what you make!!
Hi there.
I want to make beautiful art for my home and friends but it gets pretty expensive. Do you sell your art work, as well? I am looking into canva.com and see what all I can find. Thank you for the recommendation.
It can get expensive! Look at places like Goodwill or other thrift stores. I have gotten things there and painted over them to make my own art. I don’t sell any of my signs currently, right now I just share the templates I use so others can DIY their own signs too. Let me know what you end up making, Yvonne! I would love to see!
What font did you use for blessed? thanks!
Hi there Madelyn- what a pretty name! The font is called “brusher.” Thanks so much for stopping by!
where can I find the brusher font?
Hi there, Abby! Thanks for stopping by. (Isn’t “Brusher” font lovely?) If you Google “Brusher Font’ some options are available if you would want to look into options to download it. I personally used a free graphic-design website called Canva, which has “Brusher” as one of the free font options to use. Hope that helps!
Morgan, this post just showed up on the email Pinterest sends out about trending pins this week! Of course I pinned it but I just thought you might like to know that your “trending!” I know I would be thrilled to know that all of the hard work I am putting into my blog is paying off. Have a great day!
Really?!? That’s CRAZY! Thanks so much for letting me know, Kim! I had no idea!
I made a sign for my water aerobics teacher as she is always telling us to breath. I was in a hurry and wrote BREATH instead of breathe
Oops……….it was a quick fix. lol It is late and I don’t think I spelt it right there either. lol
Oops-things like that happen to me all the time too! At least it was a missing letter at the end of the word! I am sure she will love it!
Hi! Im new to this! Do I print your template, trace it on to my board then trace on top of my paper then paint? Is it free? I love Little House on the Prairie too!! Thank you!!
Isn’t Little House on the Prairie super?! Yes! You’ve got it right I think. (Make sure that first you rub a pencil on the back of the printable and then place it on your board to trace on top of. (And yes, it’s free- you will get a password emailed to you once you sign up!) Thanks so much for stopping by, Vicky!
I can’t WAIT to get started. As a grandmother raising children again, I know this is one craft they won’t get tired of! You are an angel.
Your comment warmed my heart-thank you so much for your sweet words, Caroline. I cannot imagine how hard it must be raising your grandchildren, so it sounds like you, my dear, are the angel! I am sure your signs will turn out lovely and would love to see them when you get them completed!
Hi! With using paint pen on the unfinished wood, how do you make the wood shiny after? Or do you? I’m making wedding signs for my wedding 🙂
Hi there Moriah! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! If you are wanting the color of unfinished wood, but want it to be shiny, you will have to put a sealer on the wood. You could use just a spray acrylic sealer in a gloss (you can find this at a craft store), or I imagine a polyurethane would also work too. Hope that helps!
I’m confused.
1 – You print out the template of words/symbol on paper
2 – trace onto wood, canvas, cardboard
3 – then color in the back of the template with pencil for future use
4 – then use pen or paint to color on your wood, canvas, cardboard
Is that correct?
1. Print your template.
2. Rub pencil led on the back of template.
3. Place template on wood/surface and trace the letters. (The pencil lead that you rubbed on the back will transfer onto the wood on;y in the places where you are tracing on the front.
4. Remove the template. (Letters will now be outlined on the surface because of the pencil lead transferring.)
5. Use a paint pen to fill in.
Hope that helps and clarifies the steps!
Hugs,
Morgan
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! This absolutely made my weekend. So gonna do this immediately. A MILLION THANKS!!!
Hi Karen! I was reading your comment when my husband was sitting by me and told him, “This lady speaks my language!” Your comment sounds exactly like something I would say myself. But in all honesty, I’m so glad you liked the post! I would love to see your sign when you get it made!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m a photographer and I also paint, but one thing I just never seem to be able to get down was the transfer method! I do put my Photography on canvas but I use a Matte gel medium and special photo paper, and to be honest that stuff is expensive! Its one thing to use it for my photography but quite another to be experimenting on transferring text, lol. I also have MS, Lupus and Fibromyalgia so i cant always run to the store for new supplies, or spend a lot of money so I try to use what I have available. Believe me I have searched FAR AND WIDE, LONG AND HARD for a good method that actually works and in the 3 years that I got started doing this, its just been in the last two days that I found your blog and 1 other that actually had this methods and another with Krylon spray and a similar method to this but with chalk.
