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DIY Breast Cancer Sign using Transfers

Making your own DIY Breast Cancer signs is a wonderful way to show your support to anyone who needs some hope in their lives. With this step-by-step tutorial, you can make your own signs as a reminder to give hope to a loved one or yourself. DIY Breast Cancer Signs Making a Breast Cancer sign that brings awareness to breast cancer and is simply beautiful too, is just plain awesome. I can’t get enough of these pink shades and messages of hope! Crafting these with that someone special you know in mind, makes them even more special. Whether you or someone you love is a current fighter or a proud survivor, this DIY project is for you. You only need a few things to make this look! Grab some pieces of wood, some paint, some stencils, and these beautiful transfers to get started. To see exactly what I did to make these adorable and meaningful signs, check out my tutorial below. In under an hour, you will have 2 new signs to decorate your home with or give as a gift to someone needing an emotional uplift.  Make your Own DIY Breast Cancer Sign I miss my grandma every day. And when I craft these, I think of her. She was beautiful and always had hope. She always was able to brighten my days because she was so special. These signs help her spirit live on for me.  Using these big beautiful floral transfers, along with the stencils about hope, are perfect to brighten anyone’s day. I know they do mine. Being able to craft something so personal makes me happy. Determining which flowers to use, colors to paint, and stencil to apply makes these signs even more heartfelt. If you need this sign for your own home, or for a friend, check out the steps below.  Supplies: Wood Board Panels Basecoat of your choice of color paint – Pink Heat Gun Master’s Touch Light Pink, Darker Pink & White Hope with Ribbon Hope Definition Stencil Flat edge applicator tool Lush Floral I Transfer by Prima (no longer available) Paintbrush Finger Daubers Minwax Polyurethane Spray How to Make A DIY Breast Cancer Wood Sign Grab your wooden boards and apply a base coat of pink paint. Dry completely. Use a blow dryer or heat gun to speed up the drying process. Once dry, play with the placement of stencils and transfer to create a visual plan on your first “HOPE with Ribbon” sign.  Grab your pieces of floral transfer and apply them to your wooden sign. Use your flat edge tool to adhere to the wood. Be careful when applying your transfer because once it sticks it on there.  Carefully remove your plastic backing slowly as you work. Next, let’s add the “HOPE with Ribbon” Stencil.  Grab your desired color(s) for your stencils by squirting on a plate. I am using a slightly darker pink than my base coat to stencil first. You could leave it as is if you like the subtle look.  With your pouncers or finger daubers, begin to press your paint gently into your stencil. Dry your paint before moving on to the next step. I want my stencil to really pop, so I am laying the stencil back over, shifted just a tad. Add some white paint on your stencil, leaving the pink ribbon alone.   Go back in and add more floral and leaf transfers to fill in the opening up top. Repeat using the same steps as before to apply your transfer.  Set aside to get started on your other Breast Cancer Wood Sign. Bring over your next pink board to begin adding your details.  Determine which floral transfer pieces you want to add to your board – cut out from your main sheet. Remember to be careful to not let your transfer get ruined by touching anything with the back paper removed. For this sign I will build up my transfers a bit more by layering with the pieces up top on my board.  Once you have created a visual representation of what you want your board to look like as a finished product, begin with your first transfer. Apply your transfer by resting in place, and pressing firmly with your tool so the transfer adheres nicely.  Repeat as you stack all of your transfers on your board.  Don’t be afraid to layer and have fun with it. Stack them around on your board. Feel free to snip and shift your transfers before you make a final decision as to where to lay them. To finish up, grab your “Hope Definition” stencil, and with your finger daubers add your darker pink paint first. Repeat the steps from above to dry, then reapply your stencil to add your next layer of white paint.  Once finished with these signs, apply a spray polyurethane to help these cute signs to have a finished look.  Do Transfers Always Need to be Sealed? The answer is yes and no! For these wooden signs, you should definitely seal these to give them a finished look. You worked too hard to have them not look extra fabulous y’all. I like to use whatever is hanging around my craft room if I am being honest. But what I use most to seal my projects is either Dixie Bell or the Minwax Spray Polyurethane. I DO NOT seal my transfer when applying them to the glass of an old window. Doing that will ruin the transfer. How Many Projects Can I Make with a Transfer Sheet Set? With this transfer sheet set, I have already made 5 projects and I am nowhere near using it all up. With these 2 Breast Cancer Wooden Signs, I was hoping it would help me dwindle down my stash. But, I still have so much leftover. That is why I love these transfers. You get so much product for your to work with. Creating wooden signs of all sorts of sizes is a cinch. Old windows look great with these transfers on them, as well.  Oh, and these beautiful flower transfers would also look beautiful on any old piece of furniture you want to upcycle. So to answer that great question… the possibilities are endless! Too many to count! Just pin this DIY Breast Cancer Sign tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

