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Stenciling a Family Heirloom

Have a big family heirloom you’d like to have on display? Check out this easy stenciling family heirloom tutorial! You’ll see how to avoid any frustration of trying to figure out how to match your heirloom to your personal style. If you’re like me, you have a family heirloom or two that mean a lot to you. Maybe it was handed down to you from your grandparents, or maybe it’s something you made yourself and hold close to your heart. I’m going to show you how to stencil your family heirloom so you can pass it down to the next generation with love. How to Stencil A Family Heirloom  I can’t wait to get my hands on this family heirloom. It is the perfect piece to use as a focal point for our fromt porch decor and bring some new life into this old nest! Using an old Milk Jug that was my husband’s uncle that we have in our possession makes the perfect surface to stencil my favorite farmer quotes onto. With my Paul Harvey quote Stencil that says: “And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker.” So God made a farmer.” I am only using the last part of this quote to apply to the milk jug. Keep watching and see exactly how you stencil a family heirloom into your next front porch decor. Supplies Old Rusty Milk Can Paul Harvey Saying Stencil – Unable to get this stencil due to copyright. 🙁 Tape Acrylic Paint Dauber Polyurethane Sanding Block Directions Clean off milk jug and sand with a sanding block. Place Stencil down on milk jug. Then tape down edges so it doesn’t move. Start applying your paint over the stencil lettering using your dauber. Since it is taped down you won’t be able to see what your outcome is. However, you can always tape it back down and go over it if you see some letters need more paint added. Remove your tape, and slowly pull up the stencil. Now if any letters need to more paint then redo those areas. This will help those letters really pop.   Lastly, seal with a polyurethane spray. What is a Family Heirloom? Think of something that you remember seeing as a child in your grandmother’s house or even your own parents’ home that came from their grandparents. These are considered heirlooms when they are passed down from generation to generation. They necessarily don’t have great value they just hold memories of that special relative that passed it down.  How Can Family Heirlooms Fit Into Your Home Decor Style? This piece I stenciled is a perfect example of how to get family heirlooms to fit into your own home decor style. I took an old milk jug and stenciled a quote on it that fit my home. You could do that same thing with really any antique piece or family heirloom. Think of how you can incorporate the piece into your everyday style. You can use stencils, IOD transfers, or even stains.  What are Good Family Heirlooms? When considering if something would be a good family heirloom think of items that can stay in a family for decades. If you are wanting to make sure your family has a few heirloom items to pass down here are a few heirloom items to start in your family: Clocks Tools Letters Furniture Jewelry  Just pin this Stenciling a Family Heirloom tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

Make Your Own Tissue Paper and Stencil Sign Decor

Learn how to make a sign from tissue paper and a stencil. This is an easy project that you can complete in less than 20 minutes. It makes for great wall decor! Do you want to add some character to your walls? Using just a stencil, tissue, and paint, it’s easy! Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a sign from tissue paper and a stencil. This makes the perfect DIY wall decor for a wall in your home. How To Make Your Own Sign Using Tissue Paper and Stencil I am really good at making old furniture look pretty again. That is my passion and what I just love spending my time doing. However, today I found this buffet cabinet door and thought this would be a great piece to make a new wall decor with it. I had the perfect stencil to use and got to work. I mean who doesn’t need a cute reminder these days to wash your hands! That seems to be the last two years’ motto. Supplies Old Buffet Door Tissue Paper Mod Podge Paint Brush Sanding Block Jesus & Germs Stencil Painters Tape Black Paint Daubers Steps To Make A Tissue Paper and Stencil Sign: Start by putting a nice layer of Modge Podge on your old buffet door. Use a paintbrush to apply it onto the flat surface.  Next, lay your tissue paper down start on the edge, and push it flat over the door as you push it flat.  Now go around and smooth out the surface with your hands. You can use a squeeze but it may be too rough and tear it.  Grabbing your heat gun or blow dryer. This will help speed up the drying process. Make sure you really dry those sides. Sand the excess tissue paper with a sanding block. Be very careful going over the edge. Continue this process until you have worked your way around all the sides.  Now it is time to use your stencil and stencil onto the tissue paper you just applied. Using your pouncer and black paint start applying over the letters.  Work your way down your stencil. Then lift up and check to make sure you don’t need to go back over any sections. If you see some areas that need more paint use your pouncer and go back over some letters.  Using your pouncer go around the outside edge of your board and give it a little distressed look. Now that you know how to make your own it’s time for the fun part. Where will this new wall decor go in your home? I recommend putting it somewhere where everyone can see and enjoy it! You could even use this sign to gift to someone who perhaps just bought a new home. Even if it isn’t this specific stencil this technique with any stencil would be a great gift. What to Use To Stencil a Sign I have stenciled a lot of signs over the years. I’ve used paintbrushes and pouncers, but the best way to get those perfect coverage is with finger daubers! Dipping the daubers in paint first and then pouncing them over the letters of the stencils. The best thing about stencils is that they can be reused. Once you are done just be sure to give your stencil a nice clean with soap and water. Let it dry and you are ready for the next craft! Just pin this Tissue Paper and Stencil Sign tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

