Do You Love Signs Too?
I have a confession. I love fonts. I also love quotes, song lyrics, and Bible verses. Put those two things together? Morgan is one happy camper! (Well, I wouldn’t actually know what a “happy camper” is since the only tent I’ve ever slept in was a Pound Puppies one I had when I was six that could attach to my bed…..that I slept on inside… And if you don’t know what Pound Puppies are, well, I don’t know if we can be friends or not. (Just kidding. As long as you know about slap bracelets and Pop Rocks, we can be BFFs.)
But really, this decorative style (aka “textual art”) that is all over home decor land right now is right.up.my.alley. And you want to know the best part my frugal friend? It is an easy DIY project and better yet, it’s cheap! (My husband doesn’t like that term. He says that implies things are poor quality and are going to fall apart just by looking at them. He says the correct term is “inexpensive.” Bless his heart.) We will just call this project “good looking chic cheap.” Is that any better Mr. PearTreeHome?
Fill Your Home With What You Love
I love making DIY signs. I have shared my infatuation with them here. There is just something great about picking a saying you love, a font it looks good in, and making something affordable for your home. It’s details like these, really filing your house with things that make you happy, that express your personality, that makes a house feel like home.
I make signs on all kinds of things: new wood, old boards, cardboard (I’ve been known to use cake circles and pizza boxes), and canvases.
The project I want to show you today uses an inexpensive canvas. These are the pre-stretched, least expensive variety you can buy at your favorite craft store. They usually come in a multi-pack. For this project I used one 18×24 canvas.
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The Real Things Haven’t Changed
I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie. Melissa Gilbert was my home-girl. When my daughter was five we read through all 9 books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I love this quote of hers:
“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have, to be happy with simple pleasures; and to have courage when things go wrong.”
This is the quote you might have seen if you checked out our sunroom (aka “playroom”) refresh that we did for the $100 Room Challenge. It’s hanging right above the entryway. Isn’t it great when someone who was born 150 years ago can say something that can resonate with us still?
Because deep down, if you strip away social media, all of our “newfangled technology,” and the hustle and bustle, isn’t being honest, truthful, grateful, and happy what everyone wants? It’s definitely something I want my kiddos to learn.
The things of this world don’t compare to what is to come, but while we are on this earth, I hope that they will learn to display all of the qualities stated in this quote.
Now, I realize that is quite a lot to hope for! That’s why I went for the larger, 18×24 size (wink!), no 5×7 here kiddos. (Well, the one kiddo can’t read yet…..minor detail….)
They probably will hardly notice that sign (sigh), but it will at least remind ME. Even mamas need to be reminded of what’s important!
How to Put a Quote on Canvas
My go-to method for making a sign on canvas is the same exact method I used here.
I love how this “cheater method” can be used for all different things!
Materials I Used for My Canvas Quote
Just follow along in the picture tutorial and you are golden! And If you are curious- I used a blue paint “metallic” paint pen I found at Michaels. (Similar one on Amazon here. I got my canvas 2 pack on sale at Hobby Lobby, but an Amazon option is here.)
Tips for Putting a Quote on a Large Canvas
The only differences from the method in the picture tutorial and this one are:
- You will still print out the template you want to use as your “stencil.”(If you want to use the quote I did, see below! I’ve got you covered!) But you will have to cut out the words and tape them together. (This takes a few minutes. Make sure you get them lined up just right, or your phrases will be crooked. See below.)
- If you want to make a sign that has a LOT of text like this one, it will take a while. (So, put on some good music or a movie you can listen to. I personally was watching/listening to Peggy Sue Got Married while making my sign. But the movie ended and I still hadn’t finished…. Don’t give up. Carry on! I think the end results are great and worth it!
- Be careful pressing on the canvas. I found it was helpful to place a book behind it so I didn’t need to worry to much.
(Then just follow along with the tutorial I mentioned above; you can find it here.)
Want a Free Printable?
Update: Sometimes there’s no time to DIY! To make it simpler, I now have a ready-to-frame printable! Check it out here!
I’d love to hear in the comments what quote you are going to use for your sign! I am always on the hunt for a reason to make another sign! Help a girl out!
Just call them “inexpensive signs on a dime” … that even has a little ring to it! 😉
Very funny Mr. Pear Tree Home
I’ve been wanting to make some of these. Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome! More are definitely on my “to-do” list for sure!
Isn’t it awesome to be able to make your own decor? Great job on this!
That’s my favorite thing to do, Ashley! Sometimes it’s out of necessity (no budget sometimes), but mostly it’s just fun to get crafty!!
I always loved Little House On The Prairie. When I was little I had the whole series but they got ruined in my parents basement. About two years ago, my sweet Mother bought me the whole series again. And yes, I re-read Every. Single. One!
Yay! A kindred spirit! We Little House girls have to stick together! Thanks for stopping by Julie!
I love his quote. I’ve never heard it before. I’d love to try it on con as. I’m a “can’t write in a straight line” type of person. I think I’ll be brave and try this though. Thanks you for all the help. I just found your blog a week ago. I love looking g back at your makeovers and info. Lots of good stuff.
