Hello friends! On a cozy weekend morning in Arizona, the rain outside created the perfect atmosphere for me to dive into my latest DIY project and share it with you. I’m thrilled to introduce you to an adorable wood sign crafted using our new Cricut Explore Air 2, a splash of paint, and some reclaimed wood from Porter Barn Wood. It’s possibly my most beloved sign creation yet.
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My mom and I have experimented with various sign-making methods in the past, including transfer paper, tracing letters, free-hand painting, but each approach had its drawbacks. So, we decided to team up on a new Cricut Explore Air 2!
This incredible tool cuts out text and shapes while drawing with a marker. It’s mesmerizing to watch, and I’ll be sharing a video with you soon.
Materials for the DIY Reclaimed Wood Sign
To craft a unique piece of wall art, gather the following essential materials: a rustic board crafted from reclaimed wood, or opt for any other type of wood that suits your design. Additionally, you’ll need a Cricut Cutting Machine, accompanied by a cutting mat to ensure precise cuts. For creating the stencil itself, prepare a roll of vinyl, which will be applied using Mod Podge, a trusted adhesive. To add some color and texture, bring along white paint and a foam brush for smooth application.
A ruler will come in handy when measuring and aligning your design, while painter’s tape can be used to secure any excess material and create crisp edges.
Designing the Sign
As a lifelong resident of Iowa, I have always been drawn to its charming rustic charm, which inspired me to bring some of that warmth into my home through the creation of a wood sign. This DIY project allowed me to combine my love for the Hawkeye State with my creative side. The idea was sparked when I explored Cricut’s Design Center, which offers a vast library of images and fonts for crafting unique projects.
While the subscription-based model can be an attractive option for those who frequently use their services, I opted not to invest in it due to the abundance of free resources available online, including numerous font options and image libraries. Instead, I utilized my own computer fonts and uploaded my preferred images, which proved to be a cost-effective and creative solution.
Cutting out the Design with Cricut
What truly got me pumped up about the Cricut Explore Air 2 was its Bluetooth capability – no more being tethered to my laptop by a cord! With this feature, I could effortlessly connect my device and get started on my creative project without any constraints. The setup process was seamless, allowing me to quickly place the vinyl sheet onto the cutting mat, load it into the machine, and let it do its magic.
In fact, the entire process is so captivating that I couldn’t help but share a video of it – check it out!
Placing the Design on the Wood
In retrospect, utilizing transfer tape would have significantly streamlined this process. For a more seamless experience, I recommend watching our tutorial on using transfer tape. Now, let’s revisit how we successfully applied the design to the wood surface. Prior to cutting the vinyl, we conducted a test run on cardstock to fine-tune our plan. Here’s what unfolded:Initially, we removed any debris from the wood by wiping it gently with a damp towel.
Next, we carefully placed the vinyl outline of Iowa onto the wooden surface. To ensure precise placement and spacing of the cutout letters, we positioned the cardstock shape of Iowa atop the design and secured it with painter’s tape along the bottom edge of the letters. This makeshift contraption allowed us to achieve accurate alignment and spacing. For reference, I’ve included a visual representation of our setup.
As you can see, having the cardstock cutout in place simplified the process of ensuring straight and evenly spaced letters.
Mod Podging & Painting
With our design transfer complete, we moved on to painting. To ensure a smooth finish and prevent bleed-through, we sought out expert advice. A tutorial from Cutting for Business recommended using Mod Podge to seal the wood’s rough surface before applying paint. We followed their guidance and applied the Mod Podge, allowing it to dry completely (around 10 minutes). With the sealant set, we reached for our trusty Delta CeramCoat Magnolia White acrylic paint.
To maintain a delicate balance between color and wood texture, we used only moderate amounts of paint. As the paint was still wet, we carefully removed the vinyl decals, using tweezers to gently lift the edges before switching to a utility knife to complete the job. Our handiwork paid off, as the painted edges turned out perfectly.
The Finished Product
The wooden sign is truly stunning, with its smooth finish and natural beauty. For an added touch, consider lightly sanding the surface to reveal more of the wood grain’s intricate details.
As I gaze out at the rain-soaked window sill where it now resides, I’m appreciating this little piece of home decor on a dreary day like today.
Meanwhile, my experience with our new Cricut has been overwhelmingly positive.
The time saved in creating custom stencils is significantly reduced compared to our previous methods – a true game-changer! If budget isn’t a concern, I’d highly recommend investing in this tool or finding someone to share the cost with.
Wishing you all a fantastic weekend and hoping the rain holds off!
