Hey, so I’m back to show you the outcome of our project using our distressed wood from our DIY Barn-Board Tutorial. (If you haven’t checked that out… you should. SO… EASY!
The hubs affixed my distressed ‘barn boards’ to a 1/4” slab of plywood for me, so it’s one solid piece using 1/4″ staples… but you could use screws too, as long as they aren’t longer than the thickness of the boards. You wouldn’t want little pokey screws sticking through the front of your sign!
I downloaded a typewriter font from www.dafont.com, and designed this:
…and printed it out onto a transparency…
…and you guessed it… projected it onto my barn boards with my overhead projector (I can almost guarantee your local library loans them out for FREE, no excuses!)
I traced using a white colored pencil (because I planned to paint with white paint. Use whatever color pencil is close to your paint color!)
Using a tiny paint brush, I painted… it’s like coloring in a coloring book. Just stay in the lines and you’re GOLDEN!
Painting this whole thing took about 20 minutes. So simple.
This was made (with love!) as a wedding ‘gift’ of sorts for a very special couple. But I’m also excited about the prospect of making more of these (in varying colors?) for Christmas gifts and such.
I love how customizable it is! The boards can be cut so the sign is ANY dimensions whatsoever, and so many options with colors and such. Not to mention, anything can be painted on. It can be someone’s last name, or it could say ‘Welcome’ or ‘You Are My Sunshine’ or ‘Always Kiss Me Goodnight’. The sky is the limit, and I’m loving that.
Are the little wheels in your head turning with crafty ideas to make meaningful and affordable Christmas gifts this year? Be inspired! GET CREATIVE! And for the love… send us pictures when you’re done.
Over and out.
~Bethany
PS! Check out these other projects and tutorials I’ve done using my signature ‘Barn Board’ technique!
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This is gorgeous!
This has done it..I’m finally gonna buy a projector. I’m afraid if I borrow the librarys I will be avoiding their calls like they are a bill collector!
Every time the phone rings I would stand there staring at the caller id then listening to their threatening messages all the while thinking “But I have 1 more project to do…and really who else would need the projector that bad!!!”
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just called my local library (Broward County, FL) the do not have audio/visual equipment to use outside of library. (booo)
so…. craiglist it is. found 2. $30 for one 40 minutes from home and another $50 within city limits.. so let’s see if i get lucky. can’t wait to try some of the cool things you’ve done!!!
Hi Bethany,
I’m sure you have mentioned this before… And if so, I’m sorry for asking… but can you tell me if there is anything special to printing on a transparency?
Can i do this from a regular laser or inject printer? I haven’t looked at transperancies (yet) but are there special kinds? thickness? i don’t know? anything special about what you get?
Thanks!
Jessie
Jessie, we just have an inkjet printer, and bought a box of 3M Transparency Films for Ink Jet printers. You’ll just want to make sure you print on the matte side, not the glossy side. You can get a box of these at any office supply store, and although they’re spendy… you get 50 sheets to last you a lifetime!
i have been wanting to do something similar to this for my kids bathroom, however if you sold them on your etsy i would deff buy it. because i am positive mine would turn out like poop and if i ordered one from you it would be FAB!!
We actually JUST posted these on our Etsy shop this morning!! https://www.etsy.com/listing/113473006/custom-barn-board-signs-distressed-and
oh yay, next pay day i am s0o going to hit you up for one 😀
I am totally going to attempt to make this! I love it!