How To Make A Rustic Wooden Sign With Floral Transfers

Decorating with bold colors and patterns has always been my passion.

However, several years ago, I suddenly felt the need for a change in my small hall bath.

So I painted everything white.


Or close to it.

The formerly crimson walls were coated with Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace.

The dark wooden vanity received a muted, cottage style makeover.

Even the artwork was neutral.

Including this circular sign and its sweet sentiment. I found it at Homegoods, hung it up and called it a day.


Of course, now, a decade later, the need for color has been calling out to me again.

But rather than painting the room, or adding wallpaper -which would probably just peel off in this heavily used space - I added a wall of colorful flowers in the form of a fabulous shower curtain.

And I loved it.

Unfortunately, the addition of that one accent, made all the other accessories in the room seem uninspired and flat.

My muted artwork no longer had a calming air, it just felt boring.

Oh, I tried to jazz the opposite wall up a bit with the addition of a floral print, but it didn't feel quite right. Too small for the space and way too matchy-matchy for my eye. In the end, I returned it.

Even though, I knew finding the right piece was going to be a challenge and I'd probably have to make my own art again.

That's when I whipped out that giant white circle and decided to give it a makeover.

Now, over the years I've made lots of wooden signs. 

Wooden signs with stickers, wooden signs with stencils and wooden signs with wooden letters.

But. For a colorful composition, nothing beats transfers.

And lucky me, I had just purchased the most gorgeous floral furniture transfers.

//See The Transfers Here//

The designs had the same vibe as the flowers on the shower curtain and the colors were close enough to coordinate, but different enough to add some interest. 

Done.

I started by painting over the words with a chalk paint in a buttercream color.

Then I let it dry for days. I find that furniture transfers are easier to apply when the paint is fully cured.

Next, I chose a design for my art. 

There was one really large flower grouping with an arched top that I thought would fit the shape of the sign perfectly, so I cut that out.

I peeled away the paper backing, placed it on the sign.

Then I used my transfer stick to press down on the top of the flowers until they released from their clear top sheet.

I've put furniture transfers on glass and wood and I find with the right amount of pressure they release rather easily.


As always, if any of the transfer did not release, I just put the paper back and gave it a few more passes with my stick until it did.


The pattern I chose was almost big enough to fill the area, but the bottom felt a little empty and I didn't like the harsh edge.

So I added more flowers.

To soften it up and complete my design.

When I was done, I was so smitten with my floral wall sign that I actually considered putting it in the family room, so I could see it every day.

I mean...what a pop, that contrast made me swoon.

Although, it looked great in the bathroom, too.

The colors coordinated with that shower curtain so well, the style was spot on.

And my craving for color was quelled.

But now I'm torn...I almost like it better against the green. 

A dilemma.

Care to share and help a girl out?

Where do you think I should put my new sign?

🤔

Oh...before you run off, there are more DIYs to check out since it's time for another installment of our bi-monthly Do It Over Designer's Hop.

Happy Hopping, Friends!