How To Make Funny Signs for Home Decor

Learn how to turn your craft abilities into a little humor for home by making funny signs using stencils and paint that you will not be disappointed in. Y’all. If you like to giggle and craft, then this post is for you. I have a pretty big sense of humor and love anything that can make me smile. These DIY Funny Signs are just too cute and comical to not craft. They are bound to make any guest who stops by your home smile, and that is always my goal. You know you giggled when you read those signs. Don’t deny it!  I will be honest. I didn’t love how thin these pieces of wood were when I ordered them. But I sure am loving them now. They are so thin and light that I can easily poke holes right in the top. Then all I have to do is simply attach some twine to be able to hang these cute DIY Funny Signs anywhere I want in my home. And don’t worry y’all, if you don’t have these exact pieces of wood, they turn out just as cute with any piece of scrap wood, some paint, and an adorable stencil. So if you want to create this look for your home too, grab your supplies, and let’s get started.  Make your Own Funny Signs For Home So what do you think about these stencils? Aren’t they just so funny? They definitely bring a smile to my face! AND crafting with them to make a comical DIY for my own home, just makes them even more special. I decided to stick with my neutral color palette so it would fit in with the rest of my farmhouse decor. But you don’t have to! With a craft like this, you get to determine the size of your wood, the colors, and the amount of detail. The best part is I did it all with some supplies I have had on hand. (I ordered a big bundle of those wooden boards from Amazon.) Pretty great, right? Let me teach you how to create these signs from start to finish. Just check out these simple steps below!  Supplies: Wood Board Panels Basecoat of your choice of color paint – light tan/cream & black “Please Excuse The Mess” Stencil “You Drink Too Much” Stencil – The Stencil Smith Finger Daubers Heat Gun Jute Twine Electric drill How To Make Funny Signs for home decor Grab your thin wooden boards and apply a base coat of paint. You determine the color(s) that works best for your decor. I went with a light tan for one and black for the other. But you do what looks best for your decor. Dry completely. Use a blow dryer or heat gun to speed up the drying process. Once dry, grab your desired color(s) for your stencils by squirting them on a plate.  On our first DIY Funny Sign, carefully apply your stencil, “You Drink Too Much” in place on your board. I used my light tan board for this sign. With your pouncers or finger daubers, begin to press your paint gently into your stencil. I just used black for the letters for this sign. Once complete, gently remove your stencil.  Add some dimension to your sign by running your finger daubers along the sides. To me, it looks a bit boring without it. Set aside. Bring over your next board. I painted my board with a black base. I used the light tan to add lettering with my stencil.  Repeat the steps from above to add your next stencil, “Please Excuse the Mess” for your DIY Funny Signs Set. When dry, poke two holes into the tops of your boards using a tiny drill bit.  Use a jute/twine/leather cord to pop through holes. Create a hanger for these DIY Funny Signs to be displayed in your home for all to admire.  Should You Use Just One Color When Filling In A Stencil? For these signs, I did just use one color for the whole sign. But you do not have to! You can mix and match as many colors as you want. Since I prefer the more neutral colors in my home decor, I tend to stick to that color palette. But y’all do not have to do that. Just have fun and enjoy the entire crafting process, whatever it might be. ANNNNND, the beauty of a stencil is if you don’t like how it looks, no big deal. Just repaint and start from scratch!  What To Do If Your Sign Looks a Bit Boring? Y’all! I am a fan of sweet and simple when it comes to some crafts. But I don’t ever want my project to look unfinished. That is why I love the distressed look so much. (Ha, that explains why I do it so often.) To get that look, just run a bit of black paint on your finger daubers along the edges of a sign. Don’t push too hard, as you are just adding a new dimension to your sign. Sometimes I even use a sander to roughen up the edges too. Just remember not to go too crazy when distressing friends. Let me know what you think of this technique. It is an easy way to boost your boring sign to something beautiful. See you next time! Just pin this how to make funny signs for your home tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

DIY Floral Window Using Transfers

Love the look of using a transfer to make your own floral window sign? Learn how to make your own using stencils with my step by step tutorial. This simple DIY window is a perfect way to spread awareness, all year long. Using these beautiful, big bold pink florals, and a stencil of HOPE will help to serve as a reminder. This craft is a beauty, not just in its looks, but in what it stands for as well. All you need is a few things for y’all to create this look. An old window, some paint color of your choosing, a stencil, and transfers. Oh and a little bit of time! What do you think? Want to make it? Then let’s get started. Check out how I did it step by step in my tutorial below. You will have your own DIY Breast Cancer Awareness Window in less than an hour.  Breast Cancer Pink Floral Window Using Transfers I love to craft home decor that is beautiful, eye-appealing, and a statement piece. But I also love to craft something that is meaningful. It makes it even more special. Being able to select my own stencil and transfers allows me to personalize this sign exactly how I want it. Picking the paint colors and coordinating flowers will help this sign be a unique treasure for whoever is the owner. Can’t you just imagine how special it would be to be given as a gift to someone who is fighting a hard battle? It would also be great to auction off at a fundraiser surrounded by all those pink ribbons. I can also envision it as a lovely decor in your guest bedroom/bathroom. Follow these steps below to make your own Breast Cancer Window. Supplies: Old Glass Window Rust-Oleum 2X Spray Paint Blossom White Lush Floral I – Prima Transfer (no longer available) Hope Stencil – The Stencilsmith Sponge Daubers Master’s Touch Acrylic Paint Heat Gun Transfer Tool Paintbrush Minwax Polyurethane How To Make Your Own DIY Floral Window Using Transfers Prep your window by cleaning the glass on both sides.  Apply a coat of paint onto the back of your glass. You determine the color you want to match your home decor. I selected white, but a pale pink would look beautiful too.  Dry completely and then apply the 2nd coat. Dry again. Flip over your window and wipe any excess debris that may be on there. Paint the window frame if you choose. I kept mine the wood look. You decide what you like best.  Determine which window stencils and Prima transfers you wish to apply. Play with placement based on the size of your window, transfers, and stencils.  Cut out the transfers you need from your main sheet. Use a razor blade to help clean your window one last time to ensure your glass is nice and clean. Rest your pink floral rub on transfer directly onto the glass. Be careful as you place it because once it sticks, it is on there. Press firmly with the flat edge tool to help it adhere perfectly.  Once applied, slowly peel back your plastic film to reveal your transfer. Go back and push down in spots that might need a little more pressure.  Run your fingers over the transfer to ensure you have no air bubbles.  Next, lay your HOPE stencil down on your window, paying attention to the placement. With your pouncers or finger daubers, begin to press your paint gently into your stencil. I used pink to tie into the flowers.  Once you are done filling in the stencil, pull it up carefully. You can add a bit of white to help your letters pop, but I like the way it looks as is.  Completely dry your paint with a heat gun before you add another floral transfer in your open areas of the window. Grab the perfect transfer that will fit best in your open space. Remember you can cut your transfers and layer them as well. I don’t like to waste, so little pieces work great. Just have fun with it and be creative.   Add a bit of white paint along the inside of your window, resting right next to your frame. This hides any crooked cuts on the transfer. It also adds a new texture to the piece.  Finally, spray your wood frame board with a Minwax polyurethane spray to seal, being sure not to get on the glass.  To maintain the beauty of your window, use a Swiffer to lightly dust it. No water or Windex on the glass from now on! Do You Have to Paint a Color on the Back of Your Window’s Glass? In order to have your stencils/transfers really stand out, you should paint a coat, or 2, of a neutral color on the back of your window’s glass. You could decide you don’t want to do this step. That is totally fine. The color of your wall will show through if you don’t paint your glass. But I prefer painting the back to allow for the details to be really pop! Which style do you like best? What If I Make a Mistake While Applying My Transfer? Y’all! I do this all the time. And that is why I love working with these transfers. You might make a mistake by accidentally removing your plastic backing too soon. Or even pulling it off too quickly. No worries. Simply disguise it by applying another little transfer piece over the top. Can you even see the mistake I made on here with the leaf? I bet you can’t! You could also hide it with the stencils you apply, as well. Happy little mistakes can always be fixed, so don’t stress. Just pin this DIY Floral Window using Transfers tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