DIY Cocoa Bar Signs

Follow along step by step as I show you how to make the perfect DIY Cocoa bar signs for your Hot Cocoa Bar in your home. This simple craft will be just as sweet as the delicious treat that inspired it.  Do you have a hot cocoa bar in your home? I want a cozy, farmhouse vintage, little corner in my home dedicated solely to hot cocoa. Call me crazy, but a cute little spot to hold my cups/mugs sounds like heaven. Jars of all shapes and sizes filled with all the yummy fixings to make that delicious drink. I figure if I make these DIY Cocoa Bar signs, my hot cocoa bar area will become a reality for me. My own little taste of heaven all from hot cocoa!  Do you feel the same as I do about that chocolatey powder perfection? DIY Cocoa Bar Signs Tutorial Painting pieces of wood of all shapes and sizes makes me happy. A cup of hot cocoa makes me super happy too. Making signs to create a hot cocoa bar for my home, makes me just plain ecstatic. This DIY sign tutorial for your own hot cocoa bar will surely make you happy as well.  Using old scrap wood, your own choice of base color paints, and stencils are all you need to create this DIY craft. My design style is farmhouse vintage and these DIY Cocoa Bar signs will represent that vibe perfectly.  These will serve as great accents to the rest of my home decor since I stuck with the same color palette found throughout my home. Have fun with your paint choices. I can’t wait to get these cute little signs into my hot cocoa bar area. In fact, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! Just follow the steps below and have some fun! One question though, what yummy toppings will you have stocked in your hot cocoa bar? Marshmallows and candy canes are a must in my home. Supplies needed to make your own DIY Cocoa Bar Signs 4 wooden blocks – scrap lumber of all different sizes Fusion Mineral paint Acrylic paint Paintbrush Heat Gun/dryer Cocoa Bar Stencil Pack Sanding block/Electric sander Antiquing glaze Create Your Own Hot Cocoa Signs:  Grab your desired size wood blocks. You can use scrap wood if you like. I am using pieces that are all different sizes. With some tan/gray/taupe/white paint, give a base coat to your wooden blocks. Cover completely. Don’t forget to do the sides. It doesn’t have to be a thick coat because we will distress the boards. Paint your wooden blocks different colors of base coats like me, or keep them all the same shade. It is your preference. Dry completely with a heat gun/dryer to speed up the process.  Touch up any spots that you may have missed. With your cocoa stencil, plan on where you want it to be placed. Play with placement on your wooden board. You can measure it out if you are extra precise, or eyeball it like me.  With your acrylic paint, begin dabbing out your first stencil. Use finger daubers to stencil best. Hold stencil in place as you work. You decide your accent paint color. You can’t go wrong with white or blacks.  If you had some extra room on your board, use painters tape to create lines on the sides of your board. Place 2 pieces of tape on board on each side. You will lay down 4 total pieces of tape.  Dab your paint  in between the negative space on your board. Repeating the same way as you did with your stencil. Carefully remove tape. Set aside to dry. Repeat steps with your next boards, as you stencil on with your next color of choice. I am going with a red for this one on my white base coat.   Be creative with your stencils as you finish out your boards with the different holiday stencils. Use browns, greens, black, white, or reds to stencil. You can even mix and match colors on your same board. Create more lines on boards where you see fit. Just have fun with it. Now set aside to dry. Or, use a heat gun or hair dryer to speed up the drying process. To distress your blocks, grab your sanding block/electric sander and rub along the edges. Distress as much as you like.  To give an antique look to your blocks, grab your antiquing glaze. With a tiny amount, lightly brush along your edges. A little goes a long way with this product. Give it a dirty little look by brushing it from left to right over the whole board. This will give that vintage farmhouse vibe I am going for. You can do this on all of your blocks if you prefer. Or you can skip this step entirely.  Carefully wipe your blocks of any debris, paying attention not to smear your paint.  If you feel your blocks need 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.  Last but not least, enjoy your simple DIY Cocoa Signs, while enjoying a warm, delicious treat. These hot cocoa bar signs could not have turned out any better! I just love how cozy and cute they turned out to be. They are the perfect little addition. I am so excited to invite some friends and family over to enjoy some yummy cups of hot cocoa with me. And you know everyone loves hot cocoa! Just pin this DIY Cocoa Bar Signs tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

