Monday, November 10, 2008

Thanksgiving Sign


It was a weekend of firsts for me! First I made my first loaf of artisan bread and then I decided to remake a sign I already had. I've never done this before but I figure it's only paint so why not give it a go! This used to have the word "Simplify" on it. First I sprayed it with some gray primer that I had and then I used one of the millions of little sample pots from Benjamin Moore that I have from testing paint over the years and gave it about two coats.




I printed out the words "Give Thanks" on my computer (I think I used 200 font size) and then I used one of my daughter's artist charcoal sticks and rubbed that on the back of the paper over the letters. I've used just a regular pencil for this when I did some writing on one of my walls and you could also use chalk.



Then you position your word on your board (charcoal/chalk side down) and start tracing around your letters. I used a pencil. You want to be able to see your letters when you lift up the paper



Then I filled in the letters with some black paint. I used a small squared off brush. When it was all dry I took a damp rag and wiped off the excess charcoal and lightly sanded the piece to make it look not so new.




Now I have a whole new sign and it didn't cost me anything but time! You'll be seeing this one again as I plan on re-doing it for Christmas (and probably every other holiday)! I'm going to try a more cursive font next time. For those of you have made one of these before, is it better to use a paint pen?


So if you have an old sign that you're tired of, re-invent it!


51 comments:

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

It looks wonderful, Manuela!

Anonymous said...

You did a great job! My brother actually brought over some bread he made this weekend. It was so good, it made me want to get a bread machine. Hope your's turned out the way you wanted it to.

Paula said...

Dear Manuela,

You did a beautiful job and have inspired me to makeover a sign or two!

I am glad your artisan bread turned out good!

Love, Paula

Rhonda said...

Your sign is really pretty!
I like how it is simple and elegant.

you have the best ideas.

Adrienne said...

Hi Manuela -
Your sign is perfect! Are you sure you want to redo it for Christmas? Why not do the other side for Christmas so you have a reversible sign to reuse each year? You've inspired me and now I think I need to look around and see what I have that could be redone and used again.
~Adrienne~

Vee said...

Very clever and resourceful you are, Manuela. I never expect anything less from you. I love how it looks with that turkey. Now that turkey is something quite special. What can you tell us about him?

Gypsy aka Tam said...

I love your sign and I LOVE that Pumpkin-Turkey it is sooooo pretty. I'm obsessed this year with anything pumpkin.
Have a great day,
Tam

Deb said...

Hi Manuela! Your sign turned out great! I have an old sign that I made for my country den that I'm not using, it says, Memorabilia. I saw that someone in blogland had a sign that said "Harvest Blessings". I'm going to change mine to that, thanks for the "how to". Deb

Salsa Mama said...

I have been painting some signs for a boutique coming up, and I have had good luck with the scripty fonts and a small script liner brush. I have been wondering about paint pens, too, but I'm worried they would clog up a lot. If you try them, let us know! :) You can see my signs at www.salsacrafts.blogspot.com

Darlene said...

Your sign turned out GREAT!!! I also LOVE that turkey...cute, CUTE!

Lady Katherine said...

That was so cool! I want the bread book! You go me going on the bread! I looked it over on web. I love to have a loaf of the raisin bread too, I always buy it. Oh Left you something on my blog, if you wish.

Missy Wertz said...

Never have made one before so I cannot advise you one a paint pen verses sharpee verses plain ole black paint. I tend to use what I have on hand and do not have to go out or spend money.

I love what you did. Great job! And I love love love your turkey!!!

Anonymous said...

Manuela, you get an A+++ for creativity!

I did not know you can get sample pots of paint. Do you order these or do you just ask at the store?

Rosemary said...

Beautiful Manuela!!
Great Job!!!
Rosemary

Christina said...

Love the sign. I have never tried the pencil rubbing, but I want to soon.

Your bread looks wonderful too!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

I'm loving all these signs & letters. Looks great, Manuela!

GlorV1 said...

Manuela, you just have all these ideas that just amaze me. Looks great.