DIY Distressed Wood Signs

In this step-by-step tutorial, I will teach you, from start to finish, how to make your own DIY Distressed Wood Signs. Scrapwood, paint, stencil, and a sander are all you need! If you are wanting this same adorable look for your home, let me walk you through it!  There is not a piece of wood that I don’t love. No matter the size or shape, I LOVE it. Why you might ask? Well, because I can make adorable DIY Distressed Wood Signs with any piece of wood. So why wouldn’t I love it? Being able to create my own home decor exactly how I want it makes me happy. I bet you feel the same as I do. Or else, why would you be here? DIY Distressed Wood Signs I told you I love wood, but I did not tell you how much I love stencils, yet! I LOOOOVE stencils. Stencils are the best way to select your style, size, and overall satisfaction when creating a DIY Wood Sign. The best part is that all you need is a piece of scrap wood and a stencil of your choosing. I love The Stencil Smith personally, but really any stencil will be just fine. Next, just determine your paint colors, and you are set. You too can make your own home decor to match your style by following these steps below.  Supplies 18×12 & 16×12 wood boards Black – Fusion Mineral Paint Master’s Touch Acrylic Paints – Warm Gray (Tan) “What I Love Most About My Home” Stencils – from The Stencil Smith  “Hangry” – from the Stencil Smith   Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Satin Sander – 220 grit How to Make Your DIY Distressed Wood Sign Grab your large wooden rectangular boards. You determine the sizes. Apply a coat of black paint all over your entire board. Don’t forget your sides to give a finished look on both boards. Use a blow dryer or heat gun to speed up the drying process.  Once dry, grab your desired colors for your stencils by squirting them on a plate.  Lay your stencil down on your board, paying attention to holding it in place as you work.  With your pouncers or finger daubers, begin to press your light-colored paint gently into your stencil. With a large stencil, I start at the top and work from left to right. Once you are done filling in the stencil, pull it up carefully.  Allow your sign to dry completely before moving on. To get the distressed look, grab your sander with 220 grit. Simply go along the edges of your sign, being careful not to do too much. It will remove the paint that you placed at the beginning of the craft. Wipe debris clean. To seal your sign, add a layer of Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane Clear Satin starting from the bottom of your sign. Going in lines from left to right to ensure you have complete coverage all the way up on your board. Follow directions on the can for how far to hold the can from the board.   If you wish to hang your sign, attach the hardware to the back.  How Do You Determine What Size of Wood to Use? I do not have a fancy pants answer for this. And you might even laugh at my honesty. But when I want to make a sign, I do 1 of 2  things. One option is, to find a stencil that I want to use. Then I will hunt down a piece of scrap wood that will fit nicely. The other option is if I already have a piece of scrap wood the size I want,  I stick with it. Then the hunt begins for a stencil I can add that will fit. Ha! I told you it was not a fancy pants answer. I believe in working with what you got and enjoying every minute of it.  Which Thickness Is Best When Working with Stencils? If anyone ever tries to tell you thickness doesn’t matter, they are wrong. I love to use the 7 Mil Mylar Options when I am working on a smaller project. They are sturdy enough for a limited area to stencil. But if I am stenciling a large sign, I always buy the 10 Mil Mylar Option. They are sturdy. They will last. And, they are easier to take care of so you can use them time and time again. To be honest though, if you take your time when stenciling, you can use either. Just pin this DIY Distressed Wood Signs tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