Learn How To Stencil

I just love using stencils when it comes to crafting and making home decor. I get asked a lot what are the best stencils to use and also how to exactly use stencils in different projects. Today I am sharing all the tips and tricks I know with you when it comes to how to stencil. How to Stencil When Crafting I have been using stencils for a long time. Which has allowed me to be able to try out lots of different tools and paints over the years. When it comes to stenciling it is a skill that over time comes naturally and with time you can honestly do it with your eyes closed. Well, not really but it does become super easy once you find the right tools, paint, and stencils. I promise you with the right tools and paint you will be stenciling like a pro. Tips and Tricks on How to Stencil Honestly, this is something that I just wing but when I started really thinking about it I do have lots of tips and tricks I use when I stencil. Like which is the best paint, the best way to apply it, and how to make sure your stencils will all fit on the project you are working on. Follow along as I share with you all my tips and tricks on how to stencil.  What Paint Should I use when using Stencils? Naturally, I typically use whichever paint is the closest to me, but in all honestly, I start with finding the right color I want for my project. If I had to pick a brand that is my favorite to use when stenciling I would say it is Master’s Touch acrylic paint from Hobby Lobby. You will find it in the art department. I love it because it is thicker and creamier than a lot of other craft paints.  Some people, like my best friend from high school who is a lifelong crafter, will say to use the more runnier stuff. She loves it but I do not. I think a lot has to do with what you love and what you started off using and are comfortable with.  Master’s Touch comes in a lot of different colors but here are my favorite colors of theirs. They range from neutral basics to beautiful pops of color. If you are looking for new colors to add to your paint collection for stenciling then try these: Permanent Black Raw Umber Titanium White Dark titanium white Chrome Oxide Green (my favorite green for grass)  Crimson (just a good red. Not too bright, not to burgundy) Lake Blue (perfect for beachy signs) Yellow Ochre (good mustardy color) Warm Grey (I actually think it’s tan, but I didn’t name them!) Ocean Green (another good beachy sign color) https://www.hobbylobby.com/Art-Supplies/Painting-Supplies/Acrylic-Painting/Permanent-Black-Master’s-Touch-Acrylic-Paint—4.1-Ounce/p/8403 What is the Best Way to Apply Paint Over a Stencil I have my go-to favorite tools when it comes to applying paint over your stencil. I started off with stencil brushes and they were not my friend. I did not like how my craft projects turned out when using them. That is when I made the switch to something new and I totally love them. I now use and only use these: Finger Dauber Jumbo Dauber Dabbing Brush Set – (Also an option, but not my favorite! 🙂 ) These are my go-to’s, even my husband loves them! You can see him use them in the zip code project we did together! They are easy to use and they really do help make the paint evenly spread and fill the stencil easily.  Obviously, if the project is a bigger stencil project you would go for the jumbo dauber. And the smaller, you would go for the finger dauber. If you haven’t ever worked with these tools before you are going to love how easily and efficiently you can get your stencil complete!  How to Clean and Store your Stencil After Using When you are done using your stencils it is best to store them flat and clean. You can use a baby wipe to clean your stencils after each use or wash them with a little soap and water. Allow them to dry and make sure they are flat during the drying process. You do not want your stencils to curl up.  Where Do I Get my Stencils? I purchase my stencils from The Stencilsmith! They are a small husband and wife business here in the USA with over 8,000 options to choose from! Check them out here — https://www.thestencilsmith.com?aff=6Or I purchase from Essential Stencil! They are a great option too! They are also a husband and wife combo! Check them out here — https://bit.ly/3eWsllE How to Stencil on Wood Stenciling is an amazing and easy way to transfer words and designs onto wood. I love how stencils can turn a plain chair into a beautiful piece of home decor. When it comes to using stencils on wood, don’t be afraid; just be inspired. Follow these simple steps, and in no time, you will be stenciling like a pro!  Lay out your stencils to make sure they will fit the wood piece you have Work from the right to left to ensure you fit everything on your board you desire Use daubers and work your way from the outside in making sure you paint is nice and evenly spread If you are using a letter twice in one project be sure to wipe off the back of the stencil so you don’t get paint on your board where you do not want it! Before long, you will be stenciling like a pro, and hope you learned a little more about how to stencil today!  Just pin these tips on how to stencil below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 3

