DRUM ROLL PLEASE….. this is the post where I divulge some of my major sign making secrets!!! If you don’t know, I ran a successful sign shop for 3 years before recently quitting to blog full time! I have tried about every which way possible to make signs over the years making literally thousands!??and today I’m gonna give you all the details!!

?DISCLOSURE: I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. In fact, I oftentimes am able to negotiate a lower rate (or bonuses) not available elsewhere.
Plus, when you order through my link, it helps me to continue to offer you lots of free stuff.?? Thank you, in advance for your support!?

Thoughts on “COPYING” dun dun dun…..

As a part of the maker community which I love and adore by the way, I know we hold our “maker secretes” ?close to our hearts.?I knew I wanted to wait until I had stopped making and selling signs to share this post because I still kind of feel like I’m showing you my deck of cards but lets get real for 2 seconds shall we?!!! There are a MILLION and one ways to make signs, and there are already tutorials all over Pinterest ?sharing exactly what I’ve captured in this video right here. I have become close friends with many other sign makers and the thing I’ve found to be the most true as that while some of our processes are similar they are still vastly different! What works for one of us totally fails for another!!?I think we get a little afraid to give away our best ideas because we fear the idea of imitation. Truth is there is only one YOU! and the chances that anyone could ever replicate your exact success through imitation or ?create your specific brand out side of making a real good dupe of your work is about zero!

With that said if you are looking to start selling handmade signs I truly believe there is room for everyone! I encourage you to do your research and look for quotes that are not plastered all over Instagram and Etsy and do something truly unique! Selling signs for 3 years afforded my little family so many opportunities that would have never been possible without my shop!?If you work your hiney off you can surly make a name for yourself and be successful! You will find even greater joy and success knowing you did it by being unique and not following the crowd!

I’m going to break out of the mold and share with you my process!! This was so fun to film and I hope enjoy this video! I know I’ve mentioned it before but I’m so excited to incorporate video into my tutorials! There is so much that gets lost in translation when you share just a picture of how to create something. Video captures what still images can’t so go out there and make some awesome signs OK?!! and be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss out on what i’m working on!!

Here is the official video!! and below is my suggested supply list! these are tried and true items that will make your life so much easier when you go to make your first sign!! Or perhaps will help you succeed if you have tried and failed in the past!

DIY Sign Supply List

1. Wood! ( this is totally based on what you have on hand or your preference!)

2. Vinyl

3. Transfer Tape

4. Paint (make sure it is matte!)

5. Foam Roller

6. Vinyl Applicator (or credit card)

7. Detailed Paint Brushes

8. Orbital Sander

9. Medium Grit Sanding Sheets

10. Medium Grit Sanding Block (instead of orbital sander and medium grit sanding sheets)

11. Exacto Knife

12. Dark Walnut Stain

13 1 inch x 2 inch x 8ft Furring Sticks (for framing)

14. Silhouette Cameo Vinyl Cutting Machine

15. Nail Gun (or a good ole hammer will do too! but this one is my favorite!)

16. Nails

If you are not ready to invest in a cutting machine there are lots of shops on Etsy that will create vinyl templates for you and you can purchase a single stencil instead!

Unfortunately there is not a way for me to upload the file I used from my silhouette program here! but this is the image of the original design I created and you can trace it through the silhouette software to create your own farmhouse inspired Happy Halloween sign! I ask that you use it for personal only and not recreate it for sale or monetary gain.

I hope you found this farmhouse inspired sign tutorial useful and if you happen to make a sign using this process tag me on Instagram I would love to see your creations!! If you would like to save this tutorial for later be sure to pin on of the images below!

-XOHaley