Rustic Charm on a Budget

If you walked into my home right now, you’d find my walls decorated with words that I find inspiring – Bible verses, quotes, and all sorts of farmhouse-style decor. I absolutely love this look, but I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant to shell out $75-$150 for a single sign from those trendy Etsy shops. Call me frugal, but that just wasn’t in my budget.

So, I set out on a mission to figure out how to make my own rustic wood signs without breaking the bank. After scouring tutorials and doing some research, I stumbled upon a game-changing technique – the trusty old ballpoint pen method. As shared on The Simply Organized Home, this simple and budget-friendly approach is exactly what I was looking for.

Creating Your Rustic Canvas

The first step is to gather your materials. You’ll need some basic woodworking supplies like a saw, sandpaper, and screws. But the real secret ingredient here is wood lath. These thin, inexpensive strips of wood (usually around $0.35 each) are the perfect canvas for your rustic masterpiece. As the team at Missouri Girl Home explains, you can get eight reversible signs out of a single $17.48 pack of 50 wood lath pieces. Talk about a steal!

Once you’ve got your wood lath, it’s time to cut them to size. You’ll want to make sure they’re all the same length, so grab a pencil and measure carefully on the back of the sign. Now, secure those boards together with some 1 1/4-inch screws. This will create a sturdy, cohesive surface to work with.

Sanding and Staining

Now for the fun part – transforming those plain wood boards into a rustic work of art. Grab your orbital sander or some 180-grit sandpaper and get to work. The goal here is to create a smooth, even surface, but don’t be afraid to give it a little bit of “character” by adding some light distressing.

Once you’ve got the surface just the way you want it, it’s time to stain. I’m a big fan of Minwax’s Dark Walnut stain – it gives that perfect weathered, farmhouse-inspired look. Be sure to get the stain into all those little crevices between the boards, as well as around the edges. You want to make sure the back is stained too, so it looks polished from every angle.

Transferring Your Design

Now for the moment of truth – bringing your vision to life. Start by selecting a font you love. I like to mix script and block styles for a visually interesting effect. Once you’ve got your design laid out, print it out and get ready to transfer it to your wooden canvas.

As The Simply Organized Home suggests, use a level or ruler to make sure your words are perfectly straight, then secure the edges of the paper with painter’s tape. Grab a trusty ballpoint pen and start tracing – this will create a subtle indentation in the wood that will serve as your guide for painting.

Painting With Precision

Alright, time to get your artist on! Grab some acrylic paint and a fine-tipped brush, and start filling in those letter outlines. This part does require a bit of patience and a steady hand, but trust me, it’s so worth it. The paint will seep into those grooves, creating crisp, clean lines that scream “rustic chic.”

I usually do two coats, letting the first one dry completely before moving on to the second. And as a lefty, I’ve learned the hard way to work backwards to avoid getting paint all over my hand. It’s a small price to pay for a stunning, one-of-a-kind sign.

Hanging Your Masterpiece

Your rustic wood sign is almost ready for its grand debut! The final step is to add those all-important hanging brackets to the back. Measure down from the top of each board and 16 inches apart to ensure your sign hangs level and secures into those all-important wall studs.

Screw in those brackets, then use a stud finder to mark where you’ll be hanging your masterpiece. Level it out, screw in a couple of screws, and voila – your custom rustic sign is ready to grace the walls of your Timber Building Company home.

Endless Possibilities

The best part about this DIY project? The endless possibilities! Whether you’re looking to add a touch of farmhouse flair, inspire your guests with an uplifting message, or celebrate a special occasion, a custom rustic wood sign is the perfect way to add some personality to your space.

I’ve made signs for every season and holiday, from Halloween bats to Valentine’s Day Bible verses. And the best part? Each one cost me a fraction of what I would have paid at the store. Plus, the process is so satisfying – there’s just something about creating something beautiful and functional with your own two hands.

So what are you waiting for? Grab those wood laths, fire up your creativity, and get ready to transform your home with a stunning, one-of-a-kind rustic wood sign. Your walls (and your wallet) will thank you.