AwW, thanks so much for your sweet comment, Tawni! You really made my day! GO FOR IT and give it a tray!! Another new friend said she tried on the back of an envelope first to see how it did and was excited to see that it worked for her! Just tape your piece of paper down to your canvas if you are worried about it slipping! 🙂 This coming week I will be posting a ready-made printable for the quote!! Excited to share it! 🙂
Back in the olden days when we used typewriters, we used carbon paper to make duplicate of our letter. You can buy graphite paper between your printed stencil and your canvas, board or pizza box and skip scribbling with the pencil.
That would definitely skip a step! I never seem to plan ahead and always want to make a sign RIGHT then! I will have to look and see if I can find some to have on hand! 🙂
I was thinking the same thing. Us oldies have some good ideas up our sleeves!
I love this idea and will try it!
I would love to see it when you get it finished, Karen!
I haven’t decided what my canvas will be (stretched canvas vs. reclaimed wood) but song lyrics from Zac Brown Band’s newest album, Welcome Home (2017) will make up my sign.
“Making some memories ’round this 9 foot pine, nothing can ease your mind, like the Family Table.”
I envision a large sign above the console in the dining room. 🙂
So glad I found your blog (Pinterest is da bomb diggity). 😉 Thanks for sharing!!!
That sounds beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing it! I imagine lots of dinners around your table and I’m sure you will smile every time you see your sign! I’m so glad you found the blog too! (And you are definitely right, my friend. Pinterest IS da bomb diggity!)
Hi Morgan. Any ideas for when you have a stained piece of wood and you use the oil based Sharpie and it takes many many coats to make it look clean? Michaels told me to try a coat of varethane ovwr the wood b4 i use the paint pen…..but it still looks mottled. They think the paint pen might be seeping through the stain….any ideas? Thanks in advance!
Aww Man! I am so sorry you are running into this problem! I have actually never done any of my signs on stained wood, so I don’t think I would be too much help. 🙁 They told you to do the sealer before the paint pen? I would think you would do it after? I hope it starts cooperating with you and the paint gets smoother!
Love it! We are definitely from the same era! Slap bracelets and pop rockets were my favorite things! I think I turned my arms red! And Peggy Sue got married! I love that movie! That is the reason I love dresses or skirts that twirl! I even dressed up Like Peggy Sue or a “fifty’s girl” for Halloween every year, my mom and grandma helped make my costume, and my mom gave me her old saddle shoes. Memories!
I love this Canvas! Thank you for all these ideas! I just love that your blog is so budget friendly, this is definitely my kind of DIY! I think I have gone through over half of your posts already! I am so glad I found your site! Definitely my favorite!
I am not seeing the picture tutorial?
Sorry the link didn’t work for you, Diane. My go-to method that I reference in this post can be found here: https://mypeartreehome.com/diy-sign/
Have you had any problems with paint pens bleeding when you have used them eitheron canvas or wood? I have a project in mind and was told to spray matte finishing spray on the wood before using the paint pen. I haven’t tried the project yet. After seeing your posts, it doesn’t seem loke you have had issues? Am I right? Should I be brave?
Hi Jill! Thanks for stopping by! I have never had a problem with it bleeding a lot on wood, but I have only done it on painted wood. It might bleed some. You could maybe try a little place on the back of your sign to test it first? Good luck! I would love to see your finished sign!
Thanks for the tips! I’m an 80’s child so I’m right there with ya on the Pound Puppies, Rainbow Bright, slap bracelets, etc!! Love it! The quote I’m going to use is from my friends band…it’s a song quote based off Ecclesiastics 3.
“Everything’s beautiful in its time. Lives and seasons are made for a bigger design. I will praise the One whose plans are bigger than mine, ‘cause EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME.”
Girl! YES! I loved Pound Puppies and I so.wanted.a.slap.bracelet. My mom didn’t like them though…sigh… (Probably because she was a teacher and she didn’t want me to annoy mine. And also probably because she didn’t want to see another slap bracelet when she got home? HA!)
I love your friend’s take on Ecclesiastes 3! What a wonderful reminder to have nearby!
Slap bracelets are the new fidget spinners. LOL
Ha!
Thanks for this! Purchased the canvas and have the quote but didn’t know exactly how to do it- so was looking into oaying someone. So glad I found your blog!!!!
My quote is going to be:
You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:6
Love your Bible verse, Kelly! That will be perfect! Now you can do something else fun with the money you saved! WIN!;)
One of my absolute favs! Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
That’s an awesome quote, Kathy! Thanks for sharing!!
I love learning your method. Thanks. I’m wondering what font you used for the blessed sign, love it. I’m making a window for a church women’s retreat and our theme is Do justly Love mercy Walk humbly from Micah. I would love to use that font for this.
I’m so sorry for the delay, Kathy. It looks like my reply might not have posted for whatever reason last week….(ugh, technology sometimes!)
The font it called “brusher” and I found it on canva.com. I would love to see your sign you make for the retreat!