Vertical Christmas Sign with Wreath

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO

STEP 1: DOWNLOAD THE FREE SVG FILE

The first thing you’ll need to do is get the free SVG file you’ll use for this project.  I keep all the SVG files I use for the projects I make in my SVG Library.  These SVG files work with Cricut and Silhouette machines, as well as many others.  This library is open to everyone and is free!  You can access the library here. Look for the file called Vertical JOY. It will be listed under the category-Craftmas 2020 – Day 15.

STEP 2: PREPARE VINYL DESIGN

Open the design in your software program.  Size the design to 6″ wide and leave the height proportional. Delete the O if you’re not using it.  Draw a 7″ square around your letters to create a stencil.

Do you need more help with creating a vinyl stencil?  Check out these posts.

How to Make a Vinyl in Cricut Design Space.
How to Make a Vinyl Stencil in Silhouette Studio

I used Oracal 651 for the stencil, but you can also use Stencil Vinyl.

When everything is sized correctly, you can cut the design with your Cricut or Silhouette. Once it has finished cutting, weed away the excess vinyl.

 

Cut a piece of transfer tape a little bigger than the design and place it sticky side up on your work surface.  Then, place the vinyl on top of the transfer tape.

Rub over the design with your scraper and trim off the excess transfer tape. Then, cut apart the letters.

STEP 3: PREPARE WOOD SIGN

To make this sign, you’ll need 2 pieces of wood for the sign that measure 3.5″ x 24″.  I used pine for the sign.  Sand all the pieces so they are smooth.

Add a bead of glue along the edges of one of the pieces of wood.

Then, stack the other piece of wood on top.

Use a rag or paper towel to wipe away the excess glue.

If you have clamps, you can clamp the two pieces of wood together. If not, you can use heavy objects to push the wood together.

Once the glue is dry, paint the wood red.  You’ll need 2-3 coats to get a nice even look.

STEP 4: DISTRESS THE SIGN

This next step is optional, but I love how it makes the finish on the sign look similar to the finish on the berries of the wreath.

Grab some sand paper and lightly sand the edges of the sign so you remove the red paint.

Paint some watered down black paint on the wood sign.

Then, use a paper towel to wipe off most of the paint. You’ll want to do this quick so the black paint doesn’t have much time to dry.

The more you rub, the more black paint you’ll take off.

STEP 5: STENCIL THE SIGN

Grab your vinyl letters and the mini wreath and place them on the sign.  Space everything out so it looks even.

Remove the vinyl backing from one of the letters.

Position it on the wood sign. Match the straight edges of the stencil with the straight edges of the sign.

Rub over the letter with the scraper.

Then, pull off the transfer taper.  Repeat with the other letter.

Rub over the vinyl one last time to make sure it is sticking onto the wood.

Paint over the letters with the red paint.

After the red paint is dry to the touch, fill in the stencil with white paint.  You’ll probably need to do 2-3 coats.  It’s best to do a couple of light coats rather than one thick heavy coat.

Once the white paint is dry to the touch, carefully pull off the vinyl stencil.

STEP 6: FINISH THE SIGN

Add some hot glue all around the back of the mini wreath.

Then, flip it over and press it down onto the sign.

 

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