Creating A Wedding Sign Frame: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding signs are a fun and functional way to decorate your big day. Whether you're directing guests to the right place, sharing a special message, or simply listing the menu, wedding signs are a great way to add a personal touch to your celebration. In this article, we'll show you how to make a wedding sign frame that will wow your guests. From choosing the right materials to designing your sign, we'll give you all the tips and tricks you need to create a stunning and elegant DIY wedding sign.

Prepare and decorate a frame

Preparing and decorating a frame for a wedding sign is a fun and easy DIY project that can be done in a few simple steps. Here is a guide to help you create a beautiful and elegant wedding sign frame:

Choose the Right Frame:

Start by selecting a frame that fits the theme and style of your wedding. You can choose from a variety of materials such as wood, glass, acrylic, or metal. Consider the size of the frame; a larger frame will allow you to include more details, while a smaller frame may be more suitable for a simple design. If you want to hang the frame, ensure it has the necessary hardware.

Prepare the Frame:

Before decorating your frame, it's essential to prepare the surface. If the frame is old or has a finish, lightly sand it to create a smooth base for your decorations. You can also paint the frame with a colour that complements your wedding colour scheme. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Design and Create Your Sign:

Decide on the message or quote you want to display on your sign. You can write it yourself or find inspiration online. Consider the font and style of your text, ensuring it is legible and aligns with your wedding theme. You can print out your design or use a projector to trace it directly onto the frame.

Decorate the Frame:

There are several ways to decorate your frame:

• Paint-over stickers: Apply paint to the frame and, once dry, stick on letters or shapes. Paint over them, then remove the stickers to reveal your design.
• Stencils: Adhere stencils firmly to the frame and gently dab paint through the cut-out areas. Remove the stencils immediately after painting to avoid bleeding.
• Printed design transfer: Print your design on regular paper, then colour the backside with pencil or chalk. Place the design on your frame and trace over it, transferring the chalk or graphite onto the frame.
• Calligraphy: Use a glass marker or metallic paint marker to create elegant calligraphy or hand-lettered words on your frame.

Finish and Display:

Once you have decorated your frame, ensure that it is completely dry. If necessary, apply a sealant to protect your design. Finally, find the perfect spot to display your wedding sign, whether it's at the entrance to your venue, on a table, or as part of a photo backdrop.

Remember, this project is meant to be enjoyable, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different techniques and materials. Happy crafting!

Use a printed design transfer

Using a printed design transfer is a simple way to create a wedding sign frame. This technique is a favourite for many as it is easy to execute and can be used on any surface.

To start, design and print your desired sign onto regular paper. Ensure that the size of the print fits the frame you will be using. Once you have your print, cut off any excess white paper around the design.

Next, flip the paper over and shade over the outline of the design on the back with a pencil. If you are using a dark wood surface, you can use chalk instead. This step will allow you to transfer the design onto the wood.

Now, flip your design back over and position it in the centre of your sign frame. Secure the paper in place with masking tape. Using a pencil, trace over your design, applying heavy pressure.

Once you have traced the entire design, remove the paper to reveal the transferred outline on the wood. Complete the transfer by tracing over the pencil outline with a marker, paint marker, or paintbrush and paint. You can also use a gold leaf pen or a Sharpie for this step.

And that's it! You now have a beautifully hand-lettered wedding sign frame without having to worry about your handwriting or painting skills.

Paint over stickers

Painting over stickers is a great way to create a wedding sign frame, especially if you don't feel confident with a paintbrush or don't like your handwriting. This method is like a "backwards stencil", and there are endless ways to do it.

First, paint your sign the colour you want your letters to be. You could use spray paint or regular paint for this step. Next, using fun-shaped stickers, arrange your desired phrase, pressing them firmly into the wood. Then, paint over the stickers. Finally, remove the stickers to reveal your design.

You could even leave the letters the wood colour or make them an ombré. You could use different types of stickers, including shapes, letters, and numbers. You could even cut your own stickers with a Cricut machine.

To make your stickers stay put, or to glue other items to your sign, use decoupage glue. Apply 1-3 coats, with at least an hour of dry time in between.

Use a stencil or make one

Using a stencil is a great, classic way to make a wedding sign, and you can even make your own stencil.

Using a Stencil

First, paint your sign, if you want to. You can use acrylic craft paint, latex paint, chalk paint, or stencil cream. Then, arrange your stencils and stick them down firmly. Use a repositionable stencil adhesive spray or matte Mod Podge to prevent paint from bleeding underneath the stencil. With a small amount of paint and gentle pressure, gently dab the paint through the stencil. As soon as you've painted all the stencilled areas, quickly remove the stencils and wash them with warm, soapy water.

Making Your Own Stencil

You can make your own stencil using stencil paper and a craft knife, or a Cricut machine and its wide variety of vinyl papers.

Paint your own chalkboard

If you want to paint your own chalkboard for your wedding sign frame, there are a few methods you can try.

Firstly, you'll need to decide on your surface. You could use a large MDF board, an artist's board, an old picture frame with a glass panel, or chipboard (such as the back of a sketchbook). If you're using wood, it's a good idea to sand it first with medium and then fine-grit sandpaper.

Next, you'll need to get your hands on some chalkboard paint. You can either use spray paint or regular paint. Spray paint is a good option if you're short on time, as it dries quickly and you can simply spray three coats onto your surface, letting each coat dry in between. If you're using regular paint, use a roller for the best finish—this will give you a smoother surface than a brush, which can leave fine lines. You'll need to do 2-5 coats, depending on your surface, and gently sand each coat after the second one.

Once your paint is dry, you'll need to prime your chalkboard. To do this, simply rub chalk all over the surface and then wipe it away with a rag. This will ensure your chalkboard has a long writing life.

Now your chalkboard is ready to be used! You can use chalk or chalk pens to write your chosen message. If you make a mistake, you can simply wipe it away with a damp cloth.

If you want to get creative with your design, you can use a computer to create your wording/design and then print it out. Scribble on the non-printed side of the paper with a pencil, and then place your design printed-side-up on your chalkboard. Trace your design, and this will transfer it onto your chalkboard. You can then fill it in with chalk or chalk pens.

Frequently asked questions