The kids have been enjoying some quality time with Grandpa & Grandma these last few days, so I got started on a few projects that have been on the back burner for awhile now.

I have been wanting to make an “antique” name plate sign for our home since last summer, there was this bare spot on the wall that was begging for something to be hung there. I finally found the time (thanks mom and dad!!), and I am pretty pleased with the results.

If you have a good couple of hours this project can easily be done in that amount of time, with not a lot of supplies needed.

Materials You will need

10″x26″ Pine plank

Mighty Mouse Sander, or Sandpaper (medium grit)

Painter’s Touch White Spray Paint – Flat Coat

Template

Black Paint

Fine Tip Paintbrush

Painter’s Touch Clear Varnish – Satin Coat

Picture Hangers

Steps to completing your sign

• Give the face of the Board a gentle sand, and then sand the edges and sides of the board until they are smooth. I rounded my edges a bit, but that is up to you as to how rounded you want them.
• Apply 2 generous coats of White Spray Paint – this is the first time I have used spray paint, I would usually use a brush, however I did not want to see any brush strokes. The spray paint gave it a smooth, flat finish.
• While your paint is drying prepare the template.

I do not like free handing fonts as I am pretty picky when it comes to typography ( I can thank my great typography teachers for that!) So I go pretty old school when it comes to making the template and transferring it onto the board. I am sure that with technology today I am way behind, but, like the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and this is my tried and true way.

• On the computer pick the font you want and enlarge it to the size that you want. ( I used Adobe Illustrator, however if you do not have that program, any program that allows you to pull up a blank page and type, works – even Microsoft Word) You will probably need to put one letter on each sheet, and once they are all printed tape the sheets together.
• Place your taped template to the window (nature’s light box) and trace the back with a soft pencil. Alternatively you can use carbon paper, however with the board being white, the carbon could easily transfer where you don’t want it.

• Once the paint is dry, give it another light sanding, just to even the surface.
• Line up template onto the board and once you are happy with the placement, gently tape. (just enough to keep the paper in place)

• Trace over the font pressing firmly so that the pencil you have put on the back transfers onto the board.
• Remove the paper template, and you are now ready to fill in the letters with black paint.

• Once the paint is dry, it is now time to give it the distressed, antique look. (This step is completely optional, if you want a solid looking sign skip this step. I love old & rustic, so wanted to re-create that look.) Once again get out the handy sandpaper and distress it to your liking.
• Place 2 picture frame hooks on the back

• Last important step is to spray the sign with Painter’s Touch Clear Varnish – Satin Coat. This seals it and especially if you are going to hang it outside, protects it.

One project down, next up….well that is for another day!

Hope everyone has a great Weekend!