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Furniture Transfer Wooden Sign DIY

December 13, 2021

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I used Dixie Belle lace furniture transfers for wood to whip up a decorative DIY sign for my home.

It's a great way to get a custom home decor accent without a fancy machine or stenciling and it's another creative way to use your leftover transfers.

Lace Transfer Pattern on a red board

The fact that I'm a fickle decorator is not news to anyone who knows me well.

Ok, wait, that's not entirely true.

The truth is once I commit to a certain look, I'm in for the long haul.

For example, my kitchen has been red and white forever.

And I still love it, with no plans for a change.

However, I do like to swap out the accessories often, for a fresher view.

Sometimes more than once a season.

The result is double win, since I get new scenery and, usually, a brand new craft, which is, obviously, the best part.

This week, in my quest for something fresh, I made a new sign for above the kitchen sink.

You may recall that Christmas I made a white sign to go with my white Christmas theme.

Farm To Table Wooden sign mounted over kitchen sink for Christmas

However, this year, I dove back into my roots, and decided to embrace red with two hands.

That meant I needed a red sign.

And while I adore my wallpaper rooster sign, after almost two decades, I thought it was time for something different.

Now, stenciling isn't really my favorite. Which is why those roosters hung around for so long.

While it may be one of the easier ways to make a sign, I'm much happier when I can take a different route.

In addition to wallpaper decals, in the past, I've made sticker signs signs. Or use precut wooden letters to get my desired effect.

DIY Wooden Farmhouse Sign with wooden letters

Most recently, I ordered a custom transfer to make a stunning sign. Another super simple sign idea, that was literally peel and stick.

This time, however, I decided to try a furniture transfer and I have to say, I'm hooked. It was simple project with a dramatic outcome. 

And not a stencil in sight.

Of course, before I could decide on a transfer design, and there are a lot of them to choose from,  I had to work out my vision.

There's a lot of pattern in this room and adding more was something I wasn't sure would work.

I thought about words, another saying, but been there, done that.

Then I considered a gift bag Christmas sign, but again, I've done that, too.

Besides, I really wanted something that I could keep up there for a while.

Elegant. Cottagey. 

Nondescript.

But striking.

Traditional.

But with a fresh feel.

It was a tall order, but one I was able to fill with lace. Always a classic.

If you follow me on Instagram, you caught sneak peek of the finished sign last night. Here's the DIY as promised. 

You can see a quick video of the process on Instagram, too. 

Using Furniture Transfers To Make A Wooden Sign

This was a quick and easy process with just a few steps. You don't need any special tools or skills. I promise!

Supplies I used:


Dixie Belle Lace Transfer
Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Barn Red
Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Rustic Red
Paint Brush
Dixie Belle Clear Coat Satin
Scrap Wood
Saw

Dixie Belle Paint Supplies, brush and lace transfer tube

This DIY started the same day, as my rice paper Christmas trees.

1. Cut Your Wood


My husband had the saw and scrap wood out, so I asked him to cut me a piece that would fit over the sink.

Farm To Table Wooden Sign on the patio as a template for new sign

Easy enough. I used my old sign as a template.

2. Paint The Board


Once inside I gave it a few coats of red chalk paint.

I didn't need to sand or prime it. The paint went on easily and covered perfectly.

Painting A Board Red

I used a color called Barn Red to start, then to add a little more depth and get the color to closer to the tones in my room, I added blended in a bit of Rustic Red.

3. Seal The Board


When the paint was dry I gave the board a quick coat of the satin clear coat and set it aside to dry again.

4. Measure and Plan Transfer Placement


Then I took my transfers out of the tube, read the directions and planned my pattern.

I measured for even spacing and marked my wood with a pencil when I was sure of the placement.

Peeling Apart Transfer Sheets

5. Peel and Apply Transfer To Wood


To start, I simply peeled the adhesive backing away from the sticky side of the pattern, laid it on the wood and started rubbing the backside with the enclosed tool.

To be honest, nothing happened.

Applying A Dixie Belle Transfer

In a perfect world, the transfer would've released easily, but it didn't.

After a few minutes, I gave up and walked away, thinking that maybe the surface was still too wet. 

Turns out, I was right. Time was the cure.

That was helpful to know when I updated my magazine rack with transfers and added more transfers to this sign for summer.

But let's finish this one first.

When I returned to my sign an hour later, to try again, the transfer released immediately and with ease.

Removing Transfer Backing to reveal lace pattern on board

6. Remove Backing Paper


I was able to remove the backing paper to reveal the delicate pattern on my board.

I just repeated the same process on the other side of the board and I was done.

