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Dollar Store Wooden Sign Makeover

November 10, 2021

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About a month ago, I walked into the Dollar Tree and walked out with an arm full of treasure.

I bought ribbon and floral picks.

I grabbed the fall plates that I shared last week.

And, something I'm excited to share today, a monogrammed pumpkin cut out with the wrong initial.

Monogrammed Dollar Store Pumpkin Sign

That's right. I bought the wrong initial.

On purpose.

There's no J anywhere in my name. Middle, married or maiden.

You see, I bought the sign strictly for the shape. Plus it had a painted stem, metal leaf detail and ribbon already attached.

And it was a dollar.

The thrift store paddle I turned into a pumpkin was more than that. And it didn't even have a bow.

So this was a no brainer, bargain purchase...and the dollar stores are full of them.

They have signs in shapes for every season and holiday imaginable.

And the possibilities to reinvent those signs are endless, as you turn them into elegant and more personalized decor. 

Keep that in mind while you're checking out this craft. Use my DIY as an inspiration piece more than a specific how to.

Think about what you could create or re-create with a Santa, Reindeer, Tree, Turkey or Pilgrim Hat in the next few months.

Or with a snowflake, tulip, rainbow, sunflower or apple thereafter.

How To Makeover A Dollar Tree Sign


I started my own makeover with a coat of paint to cover up that mismatched monogram. I used a foam brush for the larger areas.

Painting A Dollar Tree Pumpkin Sign

Then I used a pointed q-tip for the tight spaces around the leaf. They're great tools for detail work or clean up.

For example, I love using them when I paint rocks.

Painting Tight Spots With Pointed Q-Tips

I was ready to stencil the front of my clean palette when I decided I wanted an aged look, so I gave it a quick coat of stain. I simply brushed it on and then wiped off the excess.

It's an easy way to make something brand new, look old. 

The stain over paint suddenly gave my pumpkin a wood look. The stain settled into the brush marks mimicking the grain. 

Wiping Stain Off A Pumpkin shape with paper towel

Then I picked out a stencil from my stash and used black paint for the design.

I applied it with a round stencil pouncer brush.

Adding A Harvest Stencil To A Pumpkin Sign

Now, I'm not the best stenciler.

I'm not always super careful and I can't use a spray adhesive to keep the stencil in place, so on this project my paint bled a bit.

However, I wasn't deterred. Or disappointed.

I'm not a perfectionist when it comes to crafting, and I did want an aged and worn look, so this fit.

Applying Clear Coat To Pumpkin Sign

I gave it another coat of stain to distress it even more and then I coated it with a clear satin.

I used this one. It's become my new favorite. Doesn't smell at all and gives a nice clean finish. 

Dixie Belle Clear Coat Satin In Hand

When it was dry, I propped it up in my kitchen to celebrate the season.

It's been a lovely fall addition to my 1920's cottage home with its antiqued patina.

Harvest Pumpkin Sign On a table with pumpkins

Now that it's been personalized by me.

Re-monogrammed, if you will.

You'd never guess I bought it last week.

For a buck.

What will you create? 

Kim Signature


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  1. You go with your dollar tree treasures and crafty self. This is great. Happy Wednesday. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris! Cheap makeovers are my guilty pleasure!! 🤣😂

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  2. Absolutely wonderful yet again, you are so very talented.

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    1. And you, my anonymous friend, have yet again made my day. Thank you! ☺️

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  3. Way to go Kim, your project turned out so cute. Gotta love the dollar store.

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    1. Thanks Linda! I was thinking about you yesterday when the MacKenzie-Childs Christmas catalog showed up in my mailbox! Soooo many drool worthy items, including the most gorgeous chair. I turned down a few pages for Santa! Have a great weekend!

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  4. Love this and thanks for the tip on the pointed Qtips

    Live this so much! ,Pinned

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    1. Thanks Cindy! I do love those Qtips. I bought a bag years ago in a dollar store and they've been invaluable! Happy Thursday!!

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  5. This looks wonderful! 100% better than the original! You are so clever & imaginative!

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    1. Thanks so much, Briana!! Your sweet comments always brighten my day!

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  6. Your version is a million times better than the original! I'm so glad you've found a stain that you can use...you'll have to tell me more about it.

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    1. Thanks Ann!! All your recent Dollar Tree crafts prompted me to head on over to see what they had on the shelves. And yes...loving the new paints and stains...we'll chat!

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  7. So cute! And it really does look like wood.

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  8. I like that makeover on the pumpkin you bought at DT. It look just perfect with your fall decorations.

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    1. Thanks Julie! It was a fun DIY. Enjoy the sunshine today!

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  9. I really need to go into the Dollar Tree with new eyes!

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    1. I hadn’t been there in over a year, Jenny. That may have helped to spur my creativity!

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  10. Now that $1 dollar tree pumpkin has some style! Love how you made the paint look just like wood.

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  11. You did good!!!! I love $ tree. My smug, wise guy hubby calls it 20 $ tree :-):-)
    Blessings, J

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    1. Haha!! Smug, wise guy and smart!! It was the 40 $$ tree for me last time I was there!! Also, I just heard that they will be adding items that will be one dollar PLUS now. Dangerous… 😉

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  12. So cute, Kim! It's perfect for autumn...you can enjoy it all the way through Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanks Ricki!! It’s right at home among the falling leaves in my neck of the woods right now!

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  13. This is perfect. I guess I need to get to the dollar tree. Thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. Thanks Dena! I can only go there like once every few months. It would get pricey otherwise. Even at a dollar a time!! Haha!

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  14. Another crafty success, that would surely sell for well over a buck!

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