Crafting A Wedding Sign Holder: A Guide To Diy Magic

Wedding signs are an important part of your big day, helping to welcome guests, share the menu, and provide directions. While you could buy a sign, making your own is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding. In this article, we'll explore different ways to make a wedding sign holder, from upcycling old items to creating a completely new structure. We'll also discuss the pros and cons of different materials and provide step-by-step instructions for assembling your sign holder. So, whether you're looking for a rustic pallet sign or a modern acrylic and copper design, read on for inspiration and guidance on creating the perfect wedding sign holder.

Using a stencil

Materials:

• Wooden slabs or pallet
• Stencil
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Sandpaper (optional)
• Chalkboard paint (optional)
• Transfer paper (optional)
• Roller (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by gathering your materials. You can usually find wooden slabs or pallets at a low cost from local retailers or recycling sheds.
• If you want a chalkboard background for your sign, paint the wooden slab with chalkboard paint. Give it a good sanding with medium and then fine grit sandpaper before painting.
• Once the chalkboard paint is dry, gently sand each coat for a smooth finish.
• Prime your chalkboard by rubbing chalk all over and then wiping it away with a rag.
• Choose or design your stencil. You can find reusable stencils online or at craft stores, or you can make your own using stencil paper and a craft knife.
• Paint the surface of your wooden slab or pallet. You can choose any colour you like, or leave it unpainted for a more rustic look.
• Arrange your stencils on the wooden slab and firmly adhere them. It's best to use adhesive stencils or silkscreens to ensure they don't move.
• With gentle pressure and a small amount of paint, dab paint through the stencil. Be careful not to use too much paint or apply too much pressure, as this can cause the paint to bleed under the stencil.
• As soon as you've finished painting, quickly remove the stencils to reveal your design.
• Wash the stencils with warm soap and water to clean them, unless you plan to dispose of them.
• If you're not using a chalkboard background, you can use transfer paper to add your text or design. Print your design onto regular paper, then colour the backside with pencil or chalk.
• Centre your design on the wooden slab and use a pencil to firmly trace over your printed design, transferring it onto the wood.
• Trace over your design with paint or a marker.
• Allow your sign to dry completely before handling or displaying it.

Your wedding sign holder is now ready! You can display it on an easel, lean it against a wall, or attach it to a stand, depending on your preferred setup.

Making a hanging sign

Planning and Materials:

First, decide on the overall design and size of your sign. Will it be a simple welcome sign, a seating chart, or perhaps a creative play on movie posters? The design and size will determine the materials you need. For a simple hanging sign, you'll need:

• A foam poster board or acrylic sheet for the base.
• Paint or markers for designing the sign. Gold paint or markers can add an elegant touch.
• String or hooks for hanging. Jute string or copper "S" hooks are great options.
• PVC pipes or copper pipes for a sturdy frame. You'll also need connectors and elbows for assembly.
• A printed poster or vinyl lettering for a polished look.

Assembly:

Start by cutting the pipes to the desired length for your frame. If using PVC pipes, you can use a PVC cutter for a clean cut. Assemble the frame by connecting the pipes with elbows and connectors. Spray paint the frame with your chosen colour and let it dry.

Next, prepare your sign base. If using a foam board, cut it to size and sand the edges for a smooth finish. If you want to add an extra touch, you can spackle and prime the board before painting it. For an acrylic base, measure and mark the drilling spots for hanging. Start with a small drill bit to prevent cracking, and gradually increase the size until the hole is large enough for your hooks.

Design:

Now, it's time to bring your sign to life! You can design your sign by hand, using paint or markers, or opt for vinyl lettering or a printed poster. If you're feeling creative, design a graphic on platforms like Canva and have it printed. Don't forget to add personal touches, like your wedding date, names, or a meaningful quote.

Final Touches:

Once your design is complete, attach the string or hooks to hang your sign. Ensure the hanging mechanism is secure and strong enough to bear the weight of the sign. Adjust the height as needed, and you're almost done!

Finally, add any finishing touches, such as lighting or floral arrangements around the sign, to make it truly yours.

Hanging wedding signs are a wonderful way to welcome your guests and provide information with style. With some creativity and a bit of work, you can create a beautiful hanging sign that will leave a lasting impression on your big day.