DIY Farm Signs

Get ready to fall in love with these DIY farm signs that are super simple and perfect for any farm decor you are going for. These DIY Farm Signs cover all the aspects of that hardworking lifestyle and adorable decor. Whatever you are, farm or city folk, these signs are perfect for that farm lifestyle you love to live. Or you are longing for in your daily life. From “Farm Sweet Farm”, “Cluck Oink Moo”, and “Tractors.” Let me be very clear with you from the beginning about farm living! It is not easy y’all! Rising early, resting late. Down and dirty from dusk to dawn. But… These DIY Farm Signs… They are NOT HARD at all! These farm-themed stencils and transfers are just the best. So with just a few supplies, some time, and my step-by-step tutorial, you can have these Farm Signs as your new decor with little effort. And I will say it again. There is not much on the farm that requires little effort. So are you ready to get to work? Make Your Own Farm DIY Signs  At first, I was a bit bummed at how thin these wood signs were when I got them in the mail. I remember being frustrated that I wasted my money. But y’all, they are so PERFECT for this DIY craft using stencils. They are so lightweight, that easily adding the hanger was not too much work at all. I love that this set of 3 signs can all be hung on one wall of my home, or throughout it. No matter where I place them, they will look good. They will keep the Farm theme and decor consistent no matter the space. That is what I want for my home. I want it to truly feel like the sign says, “Farm Sweet Farm.” Supplies: Wood Board Panels Algonquin Paint “Farm Sweet Farm” Stencil “Cluck Oink Moo” Stencil Farm Life Transfer “Tractor” Stencil Transfer Tool Master’s Touch Acrylic Paints – Black & Red Finger Daubers Sander Twine Electric Drill How To Make Your Own DIY Farm Signs Grab your thin wooden boards and apply a base coat of paint. You determine the color(s) that works best for your decor. I went with a light tan because I am a neutral kind of gal. Dry completely. Use a blow dryer or heat gun to speed up the drying process. Once dry, grab your desired color(s) for your stencils by squirting on a plate.  On our first DIY Farm Sign, Apply your stencil, “Farm Sweet Farm” in place on your board. With your pouncers or finger daubers, begin to press your paint gently into your stencil. I just used black for this sign. Once complete, gently remove your stencil. Set aside to get started on your other DIY Farm Signs. Bring over your next tan/cream board to complete your 2nd DIY Farm Sign.  Determine which farm animal transfer pieces you want to add to your board – cut out your chicken, pig, and cow!  Remember to be careful to not let your transfer get ruined by touching anything with the back paper removed. Once you have created a visual representation of what you want your board to look like as a finished product, begin with your first transfer. Apply your transfer by resting in place, pressing firmly with your tool so the transfer adheres nicely.  Repeat as you stack all of your transfers on your board. I love the chicken wire accent all throughout.   To finish up, grab your stencil and with your finger daubers add those cute animal  saying sounds to add some fun to your DIY board.  Don’t be afraid to layer and have fun with it.  For your 3rd DIY Farm Sign, determine your tractor color. I chose red, but you do what you like best.  Begin to add your paint colors, determining what words you want to pop with more attention. Be extra careful since this stencil has so many tiny spots that would allow for bleeding through. Use a finger dauber to help with this! Apply that distressed look on your outer edges of the sign. Use a baby wipe to help if you add a little too much in one spot. You could even sand down those edges too if you prefer that look.  Once finished with these signs, apply a spray polyurethane to help these cute signs to have a finished look.  When dry, poke two holes into the tops of your board using a tiny drill bit.  Use craft leather cord to pop through holes. Create a hanger for these DIY Farm Signs to be displayed in your home for all to admire. What is the Difference Between a Finger Dauber and a Pouncer? I love them both so much, and they might not seem like they are different, but y’all, they are. The finger daubers are best for tiny areas to stencil. Those areas that don’t have a lot of negative space between the images or lettering are best stenciled when using a finger dauber. Projects with multiple colors being stenciled are easily accomplished with a finger dauber, as well. A pouncer is foamier and has a larger area to allow more paint coverage to be used on signs that may only need 1 color. I like to use them also to create the perfect round polka dot too for certain projects. But to be honest, sometimes I will just use what is around because that is just my style. Ha! Give them both a try…I sell both. What Paint Should I Use When Stenciling? When I am stenciling, I have always really loved to work with Master’s Touch from Hobby Lobby. It only takes 1 coat and I love how easy it is to finish a craft. But, that doesn’t mean that I don’t use other brands of acrylic paint. To be honest y’all, my crafting style is mostly, use what is around. On these boards, I actually used some old furniture paint for my base coat because it was open. No one will know what you are using, if you just use whatever it is, well. Don’t go using finger paints now… stay smart, not a smart alec. Just remember to have fun with and be creative.  Just pin this DIY Farm Signs tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

DIY Campfire Sign

This cute, not-so-little, DIY Campfire Sign is perfect for anyone who enjoys making memories around a campfire. So keep reading as I teach you how to make your own with this step-by-step tutorial. Are you a camper or a glamper? I go back and forth when I think of how I would classify myself. I loved growing up camping as a kid, but I do enjoy the luxurious camping that we have become accustomed to in my adulthood. And with every experience, the campfire is always my favorite part of it all! So if you consider yourself a true down and dirty camper… or a luxurious nature love glamper, you will love this project. DIY Campfire Sign Using Stencils This stencil is big and bold, much like you want your campfire to be. I love how the black wooden base really helps those letters pop. The use of multiple colors within the fire seems to really make it sizzle! I can almost smell the smoke, can’t you? Stencils are such a fun and easy way to create a DIY sign for any reason, any holiday, and any decor. And yep, camping is for sure something that should have a cute sign to represent it! Are you ready to hit the next campground, or at least craft pretending that we are? I am! This sign is one of my favorites and a top seller too! It is just so fun, so big, and so bright. Everyone loves camping. Maybe some do not enjoy the dirt and smoke, but they most assuredly love the conversations that come out around the campfire. It is always the best part. This DIY sign is perfect for anyone who loves that special experience. The best part is that you don’t need much to make this craft. Just this 1 stencil, a few colors of paint, and a large piece of wood is all it takes. You can even make this amazing sign in less time it would take you to actually build a campfire. You believe me. Let’s give it a try! Supplies: Wood Board – 1×12 or big enough to fit your large stencil Black Paint – https://flippinfurnitureshop.com/products/coal-black-fusion-paint “What Happens around the CAMPFIRE” Stencil – https://www.thestencilsmith.com/products/2357-what-happens-around-the-campfire?_pos=3&_sid=91f244522&_ss=r&variant=33619318833292&aff=6  Acrylic Paint – Master’s Touch Acrylic Paints – Dark Titanium White, mustard, tan, brown, orange, and red – https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Painting-Supplies/Acrylic-Painting/Titanium-White-Master’s-Touch-Acrylic-Paint—4.1-Ounce/p/8406 Dixie Belle Satin Clear Top Coat – https://amzn.to/3wDKf8U Sander  Minwax Polyurethane Spray Steps to Make your DIY Campfire Sign Using Stencils Grab your large wooden rectangular board. Apply a coat of black paint all over your entire board. Don’t forget your sides to give a finished look. Use a blow dryer or heat gun to speed up the drying process.  Once dry, grab your desired colors for your stencils by squirting on a plate.  Lay your stencil down on your board, paying attention to the sides if you have a tight fit like me.  With your pouncers or finger daubers, begin to press your paint gently into your stencil in the desired areas you choose. I start with white. Once complete, use your mustard color to fill in the words CAMPFIRE. You can use the same pouncer or finger dauber  Next grab your tan color and mix in a bit of brown to fill in your logs and sticks on board.  To finish up our stencil, the fire is next. I layer colors of the mustard, orange, and reds to make the fire really pop. Play with placement as you add, remembering to be creative.  Brighten it up where needed by going over in spots you desire, especially on outer edges of fire. Don’t go overboard! Once you are done filling in the stencil, pull it up carefully.   If you want to add some texture detail to the sides of your sign, simply sand. Finally, spray your board with a Minwax polyurethane spray. What Colors Are Best to Start When Working with a Multi-Colored Project?  Y’all this is such a great question. I am all about working smarter, not harder. So, paint choice for me is one way to be smart from the start! I always begin with my lightest color of paint first. That way, I can reuse the same paint pouncer or finger dauber for the entire project. You know I am not wanting to go wash out that paint as I craft… ain’t nobody got time for that!   Do I Have to Use a Finger Dauber? I will be honest with y’all. I love me a good finger dauber. They are my very best friends when I stencil. I also enjoy using a pouncer too, from time to time. Although some people even use makeup sponges when they stencil. I don’t have the best of luck using those, but others do! I am here to tell you, to use whatever you have. Remember, think smarter, not harder. All that matters is that you are having fun, and you enjoy the process. Oh, and that you love the final product too! Just pin this DIY Campfire sign tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

