DIY: Mom's Bible Verse Sign

After using vinyl letters to complete this project last Christmas,

I knew I was hooked and would be using them again!

Luckily for me, Alphabet Signs and I teamed up once again,

and not only was I able to make another fun project,

but I was able to gift it to my mom for her 60th Birthday!

After finding out my mom's favorite bible verse,

I got in touch with the awesome people at Alphabet Signs.

I figured out the exact size I wanted to make,

played around with their Vinyl Sign Designer,

and turned to their amazing staff for the final help I needed.

This will be a pretty long post but make sure to read to the end,

for another great Coupon Code from Alphabet Signs!

The Goods:

Wood Fence Pickets

Wood Furring Stip

Alphabet Signs Vinyl Lettering

Valspar Lemon Twist Paint

Matte White Paint

Paint Brushes in 2 sizes

Round Paint Tray

60-Grit Sandpaper

1-inch Finishing Nails

Gorilla Wood Glue

Tape Measure

Hammer

I had Lowes cut my fence pickets and furring strips.

If you have a saw you can do it yourself.

But they were super nice and helpful!

Last time I used vinyl letter to make a DIY project,

I had an awful cute lil furry helper,

so you bet I had another helper this time too!

Lay your wood fence pickets out to make sure you get the look you want.

Put a thin layer of wood glue on one side of the furring strips.

Then secure them to the back of the fence pickets using the finishing nails.

One furring strip on top and one on the bottom made for a secure sign.

Now leave it alone and let the wood glue dry.

I left it overnight to be on the safe side.

Now get to work sanding ALL the wood.

Keep sanding until you have a smooth surface.

Not only will this will help the paint go on easier, 

but it will also help you avoid a splinter too!

It doesn't look much different,

but I can promise you it feels different!

Now that the sanding is done it's time to paint!

Do one thin coat of white paint...

Then let the white coat of paint dry completely.

I ran a quick errand when waiting, and it was dry when I returned!

Now get your yellow paint ready.

Then paint two coats of yellow.

And let those dry completely too.

I let mine dry overnight just to be safe!

Now it's time to do a little distressing to the paint.

I didn't want a ton, but I wanted it to show a little.

So I just did a quick sanding once again.

After distressing, make sure to wipe down the surface with a damp cloth.

You want it as smooth and as clean as possible before applying your vinyl.

Using a tape measure, figure out the placement of your vinyl.

I used small pieces of scotch tape to keep it in place.

Once your vinyl is laid out, now it's time to apply!

I simply flipped up the vinyl, keeping the top part taped,

and removed the backing from the vinyl letters/words.

Carefully return the vinyl transfer sheet to where it was originally placed.

Next, used the awesome tool shown above from Alphabet Signs, 

to make sure the vinyl letters/words adhere to the wood completely.

Now slowly pull up and remove the transfer paper,

making sure the vinyl letters don't come off with it!

Repeat the vinyl application steps again...

Until ALL your vinyl is applied!

Then step back and admire your work!!!

Yes, the white letters on the yellow paint is very subtle.

But to be honest - it's the look I was going for!

I didn't want it to be so bold and IN YOUR FACE, 

so I'm very happy with the way that it turned out!!!

Now...for the part I'm sure you're all waiting for -

THE COUPON CODE from Alphabet Signs!!!

Want to get the same exact vinyl as I used above?

Well then head on over to Alphabet Signs, 

use the code ROBYNSVERSE during checkout

and you'll receive the same verse in the same size and color!

Enter the coupon code in Step 2 of the checkout process.

Look for the "Have a Coupon" link. 

And act quick folks, offer only valid for first 10 customers!

Last Minute Gift: DIY Fingerprint Snowmen Ornaments!

With only two days left until Christmas,

I'm done buying and wrapping all my gifts,

but I know there are people that wait until the last minute!

And if that's you, I have a super easy and fun idea for you.

Last year, I started a tradition of making homemade ornaments.

I made Thumbprint Reindeer Ornaments to give as gifts.

I liked the idea and decided I would do it each year!

So I knew this year I had to do something equally as cute,

and after looking online for ideas, I decided to do

FINGERPRINT SNOWMEN ORNAMENTS!!!

And this year, I personalized them depending on who I was giving it to.

For example, friends with a new baby got one with three snowmen - one tiny of course!

