DIY Patio Rules Wooden Sign

I don't know if you've noticed, but outdoor signs with rules on them are all the rage these days, and for good reason... they're so cute!! Check out some of the inspiration I ran across on Etsy...



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Needless to say, when I started thinking about patio decor, I had to have one of these signs! I had some scrap wood lying around, so I decided to DIY it. Warning-- this was an extremely time consuming project, so unless you have lots of free time or have a super helpful machine like a Silhouette or Cricut (oh hubbyyyy, only five months til Christmas!!!!), feel free to click on the above Etsy sites and browse their customization options! However, despite the long hours I spent hunched over this sign and  my inability to paint within the lines, I'm glad I made it myself and got to put my own little spin on it! :)

Alrighty, so I started with this board which was already cut from a previous project, so I just went with it. You could also browse your favorite craft store for wooden signs too. They usually have some smaller squares and rectangles.

I gave it a coat of primer with some leftover Kilz. If your board is rough or has any kind of finish on it, be sure to sand it before priming.

Then I covered it with spray paint. I used the paint leftover from the legs of my outdoor bar cart.

Next I browsed Pinterest and Etsy for rule inspiration. I made a list of all the outdoor "rules" I ran across and selected my favorites. I typed them all in Microsoft Word using the font Ever After in varying sizes so that they would all fit on the board. I used my usual font transfer method to create my word art.

After printing your words, shade the back of paper with a pencil. Flip it over, position the paper, and trace the letters with the pencil.

The lead from the pencil on the back of the paper should leave an outline on your project. Sorry it's hard to see here... it's tough to take pictures in incandescent light with glossy paint!!!

Then just fill in your outlines with paint. I used an acrylic paint leftover from the rest of my outdoor projects for the teal color and a paint pen for the white. I used the smallest paint brush I had, but it's tough to fill in those tiny letters! Patience, my friend. Patience.

If you'll be leaving your sign outside, be sure to seal it!! I think I might rough it up a little more before I seal it. What do you think?

Do you have any outdoor signs you've made? Feel free to share!!!

Check out the rest of my outdoor makeover:

The Big Reveal // DIY outdoor pillows // Bar cart // Painted bird feeder 

Updated windchime // Window box

Linking up: Work It Wednesday // Whimsy Wednesday //On Display Thursday // The Makers // Merry Monday