Upcycle a Window Using Transfers

With a beautiful transfer sheet like this Farmers Market Truck Canvas from Prima, you just can’t go wrong when choosing to upcycle a window using transfers. Window frames are some of my favorite pieces of old furniture to decorate with. I love that they come in all different shapes. Ok, ok, mostly just squares and rectangles, but they also come in so many sizes. Big ones, small ones, medium ones, ones with and without panes. I love them all. And you know me, I hate to see anything that is old not become new, purposeful, and beautiful once again. So old windows are simply wonderful to upcycle in the easiest of ways!  Using Prima transfers is a great way to add some character and charm to an old window. Honestly though really, any transfer is a good transfer in my opinion. They take patience and sometimes a bit of practice. But, man oh man, are they worth it. Remember when I used transfers to update my hutch? I love how they are so easy yet make such a big change! How To Upcycle a Window Using Transfers I have had this transfer sheet for years and am so glad that I finally put it to good use. The vintage, farmhouse vibe, with that filigree accented text is just beautiful. I especially love how it pops on the window, thanks to a helpful trick I will happily teach you in this tutorial. So are you ready to learn the easiest way to Upcycle an old window? Do you have this transfer sheet or one you love more, that you have been dying to try out? Are you ready to get crafting, making something old become beautiful once again? If you said yes to all of these, I am so excited! Let’s get started.  Supplies: Old Window Frame with Glass Fresh Flowers Transfer – (no longer available) Beautiful Things Transfer – Prima (no longer available) Sander Transfer Sheet Applicator  Scissors/Razor Blade How to Complete an Upcycled Old Window Using Using Transfers Sand the frame of your old wood window, measuring the best for your transfer size, and remove all the loose debris. Clean your glass window with windex on both sides.  Trick to help your transfer really pop is to paint a white coat on the backside of your window to allow for your transfer to easily be seen. Not necessary, but I like this step! Seal the wood window frame with Dixie Bell Satin Clear Top Coat. Dry completely. Clean up your window to remove all dirt, debris, excess just in case any more got on there.  Determine where you want to add your transfer by measuring and playing with placement to create a good visual before you start the craft. Remember to use those grid marks to help you be successful.  Once cut, carefully remove the backing, nice and slowly. Be sure that it does not touch itself, or it will be ruined.  Do your best to lay it down on your glass because once it touches, it is on. Use your Prima Tool to help you firmly press the transfer to the glass.  Slowly remove the clear film backing from your transfer. Use that backing to help burnish it a bit by rubbing all along the glass to make sure it is touching the surface everywhere. Use your finger too. Apply the middle section and bottom sections of your transfer by carefully measuring, trying your best to keep it all lined up. Trim first to help you line it up with ease. Repeat steps 9 and 10 to complete. Do not worry about sealing your transfer. Prima advises against it. You can add a little tan paint on the inside of your sides on your glass to help tie it all together. This will also help to hide any blemishes.  Since I had a bit of a gap on the bottom, I will consider adding a few other floral transfers cascading down in that open space to help finalize it all.  Where can I dispaly my upcycled window with transfers? Y’all the question should be where can’t I decorate with this beauty? This would look great in your home on an open ledge, a mantle with a tall space up above it, on a bathroom wall, with a beautiful vase with seasonal flowers, and even in a guest bedroom with a comforter accenting those pops of colors from the florals in the transfer. Just have fun wherever you put it and know that it is simply gorgeous no matter where it ends up.   Is It Easy To Stack Transfers on Top of Other Transfers? Yes! I do this all the time. Some transfers are so pretty by themselves. But when you add a little more, they become out of this world beautiful. Just remember when working with transfers, be it the first layer or the second, be careful not to let it touch anywhere. Once you have removed the backing, you better be ready to go! Trust me from experience. Once it sticks, it sticks!  Just pin this How to Complete an Upcycled Old Window Using Using Transfers tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 2

