Creating A Rustic Wooden Wedding Sign-In Sheet

Wedding signs are a great way to welcome guests, direct them to different areas, and even share a special sentiment or decoration. They can be used to showcase special recipes, display menus, or even act as a guest book. Wooden signs, in particular, are versatile and suit almost any wedding venue or theme. In this article, we will discuss how to make a wooden sign-in sheet for your wedding in a few simple steps. From preparing the wood to adding the perfect finishing touches, we will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful and functional sign-in sheet for your big day.

Choosing the right wood

Type of Wood

The type of wood you choose will depend on the intended purpose and placement of your sign. If you plan to use the sign outdoors, you will need to select a weather-resistant wood that can withstand the elements. For indoor signs, you have more flexibility and can choose a wood that is less expensive and not as durable.

Some popular choices for outdoor wooden signs include:

• Medium Density Overlay (MDO) – This is a type of plywood with a weather-resistant resin bond overlay, making it an excellent choice for outdoor signs. MDO is durable, long-lasting, and resistant to weather damage.
• Cedar – Cedar is a resilient and versatile wood that is often used for outdoor signs. It is relatively soft and easy to carve, making it a good option for custom designs.
• Redwood – Redwood is a softwood that is highly suitable for outdoor projects due to its weather resistance and high mechanical properties. However, it can be difficult to work with and is not readily available.
• Cypress – Cypress is a softwood that is easy to work with and resistant to decay and moisture. It is a good choice for outdoor signs as it is durable and has minimal shrinkage.

For indoor wooden signs, you can consider using:

• Pine – Pine is a flexible and cost-efficient option for indoor signs. It is easy to work with and can be painted or stained to create different finishes. However, it is not naturally waterproof and will need to be treated for outdoor use.
• Plywood – Plywood is another affordable and versatile option for indoor signs. It is easy to cut and carve, making it suitable for custom designs. Plywood can be made from various types of wood, including softwoods like pine and hardwoods like oak and mahogany.

Appearance

Consider the aesthetic you want to achieve with your wedding sign. Different types of wood have unique colours, grains, and textures that can enhance the overall design. For example:

• Walnut – Walnut has a deep, chocolate-brown shade with black streaks, making it a good choice for signs that need to stand out.
• Cherry – Cherry wood has a reddish-brown tint with dark markings, giving it a classy and elegant look. It also has the unique property of darkening with age, adding warmth to the sign over time.
• Maple – Maple wood comes in various options, ranging from red maple to sycamore maple and sugar maple. It usually has a straight grain pattern that can be smoothly sanded and stained to mimic other types of wood.

Workability

Think about how easy the wood is to work with, especially if you plan to carve or cut it into specific shapes or designs. Some woods are softer and easier to carve by hand, while others may require power tools for more intricate details. For example:

• Poplar – Poplar is the softest hardwood, making it easy to carve and manipulate with hand tools. It is a good choice if you want to create intricate designs or custom modifications.
• Acacia – Acacia is a durable and hard wood, but it can be difficult to carve with hand tools due to its hardness. It is more accommodating when cut with a machine.

In addition to the wood type, you may also want to consider the thickness of your sign. For hand lettering projects, a thickness between 1/4 and 3/4 inch is recommended for lightweight and easy carving.

Maintenance

Consider the level of maintenance required for the wood you choose. Some woods may need to be primed, painted, sealed, or varnished to protect them from weather damage, rot, or warping. For example:

• Pine – Pine needs to be properly treated to prevent water penetration and rot. If protected, it can last for an estimated 10 years or longer indoors.
• MDO – While MDO is designed to withstand weather damage, it is still recommended to prime, paint, seal, or varnish it for added protection and longevity.

By considering the purpose, appearance, workability, and maintenance of the different types of wood, you can choose the right wood for your wedding sign that aligns with your specific requirements and design preferences.

sectioning and sizing the wood

To make a wooden wedding sign-in sheet, you'll first want to decide on the size and shape of your sign. For a wedding sign, a good size to aim for is 16 by 20 inches. Once you've decided on the dimensions, you can begin sectioning and sizing the wood.

If you're using new wood, you can purchase it from a local hardware shop, ensuring it has been sanded and is smooth. If you're using old wood, as in the tutorial from Mountain Modern Life, you'll want to clean it with mineral spirits and then do some light sanding to smooth it out.

For the wood to be the right size and shape for your sign, you may need to cut it. This can be done with a saw, and you can cut it into an arrow shape to indicate a direction, as mentioned in the Mountain Modern Life tutorial.

The next step is to prepare the wooden sign design. If you plan to have a stand for your sign, you'll need to prepare wooden posts to stabilize it. Measure how high you want the sign to stand, and cut the wooden posts to size. Sand all your wooden materials to eliminate splinters and roughness, creating a smooth surface for painting and gluing.

