How to Create the Perfect Rustic Wood Sign

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What a difference a couple of days can make - Monday we were having beautiful warm, sunny, 70* weather and today it's raining and absolutely freezing - the temp was 32* this morning.  No wonder our family has the sniffles.  And, I saw snow is falling in some of our most southern states - so crazy. But, at least it looks and feels like Christmas now.
Also, on Monday I shared our Rustic Christmas Mantel with you and promised I would give you the tutorial on how to create the rustic wood BELIEVE sign that is sitting on it.  This is a fairly easy project that can be done in one afternoon as long as you plan ahead for the drying of paint.

I love how this sign adds so much personality to our rustic mantel. And, how it looks with that cute little yarn snowball garland draped over it.  So, let's get on with the tutorial so you can make your own. 

How to Create the Perfect Rustic Wood Sign

Materials you will need:

• scrap 2x4 pieces cut to the size to fit your letters - you will need one block for each letter
• Craft Paint color of your choice
• Craft paint brushes
• Chalk
• Pen
• Plain white paper
• Black Chalk Paint or color of choice

I used scrap pieces of 2x4 that were leftover from some other projects my son had done.  I had him cut the pieces to fit the letters for the word believe but you can use any word you like.  He cut mine like this:

• B - 7inches
• E - 5 inches
• L - 9 inches
• I - 5 inches
• E - 5 inches
• V - 6 inches
• E - 5 inches

So, you will need 4 pieces 5 inches long, 1 piece 6 inches long, 1 piece 7 inches long and 1 piece 9 inches long.  I made them so the letters would have an undulating top instead of a straight line.  Miss A painted all of our pieces with a deep red craft paint we had - you can use the color of your choice.  I chose the red to go with the red and black buffalo plaid fabric I have fallen in love with this year and am using a lot of in our Christmas decor.

After they dried I outlined each block on a piece of white paper and traced around them.  Then I free handed my word - you can use a stencil or print-out for yours.  I tried to make sure each letter was connected as though it was handwritten on the blocks - see #1 above.  Then when the sign is standing up it will look like one cohesive word. I also numbered each block at the bottom (see #2 above) so I would know what sequence they went in.  

Next, I covered the back of each piece of paper with chalk.  This is done by merely rubbing the side of a stick of chalk over the back and covering it with the chalk residue.  This now becomes your tracing paper.

Tape each piece of paper to the corresponding block it belongs to with the chalk side down.  Then simply trace over each letter with your ink pen.  This will transfer the chalk residue onto the block making a perfect pattern for you to follow to paint.

This is what the block will look like after you are done tracing the letter and the paper is removed.  See how the chalk transfers to the block leaving a perfect pattern for you to paint?

Now simply paint in the lines of your pattern with the paint you have chosen to use.  I used black chalk paint - continuing with the theme of the buffalo plaid.  Any chalk residue on the block will come off easily by wiping it with a wet rag after your paint has dried.

This is the BELIEVE sign when it's all done.  Such an easy project to make.  I think it adds to the fun of this year's mantel.  Just think of all the different words you can use to add to your decor.  And, it was all done with items I had lying around the house.

What word would you use to make your sign?  I love to hear from you so tell me about it in the comments below.
Until next time - have fun creating something you love.

I will be joining the parties found on the Where I Party page.  Please be sure to visit them as you will find so much great inspiration and projects at each one.

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