Susie Homemaker said...

Very Clever Manuela...I love it! I have worked with the paint pens and I like them...you have more control with them, especially on lettering...give them a shot sometime...if you don't like them, you can paint over it! Great Turkey, by the way!! You have the best stuff!

Blessings,
Susie

Kathleen Grace said...

It looks great! It may be easier to use a paint pen, but you did a great job with the brush:>)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks great! I have never tried it with a brush or a pen...only mosaics..

Betty said...

Manuela,
That's a beautiful sign...and we should so often each day.....

Please come and by my blog....Betty

Kelli said...

It's gorgeous...I love it!
~Kelli

Sarah Kate said...

I love the idea of putting the sign in front of the books.

Sue said...

Your so clever....I love the turkey, is that another one of your great TJMaxx finds.....

Glenda said...

That turned out really great. I love it when a girl uses her noggin.

Ciao

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

I love the sign! It turned out so well. I just recently tried a similar tactic with graphite paper and tracing, but I think the charcoal pen is actually easier. The only difference is that I did use a paint marker, which I thought was easier than a paintbrush, but then again, I have a pretty unsteady hand so I might not be the best one to ask!
Carrie

AJ said...

Looks great! Love the rubbing idea:)

Joy said...

Love the sign!

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous idea, and it looks great! Very nicely done. I've a couple of signs here that no longer "fit". I'll have to think about how I might like to change them. Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Manuela,

I have a piece of wood something like that and I think I will copy your idea. It really fits the season.

Gretchen

bj said...

Good grief...what a wonderful and simple idea. I have several signs that I am now tired of ....gonna make a fabulous CHRISTMAS sign now, with your help. Many thanks, sweet Manuela...
love, bj

Simply Me Art said...

Very Cute Manuela

Salmagundi said...

Great project with a great message! Enjoy your week in preparation for Thanksgiving! Sally

Anonymous said...

I recently came across a web site and thought of you it's called promotional codes and lists ways for you to get discounts at different stores. I used one and it worked just great...

FYI

Kathy :)

Nancy Rosalina said...

Hi Manuela, That is a fantastic idea..I have never seen that done before! Thank you so much for sharing it! Hope you have a wonderful day! Nancy

Katy said...

WOW! It looks fantastic!!! Great job!

Anonymous said...

I have an award for you at Our Scented Cottage! Please stop by soon and pick it up. :) Have a wonderful evening.
Laura

Susie Q said...

You are such an amazing lady...this is wonderful!

ShabbyInTheCity said...

Good job! Great looking sign :) How was the artisan bread? You didn't take a picture?

Mimi Sue said...

So cute, Manuela. I love the color. Think of the possibilities. Mimi

dixymiss said...

Fabulous project! "Restyling" is my favorite kind of decorating. I'm going to give this a try ~ thanX for the inspiration.

Gabrielle Mader said...

I've been in the process of doing one..I used to sell Longaberger baskets and so my sign said baskets for sale....I painted mine yellow and free handed the words Cottage Lover but...I never am happy when I write thing myself..I'm going to redo it and try your technique..I'll post on my blog. Thanks.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Love your sign. What a great idea. laurie

Anita said...

Hey- this is a great technique and THANK YOU for sharing it. I am just wondering which project to start first!

Anita

homestory-anita.blogspot.com

Kimberly said...

Love it! What does the back look like? If it doesn't have stuff on the back to hang it on the wall you could just paint another sign on the back...I need to go get a board RIGHT NOW and paint a sign on each side!!

Valarie Lea said...

Wow you did a great job!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Very clever, Mauela! I love it!

XO,

Sheila

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

LOVE it! You rock!

Karol said...

Awesome idea! I never would have thought of that.

Karol :0)

Jodi said...

great job - I so need to try this! thanks!

Victory said...

Thank you so much for this tutorial, Manuela! I have a sign all primed & ready to go, but I was trying to figure out how to transfer the words I want. Aren't you an angel?