Bringing Flair and Inspiration to Your Outdoor Oasis
Home gardening is a labor of love – one that requires endless patience, dedication, and a touch of creativity. After all, what’s the point of cultivating a lush, thriving garden if it doesn’t bring a smile to your face? That’s why I’m here to share a fun and easy project that can add a dose of whimsy and personality to your outdoor space: creating your very own wooden garden sign.
From Scrap to Statement Piece
As a self-proclaimed DIY enthusiast and the author of the book “Startle Garden,” I’ve had my fair share of experience in sprucing up the great outdoors. A few years back, I decided to give my backyard’s cozy animal-free zone a little makeover by crafting some reclaimed wood planters. Those building instructions can be found here. After a couple of seasons, the planters were starting to look a bit tired, so I knew it was time to give them a fresh burst of personality.
That’s when the idea struck me – why not create some custom wooden signs to really make these planter boxes shine? As luck would have it, we always have an abundance of scrap wood lying around the farm, so I knew I had the perfect materials to work with. I gathered up some cedar fence boards and pine planks, and got to work.
The Joy of Stenciling
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “I’m no artist! How on earth am I supposed to create something worthy of display in my garden?” Fear not, my friends, because the key to crafting these gorgeous wooden signs lies in the art of stenciling. As I explain in the blog post, stenciling is an easy and foolproof way to transfer intricate designs onto wood, even for the most artistically challenged among us.
I started with some simple paper stencils from Waverly – they’re super affordable and can be used multiple times if stored properly. I chose to go with the words “Garden” and “Startle” for my signs, but the options are endless. You could spell out your family name, create a whimsical nature-inspired design, or even incorporate a heartfelt quote that speaks to you.
The process was a breeze – I simply taped the stencil in place, grabbed a brush, and got to work. The key is to use a light touch and let the paint do the talking. Less is definitely more when it comes to stenciling, as you don’t want any unsightly bleed-through. Before I knew it, I had two gorgeous, custom-made signs ready to display.
Bringing the Signs to Life
With my new wooden wonders in hand, it was time to give those tired planter boxes a much-needed refresh. I grabbed a few finishing nails and got to work, carefully aligning the signs and hammering them into place. As seen in this Pinterest board, the transformation was instantly magical.
The “Garden” sign added a lovely touch of whimsy, while the “Startle” board brought an element of surprise and delight. It was as if these simple, handcrafted pieces were always meant to be a part of this cozy little oasis. The planters, which had previously been looking a bit lackluster, were now brimming with personality and charm.
The Beauty of Imperfection
One of the things I love most about this project is that it celebrates the beauty of imperfection. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, I used to stress over every little detail, but working with wood has taught me to embrace the natural flaws and variations that come with the medium. Just like the gardeners at Cottage at the Crossroads discovered, the slight imperfections in the wood and the slightly uneven brushstrokes of the stenciling only add to the charm and character of these signs.
In fact, I’d argue that these “imperfections” are what make them so special and unique. Each sign is a one-of-a-kind work of art, infused with the personality and creativity of the maker. And that’s precisely what makes them the perfect addition to any garden or outdoor space.
Cultivating Inspiration, Year-Round
As I step back and admire my handiwork, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. These simple wooden signs have truly transformed the look and feel of my backyard oasis, adding a touch of whimsy and delight that brings a smile to my face every time I see them.
But the beauty of this project extends far beyond the aesthetic appeal. You see, these signs have the power to inspire and delight, even when the garden is in a state of rest. During those dreary days between seasons, when the raised beds are bare and the plants are dormant, the “Garden” and “Startle” signs serve as a reminder that the natural beauty is always just around the corner, waiting to burst forth and enchant us once again.
Sharing the Joy of Gardening
As the author of “Startle Garden,” a book that’s all about cultivating your best outdoor space, I know firsthand the incredible joy and satisfaction that comes from nurturing a thriving garden. But I also understand that the journey can be a bit daunting, especially for those just starting out.
That’s why I’m thrilled to share this easy and fun project with you. By creating your own custom wooden signs, you’re not just adding a touch of flair to your garden – you’re also tapping into your innate creativity and cultivating a deeper connection with the natural world around you. And who knows, perhaps these signs will even inspire you to take your gardening skills to the next level and start planning your dream outdoor oasis.
After all, as the saying goes, “the journey is the destination.” And with a little bit of imagination and a whole lot of heart, you can transform your garden into a true work of art – one wooden sign at a time. So why not head on over to timber-building.com and start planning your next DIY masterpiece today?