DIY Faux Pallet Sign

Wow, I can’t believe Thanksgiving is almost here. Time just flies this time of year, right?!

Today’s project is a Thanksgiving/Fall craft. I love seeing these wooden “Gather” signs all over Instagram and I’ve really wanted one for the house. So, I decided to make my own and pulled out some foam sheets.

Supplies needed to make this project:

• (2) FloraCraft® Make It: Fun® Foam Sheets: 1 x 12 x 36″
• FloraCraft® StyroCutter® Plus
• FloraCraft Smooth Finish®
• Sharpie Marker
• Fine Grit Sandpaper
• Low-Temp Glue Gun and Glue
• Metallic Copper Paint
• Word Template
• Straight Pins

Instructions:

For my wording I only needed one sheet of foam.  I printed off my template in vinyl using my Silhouette Cameo then I stuck the vinyl to the foam using pins to help keep the template in place.

Then I used a Sharpie to outline my word.

Next, I used the StyroCutter Plus to cut out my wording. It works perfect for a project like this, just follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.  I started in the middle and worked my way around to help keep the word from breaking. You don’t have to press hard…let the tool do all the work.  If the tip bends, you’re pressing too hard.

Once I was done, I went around and lightly smoothed the edges of the letters with fine-grit sandpaper.  Just be careful with this step because a cursive word (like mine) will be a bit fragile.

Now the fun part, adding your Smooth Finish!!  I covered everything with a thick coat of Smooth Finish and then let it dry overnight.

Once it’s completely dry you can smooth it down with a light sandpaper.  Again, be gentle.

Tip:  If your word does break, don’t panic…it’s an easy fix!  Simply use low-temp glue to piece it back together and then coat the break with another layer of Smooth Finish.  Let dry completely, then sand down the area.

I knew I wanted to paint my letters, but I wasn’t 100% sure what color.  Did I want to go beachy colors to match my house (coastal is my theme) or do something completely different.  So I started looking through my paint colors and found this Metallic copper paint from DecoArt. I thought it would be PERFECT!!!

It goes on pretty thick so I only needed to add one coat.  Then I let dry for 2 hours.

I decided I wanted to mount my word on a “faux” pallet to give it a little more stability.  So I grabbed another foam sheet. I covered the sheet with two coats of Smooth Finish and let each coat dry about 3 hours.  Once it was completely dry I sanded it down.

Then I measured out where I wanted my “wood lines” to be.  I folded my sandpaper in half and traced my ruler until I made lines into the foam.  You can also use a craft stick to help make the lines deeper.  I used this same technique here!

Add a little low-temp glue to the back of your word and place it on your “pallet”. Just make sure you glue it on straight!!  I think mine’s a little off, but I like how it sort of arches.  #handmade

It takes a little time to make this, but it’s the perfect way to make a custom sign.  Totally worth the time.  Wouldn’t it be fun to make one with your last name?

Or, this would be great to make for a wedding or shower, anything really!  The possibilities are endless.