Creating a chalkboard

Materials:

• Chalkboard paint (spray or liquid)
• Painting boards or a suitable surface (e.g. MDF board, artist's board, dry erase board, chipboard)
• Chalk or chalk pens
• Sandpaper (optional)
• Painter's tape (if using liquid chalkboard paint)
• Paint supplies (e.g. roller, paint tray, brush)
• Rubbing alcohol and paper towel
• Old school chalk
• Rag
• Chalkboard markers (optional)

Steps:

• Prepare your surface: If using a dry erase board, tape off the whiteboard section with painter's tape and cover the middle with craft paper. If you want to paint a frame, you can optionally sand the frame first with fine-grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere better. Just be aware that sanding may leave scratches.
• Paint your surface: Apply chalkboard paint to your chosen surface. If using spray paint, spray three coats onto one side of the board, letting each coat dry in between. Make sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and protect the surrounding surfaces. If using liquid chalkboard paint, use a roller or brush to apply a light, even coat, and wait 4 hours before adding another coat.
• Let it dry: Allow the paint to dry completely. For spray paint, a few hours should be sufficient. For liquid chalkboard paint, it's recommended to wait 3 days for the paint to cure fully.
• Prime the chalkboard: Take a piece of old school chalk and rub it all over the chalkboard. Then, use a clean, dry rag to wipe down the board. This step prepares the board for your chalk designs.
• Design your sign: While the paint is drying, create your desired design on your computer and print it out, sizing it to fit your chalkboard. You can also search for inspiration online if needed.
• Transfer your design: On the non-printed side of your paper, scribble all over with a pencil. Then, place your printed design face-up on the chalkboard and secure it in place. Trace over your design, and the pencil lead will transfer to your chalkboard.
• Add your chalk designs: Now, you can use chalk or chalk pens to outline and fill in your design. If you want a more authentic chalkboard look, shade in the entire board with the side of a piece of chalk and then blend it with a dry paper towel.
• Clean up any mistakes: If you make a mistake with the chalk ink, you can usually wipe it off with a little window cleaner and a paper towel. If you're using regular chalk, simply wipe away mistakes with a damp cloth.

Your chalkboard wedding sign is now ready to display! This DIY project is a creative way to add a personal touch to your wedding decor.

Using stickers

This is a genius idea and a backwards stencil method. All you need is paint and cute letter and number stickers.

First, paint your sign the colour you want your letters to be – this could be white, or you could opt for the wood colour, or even an ombre effect. Then, arrange your stickers, pressing them firmly into the wood. Paint over the stickers and once dry, remove them to reveal your design.

You can use lots of different types of stickers, including different shapes, or even cutting your own stickers with a Cricut machine. You can also use decoupage glue to keep your stickers in place and glue other items to your sign, such as pretty paper, paper ribbon, and glitter. Apply 1-3 coats of decoupage glue, with at least an hour of drying time between coats.

Transferring a printed design

One of the simplest ways to make a wedding sign is to transfer a printed design onto your surface of choice. This technique is especially useful if you don't feel confident with a paintbrush or don't like your handwriting.

First, design and print your desired sign onto regular paper. You can use a website like Canva to create your graphic and then print it at a store like Walgreens or Staples. If you're printing your design onto wood, consider using a premium foam board, which takes colour printing beautifully and is lightweight and easy to transport and display.

Next, flip your printed design over and colour the backside with a pencil or chalk. Then, turn your design back over and centre it on your sign. If you're using transfer paper, simply place the matte side down underneath your printed design. Using a pencil, firmly trace your printed design. This will transfer the chalk or graphite onto the wood.

Finally, trace your design using a paint pen, gold leaf pen, or Sharpie. You can also use a Chalk Ink Marker or paint. This technique can be used on any surface, but dark surfaces work better with chalk because it's light, and light surfaces work better with a pencil or transfer paper.

If you're looking for a more permanent option, you can also use vinyl stickers. Simply print your design onto vinyl sticker paper and cut out the letters or shapes. Then, arrange them on your sign and press them firmly into the surface. Paint over them with spray paint or regular paint, and remove the letters to reveal your design.

Frequently asked questions