Simple USA and Family DIY Wood Sign Tutorial

Want to learn how to make your own DIY wood signs then you are in the right place! You can achieve some amazing home decor accent pieces by following this DIY wood sign tutorial. Wood signs with wording are some of the most popular decorations you see in stores today. These can easily be made yourself for a lot less than what they charge in the stores. Today I am showing you exactly how to create your own USA wood sign as well as a wood sign that says family in this DIY wood sign tutorial. The best part about DIY wood signs is you can make them exactly the size you need as well as colors. What better way to add to your own decor than making some wood signs to match your decor? Simple USA and Family DIY Wood Sign Tutorial I love adding a sign with words on it for different holidays throughout the year. Especially cute wooden block signs for the fourth of July. These wood signs are really the ideal way to add a little more to your already established home décor as well as bring in some extra holiday decorations. Grab all your supplies needed and let’s get crafting!   Supplies needed to make wood signs: Wood blanks Paint Scrapbook paper Finger daubers – https://flippinfurnitureshop.com/products/jumbo-daubers-pack-of-6-notions Hand sander Brown Glaze Stain Paper towels Modge Podge – https://flippinfurnitureshop.com/products/mod-modge-matte-notions Steps on how to make your own DIY wood sign using USA letter stencils  Step 1: Paint your wood blank a solid color of your choice. I choose black because it matches the decor I am wanting to put these with. As always allow your paint to completely dry. I like to use a heat gun to speed up the process.  Step 2: Choose the scrapbook paper you wish to decorate with. Cut it to fit your board size. Cut it down to allow there to be a border all the way around your scrapbook paper. You should see the same width of your board all the way around.  Step 3: Add modge podge to your board. Lay down your scrapbook paper and use a squeegee to help spread your modge podge around. This helps to really secure your corners to the board. Using a paper towel or a baby wipe, wipe off any excess glue you see that can be wiped off.  Step 4: Layout your individual lettered stencils. U S A. Make sure you know where each one is going before you start adding paint. Once they are laid out and you know where they are going. Remove the U and the A and start stenciling the S.  Step 5: Grab your finger daubers and start dabbing paint making your S. I choose to use black paint for the S. Remember to know push down too hard when adding your paint. You do not want to it smear or run. Before adding your next layer since these stencils overlap you may want to allow it time to dry or speed up the drying process using your heat gun.  Step 6: Now stencil on the letter A. Using black paint again and your finger dauber. I like to go around the edges first and then fill in the middle.  Step 7: Finish off stenciling the letters. The letter U is the first letter in USA but however the last letter I stenciled. This really helps keep things lined up and centered when stenciling individual letters.  Step 8: Look over the letters you stenciled on and go back and fill in any spots on your letters that you think need a little touch-up with paint. I then dry with a heat gun. Making sure each letter is nice and dry.  Step 9: Add some paper straw bows to each end of your board. Place a little hot glue on your board before making your bow. Flip the board over once your bows are tied and add a little hot glue to help secure them on a little better and keep them from sliding.  Steps on how to make a DIY wood sign that says FAMILY Step 1: Prep your wood. Make sure your board is nice and sanded and free of any dust before starting.  Step 2: Using a tan cream scheme I picked out some scrapbook paper that would work best with that color scheme I was going for.  Step 3: Stain your edges with a brown glaze stain. Using just a paper towel to apply it add a little bit of stain at a time and continue adding it to the edges of your board. Once you are done dry it with your heat gun to speed up the process.  Step 4: Cut your scrapbook papers into three smaller sections. Lay them out and make sure that is how you want them to be Step 5: Add your modge podge to your board a section at a time. Then place the scrapbook paper that you just cut on top of your modge podge. These do not have to be perfect as this is just a little background paper for the stencil work you are about to add.  Step 6: Take your squeegee and press out the modge podge to allow it to spread to all the corners of your paper. This really helps seal all the edges.  Step 7: Using a hand sander, sanding gently to not rip the paper. Go around the edges to sand down the edges  just a little  Step 8: Modge Podge over the top of the scrapbook paper you just laid.  Step 9: Layout the letters to spell FAMILY. Yes, be sure you have laid them laid out correctly to spell FAMILY. ONce you have gotten a visual remove all the letters but F. With this sign we will be working for the left to right. Stencil each letter with black paint using your finger dauber. These are my favorite way to stencil. Working your way around the edges then filling in the center.  Step 10: Using your heat gun speed up your drying process and really make sure your letters are dry.  How to use a stencil when painting a wood sign? Using a stencil to paint letters or sayings onto a wood blank is pretty simple however you want to remember a few important things when using stencils and paint.  Be sure you have the visual before you start painting.  Layout your stencil and make sure it will fit on your board perfectly before painting.  When trying to center a saying or letters I lay it out and then stencil the middle letter first to keep things centered.  Add paint to the outside of your stencil before filling in the center. This helps keep things from bleeding or smearing.  These two wood signs are simply beautiful and fun to make. I promise you too love making them. I’d love to see the custom wood signs you create. Please share with me a photo in the comments!  Just pin this Simple USA and Family DIY Wood Signs tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0

