How to Upcycle a Sign using Drop Cloth (and a Free Printable)

A $3 sign gets a black and white modern upcycle with drop cloth and heat transfer vinyl. This is an inexpensive and fabulous DIY idea for home decor and you can grab the free printable below!
but I think I love fall most of all sign

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In my world, it's all about saving money! Especially when it comes to seasonal decor.

So when I find something that I love in the store, unless it's totally unique and amazing and one of a kind and I know if I walk away I'll be sorry...

...I DIY it!

Like this fall sign that I spotted at Kirklands. I knew that I could make it. And now that original sign is sold out in stores, I'm very glad that I did make it! And I'm sharing the instructions so you can make one too!

How to DIY a sign using drop cloth


It all started with this little $3 fall sign that I picked up in the Target Dollar Spot last year. 

Cute, but for a small sign, it was a little too colorful for me. However, it has a nice wood frame and already has a jute hanging cord.

before

The original sign look like it was printed onto canvas, and that got my creative wheels flowing.

And I asked myself, "Why not use drop cloth to upcycle this sign". Here's how I did it.

Step One: Cut drop cloth to size

I started by measuring the opening of the sign, which was 8" square. Then I ripped my drop cloth 1/2" larger on all sides so that I could fray the edges. I prefer ripping over cutting as you get a more precise measurement and the fabric rips along the weave so it's easy to fray.

Step Two: Create graphic OR grab my free printable

I hopped onto PicMonkey and created a graphic in the dimensions that I needed. I found a font that closely resembled my inspiration piece.

I just added this graphic as a printable, which is available to all my subscribers for free. In fact, subscribers have access to my complete Printables Library! Look for the link in the Sunday newsletter.  If you'd like to get access to my printables, you can sign up for my newsletter here.

Step Three: Upload graphic into Silhouette

Whether you have a Silhouette or a Cricut, it's easy to upload the design, once saved to your computer, to your design library. Then you simply resize it to the correct size.

Step Four: Cut design onto HTV

HTV (heat transfer vinyl) is the product you want when you're creating something on fabric, whether it's a t-shirt or tea towel or a pillow cover or a sign like this one! You reverse the image before you cut it out. If you're new to using HTV, here's a great tutorial for the beginner.

Step Five: Iron design onto drop cloth

I love using my Cricut Easy Press for these types of projects. It heats quickly and applies the perfect amount of pressure to transfer your design to fabric for a long lasting result. Don't attempt this with a regular iron, I've tried and it just doesn't work.

Step Six: Glue design to sign

Finally, using matte Mod Podge and a foam craft brush, brush an even layer of glue onto the surface of the sign (right over top of those orange pumpkins). Center the drop cloth on top and gently press to seal. Let dry and hang up!

Display your brand new upcycled drop cloth sign!


black and white decor with drop cloth sign

I love this DIY drop cloth sign, it fits in perfectly with my home decor. 

While I've decorated with a lot of color for Fall this year, in my dining room and on my mantel and this easy fall centerpiece that took just minutes, I feel like I have enough color. This neutral sign will be great for years to come! ❤

black and white farmhouse decor

black and white fall vignette

I created a little black and white fall vignette in my sunroom and this drop cloth sign fits right in!

close up

Isn't that cute? Isn't that great DIY? I think it was a great upcycle for that little gaudy $3 sign, don't you think?

Go ahead and PIN this image for future reference!

before and after

SHOP THE POST


We are still having sticky 90° temps here, sure hope your weather has cooled down and you're feeling some Fall chill in the air!

bringing beauty to the ordinary, 

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Comments

  1. I just love the sign! and so glad to see you used HTV. I'm a flop at stenciling so I use my Cricut when I can. Your black and white vignette is so clean and fun! Thanks for the post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Cecilia, I love the HTV for crisp and clean designs! Appreciate your comment and your visit to my blog ;)

      Delete

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