Reclaimed Wood Sign | You Have My Whole Heart
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, you could easily make this using stencils.
Suggested Materials
- Reclaimed wood board
- Sandpaper
- Stencil or design for the sign
- Jigsaw or handsaw
- Paint or stain
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Optional: sealer or varnish, hanging hardware
Using Reclaimed Fence
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.
Constructing the You Have My Whole Heart Sign
There are two boards on the back that run the length of the five boards.
White Wash for the Perfect Finish
I used some white paint to do a “wash” on the sign.
Design Your Stencil
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.
You Have My Whole Heart Stencil
I cut my stencil out of contact paper. My blade was on 2, with a thickness of 3. I weeded all of the letters out. The stenciling will be done with the negative part of the design.
Tape Down Contact Paper Stencil
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.
Stencil with Pouncer
I used a Martha Stewart foam pouncer to apply my black paint.
Then, 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?
Distress DIY Sign
I got out my orbital sander and gave it a once over.
You Have My Whole Heart for My Whole Life
It looks funny staged on my fence, being that the sign is horizontal fence boards while the fence is vertical!
Directions to Make Your Reclaimed Wood Sign
Making a reclaimed wooden sign can be a fun and creative project. Here are the general steps you can follow to make your own sign.
- Choose a piece of reclaimed wood that is suitable for your desired sign size and shape. Sand the surface of the wood with sandpaper to smooth any rough areas or splinters.
- Decide on the design or message for your sign. You can use a stencil or hand-draw your design onto the wood using a pencil or chalk. Poster/sign stencils would also work well.
- Use a jigsaw or handsaw to cut out the shape of your sign from the wood. Sand the edges of the sign to smooth any rough areas or splinters.
- If you're making a large one, construct your sign using extra support boards on the back. (as shown above)
- Paint or stain the wood to the desired color. You can use a paintbrush or sponge to apply the paint or stain, depending on the look you want to achieve.
- Let the paint or stain dry completely before adding any additional layers or designs.
- Optional: Once the paint or stain has dried, you can apply a sealer or varnish to protect the wood and give it a glossy finish.
- Attach any hanging hardware, if desired, to the back of the sign. My go-to hardware are D-rings, they work great for heavy items.
Your reclaimed wooden sign is now complete! You can display it in your home or business, or give it as a unique and thoughtful gift.
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?
Related Content: Bushel and a Peck Wooden Sign Bless the Food Sign There is Always, Always, Always, Something to Be Thankful For
gail
More rustic fence projects here
see more bits and pieces projects here
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Glo.
A big 'Yes!' on the distressing! And I like the horizontal/vertical thing you've got going!
Amanda
I really LOVE this one. And you made it look so easy!! Thanks for the tute!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Just perfect Gail! I love that saying and the rustic feel of the wood!
Vicki C
LOVE this project! Glad Malia shared your link. I'll be back 🙂
Vickie @ Ranger 911
Love it! Yes, definitely distressed.
Erin
Well, 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
I think it looks better distressed - like it's been arouund the block a few times 🙂
Chase the Star
Love this Gail!!! Looks awesome!
Barbara @ Chase the Star
Sue
Love 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
I 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
I like it distressed! It feels warmer this way.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
i love this one! i love the more weathered look!
The Star Gal
I 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
Distressed! It's perfect, I just adore that saying!
Sue at Serendipity
Distressed for sure!!
Looks like almost all agree-a terrific job!
Proper Prim
I 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
I"ve been wanting to do one of these too.. Love the way yours turned out. Looks really good distressed.
Midwest Cottage and Finds!
distressed!! it turned out perfect!!
Angie
Definitely distressed! Turned out great!
Cindy @ Le Chaise Parfait
I really like it distressed, I think it looks really good.
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking
YES, 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
Distressing made it look a lot better. I also like the contrast between the vertical & horizontal boards.
Korrie@RedHenHome
I 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
Yes! Distressed it looks awesome! Thanks for sharing!
DearHelenHartman
Amazing. And the distressing makes it look even better.
Nicole @My Thrafty Life
I love it, and like it a lot better distressed!
Terri
So 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
I just love this!! Great tutorial Stephanie shared. Thanks for sharing it with us, Gail!!
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic
Ooh, 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.......