Easy Farmhouse Christmas Sign Project

Discovering how to craft a simple DIY farmhouse sign for Christmas with a custom stencil in this guide. This project demonstrates two distinct stencil application methods.

Reasons to create a wooden sign yourself!

Making an easy DIY farmhouse sign is an economical approach to enhancing a room's aesthetic, creating thoughtful gifts, or selling at a craft fair. Incorporating Christmas greenery transforms it into seasonal decor. This endeavor utilizes a custom stencil, allowing for complete personalization of the text or design!

Explore these related articles: Decorative Painting on Wood Signs; As for Me and My House Sign (plus 6 other sign tutorials); Painted Noel Sign

Crafting a Rustic Wood Sign for Your Home

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Necessary Materials:

• A wood sign foundation (Mine was constructed from 1 x 3 pine boards assembled in this specific way.)
• Wood stain (I selected Varathane in Mission Oak)
• Foam brush
• Rag
• Stencil Film
• Folk art Chalk Paint in Adirondack (white) or a comparable paint in your preferred shade!
• Stencil brush
• Exacto Knife
• Scissors
• A piece of glass
• Faux greenery or felt flowers, if desired

First Step: Staining the Wood Base

For all these signs, I commenced with a pallet sign base that received a stain. (Details on this process are available here.) Nevertheless, a single board (or any dimension) is suitable if you prefer.

I started by searching “antler horns” online until I found a printable image I favored. I then used this as a template to cut out a personalized stencil featuring the design.

Second Step: Creating the Custom Stencil

{The stencil film I recommend is Martha Stewart’s peel and stick stencil film.}

If you are precise when cutting the stencil, you can apply it in two different ways for two unique aesthetics. One method uses the material you cut out as the stencil. The alternative employs the solid pieces you removed as a “reverse stencil”. (Review both examples below.)

Some helpful advice for using stencils:

1. When cutting the stencil paper, position it on a piece of glass using an exacto knife; the glass aids blade movement, unlike a cutting board which tends to snag.
2. For the second antler piece, I utilized the exacto knife initially and then finalized the cut with a precise pair of scissors, which proved significantly easier.

Painted Antler Sign Method One: The “Reverse Stencil”

1. Separate the white backing from the cut shapes, affix them to the stained wood, and apply strong, even pressure along every border (a paintbrush end or a credit card works well for this).

{The right antler in the photo is secured; the left antler still retains its backing paper.}

2. After the antlers are securely positioned, apply the desired background color, taking time to use thin coats instead of a quick, thick application to avoid a heavy ring around the antlers.

Slightly thinning the paint allows the wood grain to show through (as I did); I used layered white and rain gray acrylic craft paint for a rustic, weathered appearance. Once the background color is set, the next stage begins:

3. Carefully remove the stencil to reveal your finished piece!

Painted Antler Sign Method Two: The Stencil Technique

1. For the second sign option, first paint the entire background of the sign in your preferred shade (including the sides); I employed a layered blend of white and rain gray acrylic paint.

2. Once completely dry, place your custom peel and stick stencil film onto the surface:

Ensure firm pressure around the cut edges to stop paint from seeping underneath.

3. To stencil, lightly dab most of the paint (I chose black) onto a paper towel after dipping your brush; then, brush and 'pounce' onto the stenciled antler area, moving the brush from the stencil's exterior inward. This method takes patience to build paint but prevents under-seepage.

4. Once adequately covered, lift the stencil away:

And there you have it, antler sign option 2!

Suggestions for Extra Flair:

• To give the sign a holiday touch, incorporate greenery and jingle bells.
• Felt flowers and leaves can lend a softer, more feminine touch; pink and green varieties would be charming in a little girl’s nursery!

**Update: I recently shared a Facebook live session demonstrating every step of this project. This kicks off this year's Home-made Christmas series, serving as an idea for both home decor and a thoughtful gift. For future Facebook live craft sessions, please join the Facebook group here.