Many blogs that give tutorials, seem very easy and I used to get all excited! But then like so many others I have had the same issues when attempting to do the “easy” transfer. We do not have the correct printer! Lol Its very frustrating, becuase it is only a few steps. Its only after reading comments that many of us realized that we need an inkjet printer (or laser jet, I cant remember off the top of my head), often that little detail isnt mentioned in the post, and it leaves a lot of us wondering why our transfer did not work. Sometimes it will be mentioned, but I find more often than not it isnt.
Believe me there are many others out there looking for other ways to do their transfers. I don’t usually comment or subscribe to blogs I only look at once or to blogs that don’t respond to repeated comments when asked for more instructions such as why their transfers are not working. I understand that every comment can not be answered, but to me that just shows they don’t care about the audience.
Unfortunately some will not allow you to suggest other blogs in the comments either, there was one woman trying to help a few of us and the blog owner deleted all of our comments and prevented any more people from commenting (without following up either).
But that was how I found your site thankfully! So hopefully more people did find this blog too also, thank you again, I did subscribe and I really appreciate your instructions! I’m going to check out your canvas one next!
Thanks so much for your kind comments, Maria. I have seen some tutorials for transferring photos to canvas and have always been deterred because of the cost of that gel medium, so I know what you mean! I am all about DIYs that are easy and budget friendly! I am so glad you found the blog! Thanks so much for subscribing to be part of the shenanigans that go on here!
Hugs,
Morgan
It WORKS!! Bought a cute tissue box from Etsy for $30. Printed a similar script “bless you” and used your technique to apply to 2 wooden tissue boxes I already had. So,
so cute. Saved $60 had all the materials at home. Thank you so much 🙂
Yay! DIY project for the WIN! I love it when I can replicate something and save a lot of money in the process. (And it’s fun making something too!) Thank you so much for taking the time, Lana, to come and comment about how your project turned out! It really made me so happy to hear you had success with it!
I want to make a sign like these for my husband for our anniversary/Christmas which are only 10 days apart. My problem is I don’t have a printer so definitely glad I read the comments and seen the one about using tracing paper. I believe my kids have a whole book of tracing paper at grandma and grandpas house. So time to go searching the kids art supplies!
Hi Melissa! Yes! If you don’t have a printer, that would be the easiest thing probably! I have also printed things at the library, so that could be another option if you find something online you really love! (Ours is 0.10 a copy, so your local library might be similar?) Thanks for your comment. I would love to see the sign you make for your husband!!
Hi. I’ve been doing this for 20 years and it’s a simple method. And don’t limit yourself to lettering. Figures and designs of all kinds can be transferred. I’ve found if you are working on a smoother surface you can sometimes print the lettering or design in reverse and just lay it on the surface and scribble over it to transfer the printer ink to the surface. Cuts out a step and eliminates having to outline the letters.
Thanks for the reminder that this can be done with all sorts of images- not just text! I will have to think about what I might want to do next! I also have been meaning to figure out how to reverse the image in some of the photo editing software programs I use! Both of these are great suggestions! Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Bill!
Well now I know how to do these signs!!! Thanks for the great tutorial!
It makes me so happy you found the post helpful, Lidia! But be warned! Once you start making signs, you keep thinking of MORE you want to make! Ha! I would love to see what you make!
I can’t wait to try this but what do you do if you want LARGE letters, like 5 or 6 inch letters. Is there a word processing program that allows very large letters?
Hi there Tricia! I have had pretty good luck using Microsoft Word. I just make the letters on a large font size (like 400) and am able to get the large letters that way. Hope that helps! Thanks so much for your comment-so glad you found the blog!
I couldn’t get that to work before I asked the question but I got it to work just now! thank you so much for your reply!
Hi. Love your ideas. I’m a little confused as to what kind of paper you print the letters on. Thanks
Hi there Cathy! Thanks so much for stopping by the blog. I don’t use anything fancy, just use regular copy paper!