If you want to stain the wood, you can use a DIY wood stain made from a combination of steel wool, tea, and apple cider vinegar. You can then paint over the stained wood with latex paint to ensure your designs will show through and last. Alternatively, you can paint the wood with interior paint, acrylic, or chalk paint.

Once you've sectioned and sized the wood, sanded, and painted it, you're ready to move on to the next steps of creating your wooden wedding sign-in sheet.

Preparing the wood

Firstly, decide on the type of wood you want to use. Any type of wood can be used, as long as it is thin enough for easy cutting and has a smooth surface for painting and gluing. Some good options include birch plywood or crezon plywood. You can also use wood from old barns or pallets, giving your sign a rustic look.

Next, cut the wood to the desired size. The size will depend on the purpose of your sign and the amount of information you need to include. For example, a ceremony and schedule sign should be larger, around 16 by 20 inches, while a guestbook sign can be smaller, at 5 by 7 inches.

Once you have the right size and type of wood, it's important to prepare the surface. Start by sanding the wood to eliminate any splinters and create a smooth finish. If you are using old wood, clean it with mineral spirits before sanding. This will ensure that your paint or stain applies evenly and that your sign has a professional look.

After sanding, you may want to stain the wood to give it a uniform colour. You can use a DIY wood stain made from steel wool, tea, and apple cider vinegar, or purchase a wood stain from a hardware store.

Once the stain is dry, you can apply a coat of paint. Choose a colour that complements your wedding theme and that will make your text or design stand out. For stained wood, use latex paint to ensure your designs show through and last.

If you plan to write or paint your text directly onto the wood, it's a good idea to sketch out your design with a pencil first. This will give you a guide to follow and ensure your text is straight and evenly spaced.

If you want to use a stencil or transfer method for your text or design, prepare the materials before applying the final coat of paint. This could include printing out your design, cutting out stencils, or creating a wax paper transfer sheet.

Transferring the design

There are several ways to transfer your design onto wood. You can use a printed design transfer, a stencil, or a vinyl stencil.

If you want to use a printed design transfer, design and print out your sign onto regular paper. Flip the paper over and colour the backside with pencil or chalk. Turn the design back over and centre it on your wooden sign. Using a pencil, firmly trace your printed design. This will transfer the chalk or graphite onto the wood. You can then trace your design with a paint pen, gold leaf pen, or Sharpie.

If you want to use a stencil, cut out your design from stencil paper using a craft knife or Cricut. Paint the surface of the wood and arrange your stencils, adhering them firmly to the wood. With gentle pressure and a small amount of paint, gently dab paint through the stencil. As soon as all stencilled areas have been painted, quickly remove the stencils.

If you want to use a vinyl stencil, cut out your design from vinyl using a Cricut or a similar tool. You can also try to cut out your design by hand if it is simple. Position the vinyl where you want it on the wood, measuring it out and using masking tape as a guide. Cut a piece of transfer paper to the same size as your design and place it over the vinyl, smoothing it down so there are no bubbles. Once the transfer paper is stuck to the vinyl, peel off the backing. Place the vinyl stencil, still with the transfer paper on, onto the wood, facing upwards, and smooth over it again to remove any air bubbles. When there are no air bubbles, peel off the transfer paper and you're ready to start painting.

Decorating the sign

Once you've prepared your wooden sign and written on the wood, it's time to decorate!

There are many ways to decorate your wooden wedding sign. If you want to keep it simple, you can add running greenery or small flower arrangements at the top of the sign. You can also paint flowers or other designs around the words. If you want to add a bit of sparkle, string lights are a great option. For a rustic look, consider using twine or metal details, especially if these elements are featured elsewhere in your wedding venue.

If you're feeling creative, you can try more advanced techniques, such as the wax paper transfer method or using a stencil. With the wax paper transfer method, you print out your design on wax paper, then use a credit card to "burn" the letters into the wood by rubbing the card over each letter. You can then paint over the words for a handmade look. With a stencil, you can cut out your own design or use a pre-made one, position it on the wood, and paint over it. Just be careful not to use too much paint or apply too much pressure, as this can cause the paint to bleed under the stencil.

Another option is to create a chalkboard sign. Start by sanding your wood with medium and then fine-grit sandpaper. Next, use a roller to apply several coats of chalkboard paint (the more coats, the better!). After the final coat has dried for 72 hours, "prime" the chalkboard by rubbing chalk all over it and then wiping it away with a rag. Now your sign is ready for writing!

Finally, don't forget to finish your sign with a stand. You can use lumber, which is sturdy enough to be pounded into the ground, or lean the sign against a flat surface and add other decorations around it. If your wedding venue doesn't have soil for pounding posts, consider using metal frames to hold your signs.

Frequently asked questions