DIY Patriotic Wood Signs

It is almost July which means it’s almost time to put out all your patriotic decor in your home. I love all things red, white, and blue and decorating patriotic. Celebrating America’s birthday is something I love doing every year. This year I was wanting to add some new things to my patriotic decor. I decided to make some super cute and simple patriotic wood signs and am loving how they turned out. I know you will love them too! DIY 4th of July Sign Today I am sharing with you how to make two different wooden DIY 4th of July signs by using wood blanks, paint, and stencils. These make absolutely the best decorations to add to your tables, mantle, or a tiered tray for the 4th of July holiday. I hope this will inspire you to create your own DIY patriotic signs. That way you can proudly display them in your own home and get ready to celebrate the red, white, and blue this 4th of July! Crafting and creating your own DIY patriotic wooden signs is so simple you can even get the kids involved. They will love making some fun DIY summer decor. Allow your kids to get creative and decide what colors and stencils they want on their own wooden blocks. There are never too many patriotic wood signs in a home. Proudly display them for the upcoming holiday, or keep them up all summer long. Grab your supplies and let’s get crafting your own patriotic wood signs! Supplies needed: Wood blanks Patriotic Stencils Paint Modge Podge Scrapbook Paper Paintbrush Sponge Daubers Twine Steps for making DIY Patriotic Wood Signs Step 1: Paint your precut wood. For this project, I painted one black and the other piece white. Allow time for your paint to dry or use a heat gun to speed up the process. You can go back and touch up any spots you missed after you finish. Step 2: Next we will add scrapbook paper to your boards. Start by cutting your scrapbook paper equally to fit across your wood blank. For the first project, I cut mine about 6 inches in width each. The tall slender piece of wood, which I did second I used one pattern of scrapbook paper on the bottom portion and a different pattern on the top portion. You can get creative with your paper and mix up colors and patterns. There is no wrong or right way. Step 3: Using a paintbrush modge podge the top of your wood. I only do a section at a time as I will be laying the precut scrapbook paper over these sections. After you lay your scrapbook paper down take a squeegee and really press that modge podge all around. This helps make sure it reaches the corners of the paper. Repeat this for each section of your board adding your paper a section at a time. Step 4: Using a hand sander sand down all the edges of your board. This helps secure the ends of your scrapbook paper to your board and you wont have little gaps. Step 5: Layout your 4th of July stencils onto your board. Grab your finger sponge daubers, and start applying paint around the edges of your stencils. Dipping your sponger daubers in the paint color of your choice work your way around the edge of your stencil. Continue filling in the center of your stencil. I alternated red, white, and blue paint colors on different words and stars to make it more patriotic. You can do whatever you like and what looks best on top of the scrapbook paper you choose. This is where your creativity comes in! Step 6: Using a black paint dobber, finish off the edges by going all the way around with black. Be sure to go back and add black to the edges. Step 7: On your tall slender piece of wood you can add some twine. Simply just tie around at the top for some added flair. Wooden patriotic signs are not only the perfect decorations for the 4th of July but are great for any time of the year. You can display them for Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, and even all summer long really. These are perfect to show your love for America. Just pin this DIY Patriotic Wood Signs tutorial below to find the instructions later!

Tammy Huls 0