Hey Morgan, my name is Teresa. Thank you for sharing an easy, cheap (I love cheap too) secret to making these signs look expensive and elegant. I have been thinking of making these beautiful signs for holiday gifts…I saw some beautiful pallet wood boxes with decorative chicken wire that I fell in love with. I have some questions for you before I dive in. Have you ever painted on pallet wood before, and would you suggest sanding the wood before painting, or, go with the whole rustic look? I personally like the rustic look, but didn’t know if it would paint on smooth. Also was wondering if you would suggest painting with a brush, or using a paint pen on this pallet wood? Super excited to get started on this project.
Hi there Teresa! YESSS for decor on the cheap!
I haven’t tried to make a sign on a more rustic surface before, but I have 2 signs I want to make soon that will be done on a similar surface. So I’m not quite sure how it will work yet, but I would definitely recommend maybe using a thicker font. I think there is a chance you may have trouble getting a straight line with a more skinny font (?) with the uneven surface. I think the rustic look will look beautiful though!
Love your stuff! Just signed up for the printables. My daughter has a new dwelling, no money for wall hangings. 🙁 Thank you! She can be crafty now. Another tip, you can use sheet protectors and copy onto them. This may not be correct for a transfer, but if you need something big, this and a borrowed overhead projector is the ticket. Used this for numerous high school projects and for her room. (sure did hate to paint over the last one.) Thanks for the tips, and the paint pens and markers don’t need as steady hand as a paint brush. Thanks again.
Hi there Debbie! Thanks so much for your sweet comment! I made some large things when I was a teacher with an overhead projector! If I was still a teacher I think I might use that method for some large signs! It would save a step!
Hi There!
Thank you so much for the easy to follow tutorial! When you bought the wood to make the blessed sign, was it already that color or did you stain it?
Thanks Again!
-Amanda
Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Amanda! I’m glad you found the tutorial helpful! Good question-I need to do a post on how I painted the blessed sign! I used some gray chalk paint I had on hand, but rubbed some of it off immediately with a wet paper towel. I liked the “weathered look” it produced.
What kind of tip did your paint pen have? Fine or medium? Was it water based or oil based?
Hi there, Anette! For the “blessed” and “pray big” signs I used a fine point paint pen and it was water based, but for other signs I have used the oil based paint pens too. The paint feels like it glides a tad different with the two (at least to me), so play around and see what works best and what you like the most! Happy sign making!!
How did u prepare & finish the wood before painting on it? I have a piece w/lots of horizontal ridges!
Hi there Helen! I’ve been meaning to write a blog post on this actually! I used some gray chalkpaint I had on hand. I used a thin coat and then immediately took a wet paper towel and wiped off some of the paint. (I was going for a more faux “weathered” look. I didn’t finish it in any way. But to make it more “permanent” a top coat of acrylic sealant spray paint would do the trick! Thanks for stopping by! I would love to see your sign when you get it finished!
Hi Morgan!!l this is such a great idea! I just discovered your blog and I love how cheap and easy on the wallet your projects are. And with such beautiful results!! God bless you and your family!!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Amelia! I am ALL about finding ways to make things and decorate on the cheap! So glad to have you here in our fun tribe!
Hey !!
It’s indeed perfectly explained
U r doing great work.
I have one question that why did u painted with lead letters back.
?
Hmm..not sure I understood your question, Shubhi. I put lead on the backside of the paper to transfer the font on when it was traced. (Transfer paper or carbon-copy paper can do this too, but when you only have a pencil, this little trick works great!)
I’m so thankful for this simple idea! Takes me back to my childhood. My Grandmother love to paint…sometimes she would let me “help”. She used this technique!!!! Totally forgot about it! Now I’m super excited about trying my hand at it once again!!! I have a cheap (free) large and very ugly canvas that I would like to repaint and put “Give it to God and go to sleep” on for over my bed. In the shops it’s every expensive. We’ll see! Thanks again!!! 😁
Love that idea! Your grandma sounds like my kind of lady! I am sure you will get your sign looking just as good as the ones you have seen in the store!
I have used your method some but I tend to lean toward tracing words, shapes, etc. on inexpensive tule. It is very easy to do with a permanent marker and then you can use the pattern on the tule over and over. Just tape the pattern where you want it and trace it with a different color marker.
This is so interesting Becky! Thanks so much for sharing!