I've been a busy little elf this December, doing lots of crafts and baking,

and when making these I forgot to take a picture of "The Goods"

I'm sorry. Please forgive me! 

Just know you'll need the following supplies...

Clear Ornaments - I use glass, but plastic is probably more safe.

White Paint - any kind will do and I just used what I had.

Paint Pens/Markers - used for all the snowmen details.

White/Iridescent Crinkle Filler - optional, but I ended up using.

Now keep reading to see how I made all six of them!!

You can make your snowmen one of two ways.

You can paint your fingers and place them on the ornament,

or you can be a little more OCD (ahem - like me!) 

and use just your fingertips to make your snowmen.

Either way - make your snowmen and let dry completely.

Once dried, add your eyes, nose and buttons.

And then get creative adding accessories however you'd like!

This one is for the family mentioned above.

All six decorated and ready to be given as gifts!!!

Now that you see how simple it is,

get to work and make some of your own!!!

And since I've decided to make this a tradition,

I'd love some suggestions on ideas for next year's DIY ornaments!

I like the thumbprint/fingerprint them so I'd love to stick with that.

DIY Christmas PEACE Decorative Sign + Coupon Code!!!

Around the holidays last year, 

I kept seeing a Pottery Barn PEACE decorative sign.

I really liked the idea, but didn't like the price.

I thought to myself - hey I bet I could make that!!

And I bet I can make it WAY cheaper too!

I already had so much on my plate,

so sadly I didn't get around to making it last year.

But a few months ago I remembered the idea

and knew I wanted to make it for this Christmas!

And guess what?

I already had a piece of MDF the perfect size!

If that wasn't a sign (to make the sign - hahahaha)

I don't know what is!

After deciding I was really going to make it this year,

I decided on using vinyl letters instead of paint.

I know myself and if the letters were perfect,

I wouldn't be happy with the end result.

I measured my board and figured out what size letters I'd need.

I determined I wanted 8-inch letters and ordered them online.

While I was waiting for those to arrive in the mail,

I decided to figure out my painting technique.

I really wanted it to looked distressed, 

but I was using MDF board and not real wood, 

so I was a little scared how the sign would turn out.

After looking at numerous sites online,
 I decided to just give it a go!

The Goods:

MDF Board - 1 foot x 4 feet

Recycled Painting Paper

Green 8" Vinyl Letters

Vinyl Applicator

White Paint

Paint Brush

Steel Wool

Lay out your painting paper and get your paint ready.

Without putting too much paint on the brush,

paint the entire board, not covering up everything.

Let paint dry completely.

This shouldn't take long at all.

Because you don't use a lot of paint.

Next, take your steel wool and rub some paint off,

Keep working until you get your desired look.

I didn't have to remove much.

Once done, wipe down with a very damp cloth.

Let board dry completely before starting the letters.

Using a tape measure and pencil,

measure out your letter placement.

Once I thought I knew where each went,

I taped them down lightly with scotch tape.

Oh yeah - this guy was my letter helper.

He stayed by my side the entire process!!

Once done taping all the letters down,

step back and make sure everything is inline

and looks how you want it to.

Next, place the vinyl according to your markings

and use the vinyl applicator to make sure it adheres.

Remove the transfer paper and onto the next letter!

Anddddddddd you're done after just five letters!!!

Displayed outside my front door.

Even though this doesn't look exactly like the original inspiration,

I am SUPER happy with the way it turned out.

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!

Alphabet Signs is now offering my blog readers a special deal!!!

Head on over to their site, use Coupon Code ROBYNSPEACE 

and you'll receive $14.25 off PLUS free shipping!!

(Sorry - Pennsylvania customers subject to sales tax.)

Enter the coupon code in step 2 of the checkout process.

Look for the "Have A Coupon" link.

Offer valid until January 31, 2015 for the first 10 customers.

Happy Shopping!

Thumbprint Reindeer Ornaments

As I mentioned in this post, I've become a HUGE fan of DIY decorations. 

And because it's the holidays, what better time to give some DIY decorations to my friends and family?

When looking at fun Christmas DIY ideas online, I saw multiple examples of "thumbprint reindeer ornaments",  and I thought they would make great gifts!

I decided to just do my own thing while sticking with the original thumbprint idea. 

These were SUPER easy to make and I'm really happy with the outcome. 

I'm even tempted to make more to either give out more as gifts this year OR keep them for 2014!