Summer time means lots of outdoors time. And while this summer may not involve the entertaining that we are used to and enjoy, it doesn’t mean that we still don’t want to create a warm and inviting space in our backyard. Are you looking for some backyard ideas or a way to add some personality to your outdoor space or porch? Check out this easy Wooden Welcome Sign Tutorial - made with the Cricut Joy!
When we bought our home last summer, one of the biggest selling features was the backyard. Coming from a condo, we were so excited to finally have a green space to call our own. We looked forward to spending lots time outdoors - playing with the girls, growing our own vegetables, BBQing and entertaining friends and family.
Despite how amazing having our own backyard was, one thing the backyard lacked was the “welcoming factor”. It was in need of a little TLC. Landscaping and building a deck were two of the main priorities.
So when the pandemic hit this year and we were forced to stay home, we decided to put some time and effort into transforming the space into a backyard we would be excited to spend time in and be proud to show off once social distancing restrictions allowed.
Our updates included adding some cedars for privacy, building a raised garden bed and growing our own vegetables, creating a dedicated play space for the girls, and last but not least, building a deck.
Since completion of our deck at the end of June, the space has been completely transformed. It really does look like a totally different space (stay tuned for the before & after on Instagram). The only thing it was lacking, was a little bit of personality. It was in need of some decor, and I knew that my Cricut Joy was the perfect tool to create some personalization.
My husband has been eyeing a “Welcome to Our Porch” sign a few houses down. And being the DIYer that I am, I knew I could easily make one for our deck.
Find my simple, step by step Wooden Welcome Sign tutorial below, including all of the materials required AND my design in Cricut Design Space.
Wooden Welcome Sign Tutorial
Materials:
- One 1’’x6’’x4’ wood plank
- Stain, colour of choice (I used Varathane Classic Wood Stain in Special Walnut)
- Rag
- Cricut Joy™
- Cricut Joy™ Smart Vinyl™ – Permanent (White)
- Cricut Joy™ Bulk Transfer Tape
- Starter Tool Set
- Saw
- Sand paper
- Drop cloth
- Gloves (optional)
Directions:
- Using the NEW Cricut Joy app for IOS (or Cricut Design Space for all other Cricut machines), create your design. (My design can be found on Design Space here.)
- Print the design on permanent vinyl, in white (or colour of choice).
- Using the measurements of your vinyl design and the space where sign will be hung, cut the piece of wood to length. (Alternatively, use scrap piece of wood that you already have at home. Having recently built our deck, I reused a 24’’ castoff piece of deck board.)
- Lightly sand the edges of the wood, where the cut was made to ensure it is smooth.
- Prep your work area by putting down paper, cardboard or a drop cloth so that the stain does not ruin your work surface.
- Apply stain to the piece of wood, per the directions on the can. (This step is optional, and only if you wish to change the colour of the wood.) Remember, a little stain goes a long way! The more stain, the darker your wood. (I used a heavier stain so there was a contrast between the piece of wood and deck colour.)
- Let the stain dry completely, approximately 24 hours.
- Once the stain is dry, map out where you would like to apply the vinyl design.
- Carefully apply the design using the transfer tape.
- Attach fasteners to the back of board, hang and enjoy the personality your added to your porch!
There’s still some work that needs to be done to finish the deck, but for the time being, I would say this sign definitely adds some personality to the space. Wouldn’t you?
The Cricut Joy makes home DIY projects so easy. Unlike other Cricut machine, the Cricut Joy is a compact cutting machine, less than half the size of Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker—making it perfect for people without a dedicated crafting area (like me)! From customized pillows, to personalized glassware and welcome signs, the possibilities are nearly endless with this fun tool.
Be sure to check out the Cricut blog, where you’ll will find weekly home renovation project inspiration and tutorials! Use the hashtag #CricutAtHome when sharing your project on social media - I would love to see what you create!
How do you add personality to the outside of your home? I’d love to hear!
*Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Cricut. I received products and/or compensation in exchange for this post. This post also contains affiliate links. All opinions and advice shares are 100% that of To & Fro.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.
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