Chevron State Sign - Tips and Tricks

I saw this adorable idea to make a sign with the outline of the state.  However, my first attempt was anything but successful.  So in order to help you avoid the same mistakes, I have compiled what I learned in this post.  

Chevron State Sign

Materials:

- Board

- White Primer

- Outline of your state printed on white paper

- Pencil

- Painter's tape

- Scissors

- Ruler

- Black Paint

- Paint Brushes

- Black Chalk Pen

Steps:

1) Paint the board white (It took me three coats with about an hour to dry between.)

2) Transfer the outline of your state from the paper to the board (See previous blog post called "Getting Perfect Lettering for Pennies" for the transfer method.)

3) Cut and place 6 inch strips of tape in the chevron design.

          *Tip: I tried to cut a straight line with the tape so that I could just use a 90 degree angle with each piece.

          *Tip: Try to keep the outside really straight, but if you need to fudge some of the corners (like I did) do that in the middle of the state shape so that no one will see it.

4) Paint white along the edge of the tape.  This seals the edge so the paint does not bleed.

          *Tip: Do NOT skip this step.  On my first attempt, I forgot this step and had to spend so much time touching up my mistakes.

          *Trick: If the paint does run, you can use a chalk paint pen in white or black to touch up your mistakes.

5) Paint the strips black.  Be careful not to paint into the state shape! (I did 2 coats with an hour to dry in between each.)

6) Carefully remove the painter's tape.

7) Outline the state with a black chalk pen.

8) Paint a star or heart on your desired city location.

Step 1: Prime the Board

Step 4: Sealing the edge with another coat of white paint - The MOST important step

This is what happens if you skip Step 4

Step 5: Paint the black strips.  Be careful to avoid the state shape.

Step 6: Carefully remove the painter's tape.

Step 7: Outline the state with a black chalk pen.

Step 8: Paint a star on your desired location.

Or Step 8: Paint a heart on your desired location.

Get Perfect Lettering for Pennies

So lately I've been on a sign kick.  But, my freehand lettering attempts left a lot to be desired.  Then, I remembered an old trick I used to trace pictures as a kid. Using this method, you can make perfect letters each time.

Materials: 

- Saying printed in desired font on basic printing paper

- No. 2 pencil

- Painter's Tape

- Chalk Marker (I used Marvy's 6 mm Bistro in white)

Steps:

1) Print the saying in your desired font

2) Scribble across the back 

3) Place the paper in desired position on your sign
4) Tape the sign in place using painter's tape
5) Trace the outside of each letter

6) Remove the paper

7) Carefully trace each letter and then fill in the letter using the Chalk Marker

Sign with Perfect Lettering for Pennies

Chalkboard Sign

Signs are all the rage in home decor these days, but they can be very expensive.  As a part time homemaker, I decided I could make my own.  I wasn't sure what to use for the surface because wood and canvas can both be costly.  My mom purchased old, solid wood cabinet doors at an auction for next to nothing.  Here is how I turned them into inexpensive chalkboard signs.

Materials:

- Surface (wood, canvas, or old cupboard doors)

- Spray Cleaner

- Paper Towels
- Wood Filler (I used Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler in a Natural Color) 

- Painter's Tape

- Chalkboard paint (I used Krylon...29 fluid ounces from Hobby Lobby for $14.99 with 30% off)

- Flathead Screw Driver (for opening the paint can)

- Paint Stir Stick

- Chip Brush (Iowa slang for an old junky brush)

- Foam Brush

- Chalk Marker (I used Marvy's 16 mm Jumbo Bistro version)

Chalkboard Sign Supplies -
Painter's Tape, Chalkboard Paint, Screw Driver. Paint Stir Stick, Chip Brush, Foam Brush, and Chalk Marker

Steps:

1) Remove any existing hardware.
2) Clean the surface.  I used a liquid spray cleaner and paper towels.  Allow to dry completely.
3) Fill the holes where the hardware used to be.

4) Using painter's tape, create a crisp outline for your chalkboard.

Upcycled - Old Cupboard Doors get new life as Chalkboards

5) Open and stir chalkboard paint.

6) Apply first coat of chalkboard paint. I used a foam brush on the edges near the tape and the "chip" brush for the center.

7) Allow to dry for one hour.  (Be sure it looks completely dry everywhere.  As the paint drys, it will turn lighter in color and be less shiny.)

8) Apply the second coat of chalkboard paint.

9) Allow to dry completely.

10) Using the chalkboard marker, write your saying.

11) Carefully peel off the tape.  I found that a 45 degree angle works best.

After - Old Cupboard Doors transformed into a Chalkboard Sign - "Be the change you wish to see in the world"

Hopefully this tutorial will help you update your home decor without breaking the bank!