Okay, here is my sharing about making signs for my kitchen:
So, I started this whole project because my kitchen was looking a little bare. I mean, it’s a nice kitchen, but it needed some personality, you know? I thought, “Why not make some signs?” I like that rustic, farmhouse kind of look, so I decided to go with wood.
Finding the Wood
First, I needed to get some wood. I didn’t want to buy anything new, so I started looking around for some old pieces. I remembered there was a pile of scrap wood at my buddy’s farm, he said that I can get some from his place. So I drove over there and found a few good planks. They were old and weathered, which was perfect.
Prepping the Wood
When I got home, I gave the wood a good cleaning. I scrubbed off all the dirt and grime. Then I sanded down the rough edges and splinters. I wanted the signs to look rustic, but I didn’t want anyone getting hurt. After sanding, I wiped them down with a damp cloth to get rid of the dust. The wood looked great, all rough and textured, just what I was going for. The wood was all set, and I was pretty happy with how it looked.
Deciding on the Designs
Next, I had to figure out what I wanted the signs to say. I brainstormed a bunch of ideas, I wanted something fun and quirky but also fitting for a kitchen. I ended up choosing three phrases: “Today’s Menu: Eat It or Starve,” “The Secret Ingredient is Love,” and “Life is Short, Lick the Bowl.”
Painting the Signs
I grabbed some paint and brushes from my craft box. I used white paint for the letters because I wanted them to stand out against the dark wood. I started by lightly sketching the words onto the wood with a pencil. This way, I could make sure everything was centered and spaced out nicely. Once I was happy with the layout, I started painting. I’m not the best painter, so I took my time. I applied a couple of coats to make sure the letters were nice and bright. I let the paint dry overnight. I was itching to see the final product, but I knew patience would pay off.
The Final Touches
The next day, I checked the paint, and it was perfectly dry. To give the signs an even more aged look, I lightly sanded over the letters to make them look a bit worn. Then, I applied a clear sealant to protect the wood and the paint. Finally, I added some small hooks to the back of each sign so I could hang them up.
Hanging Them Up
I hammered a few nails into the kitchen wall, trying to find the best spots for each sign. I hung “Today’s Menu: Eat It or Starve” above the stove, “The Secret Ingredient is Love” near the pantry, and “Life is Short, Lick the Bowl” by the dessert station. I stepped back to take a look, and I was thrilled with how they turned out. They added so much character to my kitchen.
This project was a lot of fun, and it wasn’t hard at all. I love how my kitchen looks now. It feels more like home. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when people come over. They always ask about the signs, and I get to tell them I made them myself. It’s a good feeling.
If you’re thinking about adding some personal touches to your kitchen, I highly recommend making your own signs. It’s a simple project that makes a big difference. Plus, it’s super satisfying to see something you made with your own hands every day. Trust me, you’ll love it.
