My sister, Olivia, is in town from Arkansas with my little niece, Charleigh.  It’s been so much fun hanging out with them for the past week and a great help distracting from all the house stuff we have been going through.

Olivia, just graduated from Liberty College, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.  As part of her graduation present, I made her this little sign.  Today, I want to show you how to make it while giving you some tips that I have learned on how to freehand paint letters.

I think this little wood sign makes such a great wedding present (as Sing is Olivia’s last name) or fun personalized present to give at other times like a college graduation, birthday, or Christmas gift.

The fist step is to find a nice piece of wood.  I found this rustic, old piece and knew it was perfect.  I love the beat up charm, but it also is thick and solid.

After you sand the wood, find a pretty font on the computer that you like.  Print it out the correct size you will need and cut the letters out.  This is a cheap way to make your own stencil.

Once the letters have been placed and aligned where you want them on your piece of wood, you simply trace them with a pencil.

The next step is to paint inside the lines with a small brush.  You can pick any desire color you want to paint.  Remember you don’t have to paint it super thick or even, since you are going to give the lettering a light sanding later.  You want them to be slightly imperfect and rustic to match the beat up wood’s charm.

Sometimes making a stencil just doesn’t make sense.  If you are wanting a font that is thin, small or more “flow-y”, cutting out a stencil doesn’t make sense.  This is where it would be good to know how to freehand letters.  I don’t have the best hand at this skill, but I have learned some tips that have helped me grow.  I want to share those with you.

I hope these tips will help you as you paint freehand letters as well.  The next step to finishing your sign is to give it a light sanding.  Once you are done sanding, you stain it, let it dry, and display it (or package it up to give away).

It was such a cheap yet really special item to add to my sister’s graduation present.  She loves it!  Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope you all are having a great week!

 

 

 

*Linked up at View Along the Way