This post contains affiliate links, please read our disclosure policy.
It’s that time again! Silhouette Challenge time! This month’s theme was all about home decor. Which is very appropriate since I just moved into my new home. Do you know I don’t even have one thing hanging on my wall yet? I just can’t decide what sort of style I am leaning towards. Anyway I had two big events coming up (Signature Finishes opening and Brimfield) where I needed to create some pallet signs to sell. So I thought I would share those with you this month.
I’ve been pretty obsessed with making signs these days. I think its the combination of picking out the sayings or image thats going to be used and actually painting. I work on the computer all day I love to come home and be hands on with tools or painting. It really is therapeutic.
I start first by cutting down the pallets. Which you can read about that process here. Once I have the pallet cut down I lay out pieces that sort of fit together and cut them down to a manageable size.
Update: I was told about two other products that make dismantling a pallet easy and don’t require power tools. Pallet Buster and Deck Wrecker (affiliate links). Now they are a bit more expensive than a crow bar and a hammer but are worth checking out if you are going to be taking apart pallets a lot.
Once the pallets are cut down. I use the scrap pieces as the backing or the support. Tip: When you are nailing the support pieces don’t nail straight down into the wood always nail at an angle and then nail next nail at a different angle. This will insure that you can’t just pull the support piece off. I found when I nailed the support piece straight over time or if you dropped the sign the backing could come loose.
Now when cutting vinyl I have always found that I have the most success when I cut on a mat. So for pallet signs I decided to buy the 12×24 mat. I bought it about 2 months ago and I have used it more than my actual 12×12 mat! Only thing is you need to clear enough space on your work table to allow the mat to go through each side of the cameo (about 4 feet)
There are two different ways to make pallet signs. You can either paint the wood before stenciling or you can paint the wood with the stencil. I tend to do both. I actually hand place the vinyl most of the time so I can use the excess image as a second stencil. For example the deer above. Vinyl prices can add up so why not get the most use out of one cut.
When I am making a large amount of signs I lay all the vinyl down on the wood first and then paint them all at the same time.
I use a small 1 inch brush from Harbor Freight. Try not yo over saturate your brush you can always do a second coat incase you need it. Once the paint is dry (about 20-30 mins) peel back the vinyl. You may need to do a few touch ups but for the most part you will get crisp lines!
Love this project? Pin it for later here.
Want to Check Out More Silhouette Projects?
My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the projects below for a wealth of Silhouette inspiration!
1. The Moberg Family // 2. Sandpaper and Glue // 3. American Honey // 4. Weekend Craft // 5. Grey Luster Girl // 6. From Wine to Whine // 7. Cutesy Crafts // 8. Practically Functional // 9. Home At Eight // 10. McCall Manor // 11. Dragonfly & Lily Pads // 12. Adventures in All Things Food // 13. Create it. Go! // 14. Please Excuse My Craftermath… // 15. The Outlandish Momma // 16. The Sensory Emporium // 17. My Paper Craze // 18. unOriginal Mom // 19. My Favorite Finds // 20. Architecture of a Mom // 21. Black and White Obsession //
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you do purchase from these links I receive a small percentage which allows me to put it towards future projects to continue provide quality content to Weekend Craft readers.
Love these signs! Especially the paint colors. What kind of paint do you use?
Erin I just use regular latex paints that I get in sample jars (usually on the oops paint shelves).
These are so cute! I’m totally pinning these for later!
Thanks for the love Rachel!
I SERIOUSLY am in LUVVVV with these. Very awesome and really adore the colors you used.
Thanks Alisha I’m pretty obsessed with these colors right now and most of them are oops paints from Home Depot or Lowes!
These are beautiful! Love pallets and combine my Silhouette and I am loving it. Love the anchor one especially! Great job!!!Have a good week lovely lady!Dee from http://www.thecsiproject.com
Thanks Dee! The anchor is one of my favorites!
You don’t have anything hanging on your walls yet?! I’m astonished! Lovely signs by the way. I wonder how well the newish stencil material would work for you? The wood would probably wear it down faster than other materials – but it might be re-usable for long enough to make it better priced than using vinyl. Just a thought! And I CAN’T WAIT to be back in the area to visit your shop!!!!
Kristy I haven’t put up a single thing yet. I just can’t decide what I want to do. Usually I have to be moved in and everything in place with in a week but not this time.
I’ve used the stencil material a lot! I love it but they aren’t reusable because the fibers of the woods come up on the back of the stencil making it less sticky. So for $10 a roll it works out cheaper to use a 12×24 piece of vinyl that I get for about 1.25 a sheet at Joanns.
Your always welcome at the shop let me know when you are back up!
I am so jealous of your pallet-sign-making ability! Not only do they all look great, you are so creative to come up with a different design for every one.. I actually haven’t made one of my own yet, but I have half a pallet sitting under the deck right now that is calling my name…maybe I will finally get around to it!!
Girl get that pallet out and some tools and start painting! It really is fun and easy. Not to mention they are super impressive gifts.
I love this! They are so cute. I definitely want to make one, but I’m not sure where to find an old pallet! I might have to go hunting for one!
Ashley I always have luck on craigslist in the free section. You wouldn’t believe how many people have 100s of pallets in there parking lot that they are looking to get rid of!
Michelle, Your Creativity is simply amazing. I love your pallet work. I am going to have to give this a whirl.Have a creative day, Karen MarieDragonfly & Lily Pads
Thanks Karen! Your making me blush! Don’t forget to share if you give these a whirl!
I’m loving that deer one– so cute! and congrats again on having your own shop space… I hope it’s going well 🙂
Thanks Stephanie! The deers are always my favorite I have a plan to do some ornaments with them again too!
These are so cute! I think the whales are my favorite. 😛
Found you on Thrifty Thursday. Thanks for sharing!