Very simple design, but it packed the punch I was looking for, without being overwhelming, sitting between a toile sink skirt and checked curtain panels.

Cottage Style Lace Transfer Sign above window in Kitchen

It was exactly what I was looking for to punctuate the space.

Upgrade my view.

And all without a stencil.

Fabulous.

Are you a frequent updater?

More Furniture Transfer Ideas:



Furniture Transfers On Wood To Create A Sign

Author: Kim @ Exquisitely Unremarkable
Use furniture transfers to make a DIY wooden sign for your home. It's an easy way to get a custom sign without using a machine or stencils.

materials:

  • Furniture transfers
  • Paint
  • Clear coat
  • Wood

tools:

  • Saw
  • Paint brush
  • Transfer rubbing tool

steps:

  1. Cut wooden board to designed sign size
  2. Paint board
  3. Seal the paint
  4. Peel backing off transfer
  5. Place transfer on board
  6. Rub it to release pattern
  7. Peel top paper away to reveal pattern
  8. Seal if desired

NOTES:

If transfer doesn't release from backing paper, place paper back down and apply more pressure
Furniture transfers, wooden sign DIY, easy custom wooden sign, wall decor
Created using Craft Card Maker


Wooden Furniture Transfer Ideas Make A Wooden Sign And More
Happy Crafting!!
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 38 Comments

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  1. That's it, I'm hooked on the lace transfer.


    Love the combination!


    I'm going to add it to my wish list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Cindy! I'm hooked on the transfers in general. So easy to work with...I love that.

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  2. This is really nice Kim. Plus I like that it is different than hanging a sign. They are cute but I like this stencil idea a lot. Looks great over your window. Happy New Week. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kris! It's very simple, but it definitely adds a lot to the room...and like I said, super easy! Happy New Week! xxoo

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  3. I love it. It’s a perfect finish for that area. Good job, kiddo🎄❤️🎄

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Diana! Your comments always make me smile. ♥️

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  4. I love this so much. It's elegant and classy. It's a fabulous idea because sometimes there are to many word signs. Just love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Dena! I love the idea that it's not words, too. I already have a bunch in this room and that's why I always loved the roosters. This is a nice compromise.

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  5. Love the new sign Kim; it's very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Sara! I really like this one.

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  6. Hi, this looks so lovely. I had a similar issue with the print not releasing but the paint had plenty of time to dry before rubbing on the transfer. Any suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Claire, I've asked in the Dixie Belle forum and my reps and everyone is asking what you are adding the transfer to? Raw wood, painted, stained, sealed? They said that more information would help. Just let me know and I can ask again!

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  7. Ooooh! I really like this one! The color and the pattern are just perfect!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Mari! I love the color and pattern, too.

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  8. I think it is stunning! So simple to do & it looks just lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jenny! I was really hoping for something very simple, yet striking and I think this combo did just that.

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  9. Replies
    1. Thanks Carla! I have to say, I think this one has just earned a year round spot above the sink!

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  10. Looks really great, Kim, and this looks easy enough that even I could do it. You just might turn me into a crafter yet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So easy, Amy! Trust me, if I can do it anyone can.

      Delete
  11. You had me at 'lace'! And I always love a good 'easy & quick' project - perfect for your kitchen, Kim.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ann!! This one was truly super quick and easy.

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  12. I love this pretty sign you made up for the kitchen Kim. The colors look beautiful with your red theme.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Julie! I love the way it looks over the sink. It's bold and delicate all at once.

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  13. Very pretty, Kim. This looks so good in your kitchen. I've seen other pretty transfer projects lately, and it's definitely on my list of crafts to try. Well done. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a fun one, Nancy. Super easy and the results are foolproof and so professional looking with very little effort. I highly recommend!! And thanks, I like the way it looks up there, too! Hugs!!

      Delete
  14. You know I'm totally digging the red. The lace transfer is so pretty and looks perfect in your kitchen. A sign without words, what a concept! LOL

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Marie! There are so many words in this kitchen already, it just felt like it needed a different kind of "sign". I'm glad you like it!

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  15. That is such a pretty stencil! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! It was so easy to do and no paint. Love that.

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  16. I love it, Kim. Even I might be able to use a transfer. xo Laura

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You totally can, Laura! Just peel, stick, press and lift! It's that simple!! xo

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  17. I love this project because I love lace and red. You nailed this one, My Friend! It looks great in your kitchen!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Ricki! It's my new favorite and definitely one that's going to stay up long after the holiday season!

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  18. Merry Christmas! It looks festive, even if it is for year round!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Su! I think it will be there year round. I'm smitten. Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year!!

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