5 Ways to Create Custom Signs

‘Tis the season to deck the halls! If you’ve been around my little corner of the internet here for a while, then you already know I love a good DIY décor project. And custom signs and wall art are some of my favorite projects. I’ve done them a ton of ways over the past few years. So today I’m sharing my favorite 5 ways to create custom signs all in one place.

Best of all, there’s a sign tutorial for every level of DIY-er! From the simple & easy Dollar Store craft, to my handmade wood sign. And, naturally, they’re all budget friendly!

But, if you’re not big on crafting, I’ll be linking some handmade signs at the bottom of this post that can all be purchased on Etsy. I love shopping on Etsy for unique, handmade items. Plus, by purchasing from Etsy, you’re supporting a small business!

Front Porch Sign

I actually have another post all about how I made the Welcome sign on my front porch. It’s probably one of my most popular DIY posts to date. I used my Cricut to create the letter stencils for this sign. But don’t fret if you don’t have a Cricut or other cutting machine.

Simple letter stencils for a project like this can be easily purchased at most craft stores. Another option that I’ve used in the past (and talked about in this blog post) is using an art projector to project your lettering onto the surface of your sign and trace it with a paint pen. I’ve used this inexpensive art projector with good results. However, it works best with smaller projections and can take some adjusting to get it in just the right position.

I used the projector method to make my “Happy Fall Yall” sign out of some scrap wood in my garage last year.

Wood Sign

I’ve made several of these signs for my home as well as for family members. If you have a few simple tools (namely a jigsaw capable of cutting plywood and a miter saw to cut 1” x 2” strips), these can be an extremely inexpensive way to create a totally unique sign.

Like with my Welcome sign, I’ve used both my art projector to trace letters onto the sign and my Cricut to create a stencil. Alternatively, you can find fun stencils on Etsy or even purchase a custom-made stencil.

The sign itself is painted onto ¼” plywood and then framed out by 1” x 2” wood strips. Once you have these supplies, the sign itself is pretty simple to make. Start by painting your plywood, if you desire, and then stenciling on your design.

*Pro Tip: If you’ve ever tried to use a stencil and been frustrated by paint bleed, I’ve got the solution for you!  Paint over all the edges of your stencil with Mod Podge first, let it dry, and then paint your stencil. The Mod Podge seals the edges and prevents the paint from bleeding.

For the frame, cut your wood strips to size and nail them together. You can do this with a simple hammer and nails, a brad nailer, or even pocket holes. In my experience, pocket holes and screws create a sturdier frame, but they can also be the most time-consuming. Alternatively, wood glue also works for this so long as you have a way to clamp the frame in place while it dries.

Once your sign and the frame are complete, assemble them together by attaching the plywood sign to the frame. Again, you can do this in several ways. But I’ve found the simplest to be a staple gun and appropriately sized staples.

To finish the sign, I recommend using a protective varnish. (Actually, I recommend using this on all of the signs I make). You can also add embellishments for a textured effect like I did with the snowflakes.

Book Page Sign

I created this sign for my mantle décor this year and love it so much. It’s so simple but looks so beautiful. It’s also a great décor idea for any library, office, or even a nursery. For my sign, I typed up the poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas using a typewriter-style font, added a page number at the bottom (page 24 for Christmas Eve of course!) and a title line at the top.

Technically, I could have made this using a stencil. But, with all that lettering, I knew it would get very tedious. Instead, I ordered a poster print from Office Depot. Then I attached it to an old piece of hardboard I had laying around and framed it with 1″x 2″ strips of wood.

 I chose to make the frame because it’s more cost-effective. But, you can easily purchase a poster frame to fit your décor style.

Another really cut décor idea using this method would be to create a poster print of the sheet music for a favorite Christmas carol!

Reverse Canvas Sign

I actually have an IG Reel showing how to create this sign!  It’s very simple and really only requires three things: a blank canvas, a stencil, and paint. Again, I create my own stencils with the Cricut but you can easily find seasonal stencils at your local craft store or even Amazon. If you’re really artistic, you could also freehand a design! Even better, this would be an easy way to frame your little one’s own artwork!

To make it, detach the canvas from its frame (it’s usually just stapled in place, so removal is easy) and paint on your design.

Once it’s dry, reattach it to the back of the frame instead of wrapped around the frame. (That’s why it’s called a Reverse Frame, because you reattach it in reverse.) You can also stain or paint the frame before you assemble your sign.

And that’s literally all there is to it.

Dollar Tree Sign

Remember how I said I had a DIY sign for every level of crafter? Well, this sign is so easy a child could make it. (Which, incidentally, means it would be a great craft to make with the kids.)

It’s also the cheapest to make because all the supplies can be found at the Dollar Tree.

Start by purchasing a simple photo frame, a die-cut wood sign from the craft section, paint, and something to create a fun background (this could be wrapping paper or even a patterned placemat).

Take the frame apart and glue or tape your background of choice to the glass. Then paint the wood sign (and your frame if you prefer) and let dry. Once it’s dry, glue it the background and reassemble the frame.

For more projects, check out the DIY section and follow me on Instagram for more easy crafts!