How To Apply Transfers To A Metal File Box

Ready to transform a metal file box into something cute and fun?! Let me show you exactly how to apply transfers to a metal file box to take it up a notch! Sometimes you just have something old and boring in your stash of stuff around your house. Or you spot it at the thrift store and it catches your eye. And when you see it, you know you it can easily be transformed into something awesome in no time. That is the case with this old Metal File Box. It still has a purpose, even if it is ugly and boring. What is its purpose, y’all? I am so excited to make this my new organizing box for all of my stencils! It won’t fit them all, but it will happily hold my most used ones! Don’t you love a good organizational project? And a cute one at that? I know I do! My stencils are going to be so happy in their new little home! Give it a good cleaning, wipe it dry, add some cute scripted and floral transfers, then bam! From boring to beautiful with not a lot of steps. I will be honest, this did take some effort, because of the SCRIPT transfer sheet. But it was worth it. Stick around with me as I show you how to step by step complete this craft. No big mess, no big worries, but a big transformation for sure. Grab your supplies and let’s get started! Make your Own Metal File Box Makeover Using Transfer I can’t say enough about transfers. So many options and designs out there to allow you to create anything you want based on your own personal style. They are so much fun and a really easy way to add a new flair to any piece of furniture. They even work on furniture and walls! Completing this Metal File Box Makeover, allowed it to have a beautiful purpose again; and it was so worth it. I know my stencils will be so happy in their new home. Everybody, and everything, love to be somewhere organized and pretty too.  Check out my tutorial on how to craft something like this to bring organization and a touch of pretty to your home/office/craft space. Supplies Metal File Box Never Ending Story – (no longer available) ReDesign by Prima Floral Transfer Sheet (no longer available) Transfer Sheet Applicator  Flat edge tool Razor Blade Spray Polyurethane * optional How to Apply Transfers to a Metal File Box  Prep your Metal File Box by giving it a good wipe down with a baby wipe and paper towel. Make sure it is nice and dry. Carefully remove any stickers that might be on there. Use a razor blade to help with this.   Determine your desired transfer sheet. Use the grid markings on there to help you line up your transfers with ease on your metal file box. I am working with a detailed script transfer sheet. Starting on the side of your metal file box, play with the placement of your transfer sheet. Center it if you like, place at an angle, whatever you like best. Just have fun with it and embrace the “Happy Accidents” motto. Once pleased with placement, remove backing. Use your flat edge tool to help you adhere your transfer to your metal file box. Press firmly as you burnish the transfer to ensure it is sticking to the metal. Wrap the transfer around your file box if you like. Be as creative as you want.  As you are burnishing, use a razor blade to help you slice tiny spots on the sheet to help fit transfer easily around the handle and mechanical parts of the file box.  Press firmly with your fingers as you carefully remove plastic backing. Pay attention to your edges. As you wrap around your file box, remove sections with scissors or a razor blade of your transfer where needed. This will help it to fit around the metal hardware on your file box. Stay patient as you add your transfer, as some are a little more challenging to adhere to than others.  Continue to add your transfer sheets around your metal box, lining up where you can, your scripts, your florals, etc. You may need to cut it in sections so it is easier to work with.  Grab some floral transfers to layer on top of your scripted transfer to add some new pops of color and a touch of lovely beauty. Use old scraps or cut sections from your main transfer sheet.  Have fun with placement as you add them here, there, and all over. Add as much as you like. I did not seal my Metal File Box because it is just for me, but I am sure you could use a spray polyurethane sealer to keep your box safe.  Place your Metal File Box with its fabulous Makeover somewhere where it is easily accessible and seen. It is too cute to hide tucked in a craft corner! Are Transfers Easy to Work With? My answer is both yes, and a little bit of no! As long as you are careful as you are placing your transfer down, you will be totally fine. Remember these important tips: Be sure you don’t have any extra papers that could accidentally touch your sticky parts of your transfer. If they do, they will easily come off and be wasted.  Also, try and plan out your project ahead of time, paying attention to the challenges of the metal hardware, that I forgot to account for while working on this project. Oooops. Happy little accidents are okay for me! How about you? The more detailed the transfer, the more time to place. (Especially the spaced out SCRIPT style, that I happen to love, but it is a pain in the booty!) The bigger the transfer, the easier to apply. Stay patient and have fun with it. How Can I Save My Extra Transfer Sheet Pieces? Wasting transfer sheets is not my thing. I am extra careful to keep that backing on the transfer sheets to make sure I can use those little scraps later on all sorts of other projects. I am extra careful to keep them from touching other pages too. They will easily get ruined, and then I am just plain sad. I simply keep the pieces, rolled up in the cylinder they came in. That way it is easy for me to see what designs, florals, patterns, etc. can potentially be inside my cylinder. That keeps it easier for me when working on my next project. Do not be intimidated by transfer sheets! You can easily work with them and you will love the outcome for sure. Happy crafting y’all! Just pin this How to apply transfers to a metal file box tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

How To Revamp a Mantel Clock

Learn how to turn a mantel clock into something new. We’ll show you an easy way to revamp a mantel clock. You will be impressed, I promise. Y’all don’t you just love when you go picking through some old furniture and find a real gem? When I spotted this little, old, wooden Mantle Clock, I was so stinkin’ happy. I could totally picture it as a beauty once again. Watermarks, ugly placard on the front, and wear and tear… who cares? A makeover on this old thing was just what it needed. And I was happy to do that. And I knew it would not take much TIME at all… See what I did there?   A couple coats of paint, a stencil, and some Farmhouse style love was all it took to complete this makeover.  I love how I made this clock “Alive and Ticking” once again. Ticking in terms of cuteness – an actual battery would have to help with the literal ticking! If you are wanting this same look on an old clock, grab your supplies, and let’s go! I have the step-by-step instructions for you… but do you have the time? I love many things. My husband, my whole family, my dogs. But I can not forget my love of stencils and old furniture! Oh, I love them all. And don’t you just love how this old water-marked wooden clock can be transformed in little to no TIME? The best part of this project is how unique you can be when crafting something like this. You determine your paint color, your word to stencil, and your overall vibe. Go Farmhouse like me, or bright and Boho! It is up to you. Follow the steps below, and just be sure you are having a good TIME while doing it.  Supplies: Wooden Mantle Clock Home Stencil – “ALWAYS” Miss Lillian’s NO WAX Cholk Paint – Italian Lace (taupe/tan)  *or your choice of paint color Paintbrush Spray Paint: Bronze Black Paint Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Paint Black Soot Paint Dabbers Paint daubers Heat Gun/dryer Sanding block Spray Polyurethane  Steps to Revamp a Mantel Clock Makeover Prep your Wooden Mantle Clock by carefully removing the innards. Spray paint the circular piece that helped the clock rest back in easily that you removed from the wooden base. I used a bronze color to give it the oil rubbed effect. Apply 2 coats.  With a sanding block, rough up the wood a bit all over your mantle clock.  Wipe clean with a baby wipe to remove debris and dust. Use a heat gun or blow dryer to speed up the drying process.  Grab your desired paint color and paintbrush. Begin to cover your entire mantle clock. Don’t forget the back and bottom too. Allow time for your paint to dry completely. Use that heat gun or blow dryer. Apply 2 coats of paint to your clock. Remember to keep all of your brush strokes going the same direction. Repeat steps to dry before moving on to the next step.  Grab your desired word to stencil on your craft. I chose the term “ALWAYS.”  But you can choose what you like best. Ideas to consider: Family, gather, time, love, together, memories Lay your stencil down on the bottom section, making sure it is centered. Start applying your paint using finger daubers and gently working from top to bottom applying paint over your desired stencil area. I used a black color.  Dry again.  To pull out the detail of the edges, grab your black acrylic paint and your paint daubers. Lightly rub along the edges to help the black pop. Careful in the center around your circle, going a little heavier than on the outside.  I will stop here because it is my simple farmhouse style. But if you want to add any more detail, feel free to do so. Think flowers, ribbon, jute, etc. just be creative and have fun.   Once completely dry, apply a top coat to seal your hard work with your fast drying Minwax Spray Polyurethane.  Pop back in your clock innards when dry and determine what to pair it with on your mantle? So cute! But, hmmm. A plant? A candle? Maybe a sign? Check out this tutorial for an idea.  Why Do You Want To “Rough Up” the Wood? Roughing up the wood, with a sanding block or anything gritty, is so important for many reasons: It removes any finish that may be on your wood to begin with to give it a clean base to start It helps removes any scratches or tiny dents to give a more even surface Most importantly, it allows the new paint to adhere easily.  Can I Glaze the Face of the Clock? For this type of clock face, I would say NO. Since the face is so slick, I don’t think anything would easily adhere to it. It might be possible to add a rusting effect on there, but I think it turned out great as is. But you know me, I do enjoy a distressed look all the time, so that is a great question! Just pin this How to revamp a mantel clock tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

