Today I spent the day painting and preparing several new wooden signs for my Etsy shop. The first piece I finished was a custom order—the very first custom sign I ever made. It was created for a customer who loves the Pottery Barn look and, amusingly, whose last name is “Small.” Designing and painting this piece was a lot of fun, and I found myself humming a happy tune as I worked. I’m considering adding a version of this sign to my regular inventory because it would make charming décor for a child’s bedroom, a playroom, or a preschool setting.
Another sign I completed was inspired by a design I found on Pinterest—my sister-in-law actually shared the original idea with me, so thanks, Boni! To avoid simply copying someone else’s work, I adapted the concept to make it my own, changing the layout and detailing to reflect my style. I’d been waiting for the right piece of wood to become available, and these old reclaimed planks were perfect. I love when a project comes together using materials that might otherwise have been discarded.
I also had a sign sitting in my workshop that already had its wording painted weeks ago, but I hadn’t added the decorative accents to the sides until now. Sometimes a project just needs to rest while the right finishing touch comes to mind. When the accents were added, the sign felt complete and ready for listing. I enjoy that moment when text and decoration finally balance and the finished piece feels unified.
One small flaw I noticed—a typo in a name—made my husband quick to point it out. The name is spelled “Jeremiah,” but on this piece it reads “Jerimiah.” I’ll correct that before the sign ships, but I have to admit it’s funny how the eye can miss something until someone else spots it. Attention to detail is important in custom work, and catching typos is part of ensuring each piece meets a high standard.
This last sign in the batch is a design I’ve made before and that continues to be a favorite. Its calm message and classic typography resonate with many people, and it’s one I’m happy to offer again. Repeating a popular design with slight variations is a good way to refine my process and offer reliable choices to customers who appreciate that look and sentiment.
After finishing all of these pieces, I realized I was completely painted out and ready for a break. The last sign’s simple advice—Be still—felt especially timely, so I’ve decided to follow it and take a little rest before starting the next round of creations. Thank you for following along; I’m excited to list these new handmade signs in my Etsy shop soon, and I appreciate the support of family and friends who inspire and encourage fresh ideas.
