How to make large fall porch signs
August 30, 2018
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I got this DIY fall porch sign idea when my sister and I were out oogling fall
stuff a few weeks ago. We both love the season immensely and love walking
around getting ideas.
I saw a tall "fall" sign that was really cute, but I knew I could do it bigger
and better myself. I envisioned it on the front porch -- I'm so excited to
have a porch to decorate this season!
Luckily I keep extra wood from projects so I already had the boards I needed
for these. I planned on only a tall skinny one at first, but then got an idea
for a second sign too.
First up, I found a wood pumpkin at the craft store and painted it...well,
pumpkin:
Then I got to work on the actual boards that would make the signs. I always
start with a conditioner before staining. It's super easy to use and it really
preps the surface well:
If you've ever tried to stain without a conditioner, you know that sometimes
the stain doesn't go on consistently over the wood. This helps that big time!
I never go without it now. You just wipe it on and then stain within two
hours.
I've never used
these staining clothes but thought this would be a good time to start:
They provide gloves on the package so you literally don't need a thing -- no
applicator makes this super easy.
Usually you'll need a brush or rag to apply, but these cloths are saturated
with stain and make for quick work:
I was using two different kinds of wood and they stain differently. One had
more of an orange tone than I would like so I gave it a really fast swipe of
Jacobean (a favorite) over the top.
That helped the two woods to match:
While I had my beloved Jacobean out, I gave the pumpkin a quick coat as well.
I didn't put any new stain on the rag -- just rubbed in what was left on
there:
The orange was a little too orange for me and with the stain it was
perfect!
When the stain dried (another bonus of these wipes is it dries really
fast) I applied a coat of polyurethane on both.
The poly is always one of my favorite steps because it really brings out the
beauty of the wood and stain:
I used
wipe on poly this time -- I just pour a little on the surface and then rub it in
really well. It is awesome because you don't deal with any little bubbles that
sometimes show up with a brush. Love it.
I placed the pumpkin and letters on to make sure of placement:
And then sprayed the letters in a color called almond. White was too stark and
this is more of an off white with some brown in it.
I used wood glue on the backs of the letters to adhere them:
While those dried I sprayed some wood trim called lattice (that I just used on
the kitchen island project!) in the same color and nailed it around each board to make a very simple
frame.
I already loved them as they were...but I had plans for some fun little
details. I glued moss along the bottom of the pumpkin to look like grass and
then some leaves on the stem as well. The fall sign got some simple wood
leaves to bring in some orange.
I mean...come on! Aren't they the cutest??
Right? The fall sign is way bigger than the one I saw in the store. Which is
really good for our porch and large door -- it needed to be big.
Mine will live on the porch this season but we have a covered porch that
doesn't get any of the elements. If yours does you'll want to keep a project
like this inside to protect it.
These would look just as good next to a fireplace or leaning against the wall
on top of a console. They could go anywhere!
The moss is my favorite part. ;) I got the little leaves from the foliage I
used to make
this pumpkin wreath I shared last week.
They all play together so nicely! I've got a few more ideas in mind for the
fall porch, but it will be awhile before I share the finished product.
I almost used orange lights on the pumpkin but I chickened out. I was going to
drill holes in the sign and push the lights in from the back. I did it on some
scrap wood and just didn't trust it would look OK -- and I would have hated to
ruin the whole thing.
I think it's just as cute without!:
The best part is I made these porch signs the exact size and specification I
wanted. And they are truly one of a kind! Hope you will try something like
this out on your own! (Remember most hardware stores will cut the wood for you
-- call ahead to check.)
Very cute! I'm a Fall lover as well and am always so excited when September hits. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh it's so cute and what a genius way to save money and just do it yourself!!
ReplyDeleteThe trim frames really add a pop and fabulous finishing touch to both your signs, great job!
ReplyDeleteLove them! The lighter trim really finishes them.
ReplyDeleteYou should make them reversible with like a thankful or merry Christmas and just flip them around for the next season or holiday!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!!
DeleteAs I was reading through this post I was thinking they were cute, but the point when I LOVED them was when you added the frames. Such a perfect finishing touch! Can't wait to see your finished porch!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the color of your front door, in the photos it looks like a really dark brown but any idea of the paint color?
ReplyDeleteSo cute, Sarah! I'm in sign making mode for a booth I'm moving into TOMORROW! 😲 I'm doing some with a faux frame- painted border, so easy.
ReplyDeleteThese are great! I love the pumpkin with the moss!
ReplyDeleteReally cute! Where did you get the hook that is holding your wreath?
ReplyDeleteThis looks so nice & pretty attainable-sometimes I think that DIYs look too complicated, but this isn't one of those!
ReplyDeletexoxo, SS
Southern and Style