Tequila Lime and Sunshine Sign

Follow along step by step as I show you how to make the perfect tequila lime and sunshine sign to help you escape to the beach just by looking at it. We all need a little beach in our lives every once in a while, right?  Y’all. I am not a beach girl. All that sand and skin is just too much for me. But I am a beach decor kind of girl. Seashells, sunshine, and a squeeze of lime… could there be anything cuter? Well, this DIY Tequila Lime and Sunshine sign is pretty dang cute all by itself. I love how adorable this sign turned out. It is a perfect addition to my home in the summer months when I want to feel like I am getting away to the beach. The bonus is I don’t have to deal with all the sand and skin! Thank goodness. DIY Tequila Lime and Sunshine Signs  A lot of my family and friends can’t get enough of the sun and sand. They just love the beach and all it has to offer. And I love them, so making this cute sign was still fun. Although I am not a beach kind of girl, I am an all things cute kind of girl, when it comes to crafting. A simple sign, stencil, and your favorite colors of paint make this sign the perfect addition to your summer decor. This looks great in any beach house, or even your home/office when you are trying to pretend to be on a tropical island with an ocean breeze in your hair. I can’t get over the summer vibes coming from this cute DIY Tequila Lime & Sunshine sign. Picking the perfect set of paint colors to accent each other is so much fun. This stencil is so easy to put your own spin on the craft. Versatile and in style, for sure. If you are feeling extra creative, mix and match colors throughout the words of the stencil. That is why I love crafting so much. Every piece I make is so different from the one before because it can be. And no matter what, it is always cute! If for some odd reason I don’t like it, I can paint over it and start again! But that rarely happens. Just follow the steps below and have some fun! One question though. Does this sign make you want to get a cold drink, soak up some sunshine, or a little bit of both? Supplies Wooden blocks – scrap lumber of all different sizes Chalk Type paint – Mermaid Tail by Dixie Belle Tequila, Lime, & Sunshine – The Stencilsmith Dark Brown, Chrome Oxide Green, White – * Master’s Touch acrylic paint for stencils Paintbrush Paint daubers Heat Gun/dryer Sanding block Spray Polyurethane Sealer in Satin Steps: Grab your desired size piece of wood that will fit your stencil. Determine your base coat of color. I am using Mermaid by Dixie Bell.  Cover completely. Don’t forget to do the sides. It doesn’t have to be a thick coat because we can distress the boards. Set aside. Dry completely with a heat gun/dryer to speed up the process.  Touch up any spots that you may have missed. Place your Tequila, Lime, & Sunshine Stencil, thanks to The Stencil Smith, on your board. With your green and white acrylic paint mixed a bit, begin dabbing out the lime on your stencil. Use finger daubers to stencil. Makeup sponges work too. I just like finger daubers best. Hold stencil in place as you work.  On the words of your stencil, you decide your accent paint color. I grabbed a dark brown and mixed it with the green/white just to be creative. Make sure your color is still pretty dark so it stands out on that paint of your wooden sign.  But you can decide your colors. You can’t go wrong with white or blacks.  Once dry, let’s add a white wash look. Using Deco Art White Wash, lightly brush over your sign all in the same direction. This will give it a beachy vibe we all want in our lives. When finished with paint, set aside to dry. Or, use a heat gun or hair dryer to speed up the drying process.  Distress signs on the side if you like that look.  Once completely dry, apply a thin layer of Spray Polyurethane. Do this in a well ventilated area. I really like the DIxie Bell product. Let it dry.  Last but not least, enjoy your simple Tequila, Lime, and Sunshine, while  dreaming of the beach.  What paint colors should I use when crafting a beach sign? You can be as creative as you want. Beach decor is mostly in shades of blue, green, and whites. This sign would look great with a white base coat, a bright pop of green for the lime, and a dark navy blue for the words. It really would look great any way you choose. Just pin this Tequila Lime and Sunshine Sign tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 2

