I’ve spent a productive day creating several new hand-painted signs for the Etsy shop. The first piece was a custom order — my very first one — made for a customer who loves Pottery Barn and whose last name happens to be “Small.” Designing and painting this sign was a joy; I had fun choosing colors, balancing typography and imagery, and refining the little details that make a custom wooden sign feel personal. It has a playful, whimsical look that I think would be perfect for a child’s room, a preschool classroom, or as a thoughtful, personalized piece of nursery decor.
Another sign I finished today was inspired by an idea I found on Pinterest — a concept sent to me by my sister-in-law (thanks, Boni!). I wanted to make sure the finished piece felt original rather than a direct copy, so I adjusted the layout, color palette, and overall composition to reflect my own style. For this sign I used reclaimed, weathered planks that had been set aside in the workshop; the aged wood adds character and a rustic farmhouse charm that complements the heart motif. Using reclaimed wood not only gives each sign a one-of-a-kind texture, it also contributes to a more sustainable, handmade aesthetic that many buyers appreciate.
I also completed a “Blessed” sign I had been working on for a while. The lettering and sentiment were painted some months ago, but I had been waiting to add the final decorative touches to the edge before listing it. When finishing a sign like this, details matter: the subtle distressing, the choice of accent paint, and the tiny flourishes can shift a piece from pretty to memorable. This one came together nicely once I found the right accent and added the finishing touches.
On a small note, my husband was quick to spot a little typo in one of the name signs — “Jerimiah” instead of the correct spelling, “Jeremiah.” Those of us who work with hand-lettering know that typos can sneak in when you’re focusing on composition and paint. I’ll fix that, of course; attention to detail and customer satisfaction are important when offering personalized, custom wooden signs.
The last sign I painted today is a repeating favorite: a simple, calming “Be Still” piece. It’s a design I’ve made before because its message and clean aesthetic resonate with many people. The combination of soothing colors, slightly weathered edges, and hand-brushed lettering gives this sign a tranquil, timeless quality — ideal for a living room, bedroom, or quiet nook.
After a full day of designing, painting, and finishing signs, I’m officially painted out for the moment. It’s a satisfying kind of tired, though — the kind that comes from transforming raw materials into personalized wall art that can brighten someone’s home. I’ll be listing these pieces in my Etsy shop soon, and I look forward to creating more custom wooden signs, nursery decor, and rustic wall art in the weeks ahead.