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A Simple Sign Project...


As part of our recent kitchen re-decorating project, I made a small "GROCERY" sign to hang over the kitchen sink window.  Thought I'd share the simple technique I used.  Using a piece of scrap board, paint it the color you want the letters to be (white, for me).  I used some stickers, the size and font I was looking for, 
and applied them to the dry board.



If you paint over the stickers with the color you want the letters to be, it will seal the sticker edges for less paint bleeding and sharper edges...

 
I wanted to add some other colors which would show through distressing I did later...
first a drybrushed aqua color...


followed by a grey-blue...


and finally solid black.


Next, I distressed the piece with a sanding block to reveal some of the layers of paint...

 
and peeled off the stickers.



I did more distressing with the sanding block, and carried over some of the 
black paint to soften the white lettering...


The stickers can be saved for future projects, too!


I used a little watered down black paint to shadow the letters...


A couple of eye hooks and a length of jute make a simple hanger...


It fits perfectly above the window!


I am joining~


Until next time...

38 comments

  1. I have never tried shading letters, I don't know if I can do that!

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  2. Hi Linda, your tutorial makes such good sense. I pinned and I suspect I will be trying your idea soon. Thank you.
    Joy

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  3. I like this technique!
    I've never bought the stickers to use for lettering...but I have used a tracing method and filled in with a sharpie marker!
    On yours, I like the shadow around the letters to give definition. I always forget that step!
    ...thanks, Pat

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  4. That is a terrific idea, Linda! YOU IS SMART!!! LOL Okay- and you ARE smart, too! Great idea about shadowing the letters, too. I love your sign- xo Diana

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  5. Perfect it is!!! I love it!
    xo Kris

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  6. Love the tutorial and will be trying it very soon! You are so clever. Hugs, Dianne

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  7. What a fun sign.

    I have a couple of pieces of wood just waiting to be painted. I just don't know what I want to say on them.

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  8. Oh this is so good! The shadowing too makes such a difference and the colours are perfect. LOVE!

    Can I ask you something please? How do you get the 'pin it' on your photos? I 'do' pinterest.

    Karen x

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  9. This is great, Linda! Great tutorial, too. I've been wanting to try a sign using stickers.

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  10. Linda, You did a fine job on your sign. I could see you making lots of those for friends and family.xoxo,Susie

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  11. Clever! And your shading skills are excellent!

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  12. Awesome Tutorial!!! I think I can replicate this sign, would great results. thanks to you!

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  13. Wonderful sign! I love how you shadowed the letters.
    Mary Alice

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  14. Another great project! Like the other commenters...thanks for the tip about shadowing the letters, that really makes a difference!
    Jane

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  15. Thank you for the tutorial. You made it look so easy!
    Next time I'll know to shadow my letters too.

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  16. It may be a simple sign, but it turned out wonderful! All the distressed layers and shadowing really make it!

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  17. Great idea! Going to try!

    Paula
    Locksley Lane

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  18. Love it! Where did you buy the stickers? I so want to make one!

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  19. Linda your signs are so professional and authentic looking! Great job. Thanks for sharing at RL Thrifty Life Thursday. :)

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  20. I love your grocery sign, Linda!! If you don't mind me asking, where did you find your letters? The size and font is perfect and your sign is a nice addition to your newly transformed space!

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  21. Your sign turned out great, Linda! I just may have to borrow your idea of using the stickers! The shading you added was the perfect touch!!

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  22. I have an old faded Garden sign on my back gate that needs a makeover. Thanks for sharing this technique. Mimi

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  23. OK...That is pure genius perfection! I love it, right down to the jute and eye hooks!

    Carol

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  24. I love it! Thanks for the great tutorial also.

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  25. Looks great Linda! I love it hanging above your window.

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  26. It looks smashing. Thank you for the tutorial, Linda!

    xo
    Claudia

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  27. Dear Linda,
    A great way to create this gorgeous sign,-making it look wonderfully distressed,- and old...the stickers are great ,too- and love you used the ute for hanging.
    Hugs from Dorthe

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  28. You do a great tutorial. I would have never thought to add shadow lines!!! It looks amazing!

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  29. Great idea and you make it look so easy! Thanks for sharing it so simply.

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  30. That is a great tip about going over the stickers first with the base color before painting the top coat!

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  31. Linda, Linda, Linda........you are so creative!
    Kari

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  32. Saw this on FB on my itty-bitty phone and it looks even better full screen! Love the layering of colors. Ann P.S. I'm getting an idea for my lovely maps you sent - maybe I will actually do something creative this week myself! Thanks again!

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  33. This is wonderful! I love the layers of colors showing through as well as the way that you shadowed the letters! It looks amazing hanging up there. I'm inspired now and will have to try a sign like this too. Thanks for sharing!!

    Have a great week,
    Kathleen

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  34. Brilliant Linda. I actually find grocery store shopping soothing too.

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