I have wanted to make one of these You Have My Whole Heart signs ever since my friend Stephanie blogged about one she made for her daughter and son-in-law . . .
If you don’t have a Silhouette, Stephanie has a great tutorial using stencils.
You may remember I had some old fence around after the tree fell on my house.
After dismantling the fence, I cut my boards and pre-drilled some holes, then used some drywall screws to hold everything together.
There are two boards on the back that run the length of the five boards.
I used some white paint to do a “wash” on the sign.
I designed my stencil in the Silhouette Studio Designer Edition. When I make a sign of this size I use one text box, and move it around into the “cut” area. The font is Boston Traffic.
I cut my stencil out of contact paper. My blade was on 2, with a thickness of 3.
As I was laying it out, I realized I should cut each line separately. I used some painter’s tape to hold the stencil in place as I removed the contact paper from the backing. I did not use transfer paper for this, as there were no oodles and boodles with this font.
edited to add: I have a new way of stenciling large signs like this. You can see a video with my step by step instructions in my post Repurposed Pallet Coffee Cup Rack.
I used a Martha Stewart foam pouncer to apply my black paint.
I removed my stencils when they were mostly dry, but not quite dry all the way.
I really like this sign, but…
I think I applied the black paint a little on the heavy side. It needs a little distressing, don’t ya think?
I got out my orbital sander and gave it a once over.
It looks funny staged on my fence, being that the sign is horizontal fence boards while the fence is vertical!
I’m going to be sad when that old fence is all used up.
What say you, would you have distressed it, or left it alone?
gail
More rustic fence projects here:
see more bits and pieces projects here:
Glo. says
June 12, 2014 at 7:26 amA big ‘Yes!’ on the distressing! And I like the horizontal/vertical thing you’ve got going!
Amanda says
November 20, 2013 at 3:15 pmI really LOVE this one. And you made it look so easy!! Thanks for the tute!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
April 23, 2012 at 2:51 amJust perfect Gail! I love that saying and the rustic feel of the wood!
Vicki C says
April 19, 2012 at 1:31 amLOVE this project! Glad Malia shared your link. I’ll be back 🙂
Vickie @ Ranger 911 says
April 18, 2012 at 7:49 pmLove it! Yes, definitely distressed.
Erin says
April 18, 2012 at 6:41 amWell, like everyone else, I’m chiming in on the “love it distressed” side. Also, just wanted to say brilliant idea to use contact paper as stencil vinyl. Thanks for sharing that little tip…
Tam says
April 17, 2012 at 9:02 pmI think it looks better distressed – like it’s been arouund the block a few times 🙂
Chase the Star says
April 17, 2012 at 3:13 amLove this Gail!!! Looks awesome!
Barbara @ Chase the Star
Sue says
April 16, 2012 at 11:40 pmLove it distressed! The `new look`is gone, but it looks great! I just checked out Stephanie’s tute, thanks for sharing, since I don’t have a Silhouette.
Have a great sunny week,
Sue
Kelli says
April 16, 2012 at 10:27 pmI love that sign, and I really like the distressed look! Great job…you always make it look so easy, I actually think I can do it myself! 🙂
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
April 16, 2012 at 9:46 pmI like it distressed! It feels warmer this way.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
April 16, 2012 at 7:53 pmi love this one! i love the more weathered look!
The Star Gal says
April 16, 2012 at 5:53 pmI love old distressed signs. I would have probably beat it up a little more…say maybe with a hammer or an old chain.
Very cute!
Mimi@blueroofcabin says
April 16, 2012 at 4:14 pmDistressed! It’s perfect, I just adore that saying!
Sue at Serendipity says
April 16, 2012 at 3:58 pmDistressed for sure!!
Looks like almost all agree-a terrific job!
Proper Prim says
April 16, 2012 at 3:35 pmI think you already know my answer… distressed for sure. Love the rustic look… love the saying too. Another fabulous job by Gail.
Hugs,
Deb
Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama says
April 16, 2012 at 3:24 pmI”ve been wanting to do one of these too.. Love the way yours turned out. Looks really good distressed.
Midwest Cottage and Finds! says
April 16, 2012 at 3:16 pmdistressed!! it turned out perfect!!
Angie says
April 16, 2012 at 2:54 pmDefinitely distressed! Turned out great!
Cindy @ Le Chaise Parfait says
April 16, 2012 at 2:27 pmI really like it distressed, I think it looks really good.
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking says
April 16, 2012 at 2:26 pmYES, it had to be distressed and you knew it! Great sign, love the old wood fence for that. I have an old horse shelter falling down on my property that I am going to make things with. Silly hubby thinks we will burn the wood… LOL.
Roisin says
April 16, 2012 at 2:16 pmDistressing made it look a lot better. I also like the contrast between the vertical & horizontal boards.
Korrie@RedHenHome says
April 16, 2012 at 1:45 pmI like the contrast of the horizontal vs. vertical when it’s displayed on your fence! I really love this sentiment; you did a great job with it.
Carwin Candids says
April 16, 2012 at 1:40 pmYes! Distressed it looks awesome! Thanks for sharing!
DearHelenHartman says
April 16, 2012 at 1:39 pmAmazing. And the distressing makes it look even better.
Nicole @My Thrafty Life says
April 16, 2012 at 12:46 pmI love it, and like it a lot better distressed!
Terri says
April 16, 2012 at 12:43 pmSo cute…you always make projects look so easy…this one actually might not be too difficult! Love it…I am sure it will sell quickly!
I Play Outside The Box says
April 16, 2012 at 12:14 pmI just love this!! Great tutorial Stephanie shared. Thanks for sharing it with us, Gail!!
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic says
April 16, 2012 at 9:54 amOoh, I like this sign! You were right to distress it, looks a lot better that way, imo.
Hmm, I just brought home a small pallet that would be just the perfect size for this sign…….