Craft Your Own Floral Home Sign

This floral home sign using transfers and stencils is going to be the perfect addition to your living room wall! Follow along step by step as I show you how to make your own using just a piece of wood, stencils, some paint, and a floral transfer! When you are crafting one project, are you thinking in your head of all the other projects you could be doing next? Are you picturing where you can decorate with that future project, even before you have even finished it? You may even be thinking this will make the perfect gift! That my friends are my thought every sing day. Everyday! Crafting one project just leads to inspiration for the next. These floral transfers were all the inspiration I needed for my DIY Floral Home Sign… and I got it while finishing up another project. I know I can’t be the only one who is always thinking ahead when it comes to crafting. DIY Floral Home Sign Using Transfers and Stencils Painting pieces of wood of all shapes and sizes makes me happy. Painting pieces of wood that are shaped like a house makes me even happier. Slapping a stencil on that wood with a pretty floral transfer… well, that is what you call being on CLOUD 9. Y’all. I am on Cloud 9 for sure with this craft. Using leftover pieces of a Prima Floral Transfer to make it even more special, has my heart going pitter-patter. This DIY craft using transfers is simple. It goes to show that nothing ever should go to waste. Save those old pieces of wood, no matter the shape or size. You guys it is possible to craft with the unused parts of transfers and scrapbook paper. The possibilities are endless. You can truly turn those scraps into something AMAZING!! Mix and match those paint colors to accent your home or office. This craft is just so versatile based on whatever you choose to use. Just follow the steps below and have some fun! Few questions though. Are you keeping this for yourself? Are you making one for your neighbor? What about your niece who just got married? Doesn’t she need one in her home? Supplies: Wooden sign – Preferably the shape of a home  Algonquin Fusion Mineral Paint  Masters Touch Acrylic paint   Sunflower Farms by Prima ReDesign Prima Transfer Tool HOME Stencil from the Stencilsmith Paintbrush Paint daubers Heat Gun/dryer Sanding block Spray Polyurethane  Steps: Grab your home-shaped piece of wood. Paint your wood sign covering it with a base coat, preferably chalk based paint –  color of your choosing. Don’t forget to do the sides. It doesn’t have to be a thick coat because we will distress the boards. Dry completely with a heat gun/dryer to speed up the process.  Touch up any spots that you may have missed. With your leftover piece of floral transfer, or new piece. Whatever… just get a cute floral transfer. Determine the pieces you want to use on your board by moving them around before committing. Remember to keep the backing on your transfers until you are ready to apply them to your project.  Lay your transfer down on your wood up on the rooftop. Press it down firmly using your plastic tool that came in your transfer kit. If you ever have a bubble, just carefully pull it up and try again.  With your sanding block, lightly rub the edges to remove any excess off sides of the wood sign.  Apply transfers, remembering to leave enough space for your stencil so it rests only on the wood.  Grab your HOME stencil and your finger daubers. With dark brown acrylic paint, begin to lightly tap your small amount of paint. Pushing lightly and using small amounts of paint is this trick to not having your stencils bleed through on the board.  When finished with paint, set aside to dry. Or, use a heat gun or hair dryer to speed up the drying process. If you feel your sign needs a little more, feel free to add some twine, jute, string, or even ribbon of your liking, and unravel a bit so you have some to wrap easily. Apply a thin line of hot glue to start your wrapping, to help it stay in place. Wrap around several times to make it thick. Cut and hot glue the end to secure. I personally am using mine as is! Last but not least, enjoy your simple DIY Floral Home Sign, anywhere you decide to put it.  Where do I find Floral Transfers? There are several places you can purchase floral transfers from. I can find some great floral transfers on Amazon but shop Prima. Prima has a great selection and I love their Floral Transfers so much. They are cute and so easy to work with. I know you will love them Wasn’t this so simple and so much fun? I think it was cute, simple, and a great way to use up those scrap pieces. Just pin this Floral Home Sign tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

Learn to stencil your own sign

Being able to stencil your own sign is such a great way to get the decor you want in your home! I am going to show you how to make a new stenciled wood sign. You are going to love how easy and simple this technique is! There are so many times I am out shopping and want all the signs that are displayed for sale. If they aren’t discounted then I am not buying them. That is because I know that I can do them cheaper myself. Once you learn how to stencil a wood sign you too with all this thought next time you are browsing a store. How To Stencil A Wood Sign The technique of stenciling onto wood is SOOO simple y’all. So simple my husband, the farmer can even do it. We did a couple of signs together last year and the DIY zipcode sign was my favorite we did together. Supplies: Scrap Wood or lumber of any shape and size Fusion Mineral Paint or Stain Brown, Black and Tan Master’s Touch acrylic paint Stencils – My Favorites are from the Stencilsmith! Paintbrush Heat Gun/dryer Finger daubers Fast Drying Acrylic Minwax Spray Seal Steps: Prep your lumber by cutting it to size, sanding the lumber, and wiping clean of debris, staining it, and then… we get to the fun part. Stenciling!  Grab your desired size scrap lumber. Depending on the size stencils you have will determine which size scrap lumber you want to use.  With some dark brown* paint, give a base coat to your piece of scrap wood. Cover completely. Don’t forget to do the sides. *You can skip this step and stencil on raw, rough wood too. Let your paint dry or use a heat gun to speed up the drying process. Touch up any spots that you may have missed. Once dry, apply your “Hello Sweet Cheeks” stencil to the center of your board using the tan* acrylic paint. Using light taps with very limited paint on your finger daubers to help it from bleeding through. We can go in and add a floral stencil later or even some twine to add some embellishments. Repeat steps to create as many of your stenciled signs as you like. For my second one, I kept the raw wood look. I only stenciled on the parts of the stencil that I liked. I simply ignored the parts I didn’t want to use. “Please remain seated for the duration of the performance.” Potty humor is the best. Repeat to make all your different signs. I made several home phrases. Once completely dry, you can spray seal your painted wooden signs with a clear poly. You could skip this step entirely, but I like the finished look it provides.   Last but not least, enjoy your Stenciled Signs. So simple and so cute.  Do I have to use only one color when stenciling?  When stenciling it is ok to not use only one color when stenciling a sign. You can mix and match those colors to your heart’s content. You could highlight bold words with other colors of paint to help it stand out. For me, I am a plain Jane kind of girl, so I tend to keep it simple. But you do what you like best! That is the beauty of stenciling. So much room for creativity and interpretation.  Can I use a makeup sponge to stencil? Yes, yes you can. But I do prefer to use the Finger Daubers I buy on Amazon. I think they are just easier and keep my craft projects so much cleaner. Some people like brushes, too.  Now that we are done, how many spots are in your house, are you planning to create a stenciled sign for now? Just pin this How to stencil a sign tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 2