Create your very own EASY {and pretty} do it yourself word art! You can use whatever word or font you like – or come grab the FREE PRINTABLE TEMPLATE for this sweet “family” 11 inch high by 24 inch wide sign. This is a true BEGINNER DIY woodworking scroll saw project. (I can say that with certainty because it was LITERALLY my first scroll saw project EVER!) Perfect for a gallery wall, home decor, art/sign project or the prettiest wreath embellishment! I’ve also found a great tip to hanging these so that you don’t have to drill holes in the back OR use nails and make holes in your walls! Let’s do this:
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I made this fun little “family” wooden word art sign as part of a project I’m working on as an auction item for our big humongo fun family reunion coming up. I promise not to leave you hanging – you’ll get to see the finished bigger project, but in the meantime I thought “What if someone JUST wants to make the cute wooden sign for their gallery wall?” So in case the ‘what ifs’ are for realz – I’m pausing my project to be extra helpy and show you how. Actually, I’ve almost convinced myself I like it AS IS now and might want to stop…but that’s just the diet pepsi wearing off – it’ll totally pass. Maybe. So here’s what you’ll need:
- Transfer Paper {or scissors and a pencil if you’re super cool like me aka forgot to get transfer paper}
- 3/4″ thick plywood {I had them cut it for me at Lowe’s into 12″ sections so it was super easy to work with!}
- Your trusty Scroll Saw {THIS is the one I have and LOVE!}
- Drill with 1/2″ drill bit (This is the set I have – love that it came with an impact driver too!}
- Sandpaper (I used these blocks – I love how easy they are to work with)
- Command Picture Hanging Strips {you can get them HERE}
- The FREE printable template in your choice of sizes {8 1/2″ X 11″ OR 11 inches high by 24 inches wide in 4 printable pieces} at the bottom of the post or HERE: BIG VERSION in 4 pieces : 1 of 4, 2 of 4, 3 of 4, 4 of 4 or single 8 1/2″ x 11″ version
Start by printing out your template and transferring it to your wood. When I first realized I had forgotten to get transfer paper I googled “how to transfer to wood without transfer paper” and got this idea. Trace it really hard on one side with crayon and then flip it over and trace it hard on the other side with crayon. The hope is that it transfers it.
It didn’t. So I cut it out. Which I was really trying not to have to do…but it’s for FAMILY…plus I really didn’t want to stop and go to the store. Once I start a project I’m like a dog with a bone.
Then I just taped it to my plywood and traced around it with a pencil so it looked like this:
I used the scroll saw to go around all of the outer edges all pretty first. Then I used my cordless drill to drill holes in the middles of the letters where they needed cut out – that way I could thread the scroll saw blade through the holes and cut out the inner shapes:
This was literally my FIRST EVER scroll saw project. I saw THIS beginner tutorial and it made me want to try it so bad! So I ran out and bought myself this scroll saw and just followed her awesome instructions – worked like a charm!
I used my sandpaper block {fine grit} to sand the edges to give them a pretty rounded look and get rid of any jagged edges because: splinters = the debbil. ***Make sure to remember to draw a little circle on one of your scraps to make the darling DOT for your “i”.
I got to looking at it and started crushing on it so hard just the way it was. Not painted or anything! I’m still thinking I should just keep this one and make more for the auction with my “original plan”. So paint yours a pretty color or leave it natural – whatever YOU like best and then check THIS out! Grab some of these awesome velcro type Picture Framing Command Strips:
Just pull them apart and SNAP TWO of them together before you stick one to the wall OR your project:
So EASY to just stick them on wherever on the back of your project! Leave the back tape on until you are ready to just stick the whole thing to the wall. To stick your “dot” for the “i” you will need to modify one to make it small enough not to show. So, in a totally groundbreaking move…I cut one. With scissors. It’s like me and Tesla could have hung out and been genius besties.
It’s ready to go up on the wall now, buddy!
Just peel those papers off the back and stick it up there! These magical command strips can hold up to 12 POUNDS!!!
I couldn’t resist hanging it on the wall “just to see”. Now I don’t think I can bring myself to take it down. What do you think tho…. PAINT it white? Another fun color? Leave it natural? #firstworldproblems
Srsly tho…just lookit those widdle faces all happy with the sign Mommy made them…
I’ll be back with the rest of the project. In the meantime – enjoy your happy wooden word art sign! Mine makes me smile.
**UPDATE: I finished it! I made a fun indoor/outdoor sign with new “old” distressed wood as a background. CLICK HERE or on the image below for the finished project and tutorial!**
Make sure to PIN THIS IMAGE to share the fun and to save to make later!
And be sure to grab your templates here if you didn’t already!
Family Word Art Template 1 of 4
Family Word Art Template 2 of 4
Family Word Art Template 3 of 4
Family Word Art Template 4 of 4
Single Sheet Smaller 8 1/2 by 11 inch Version
Don’t miss this AWESOME cord organizer command strip hack – it’s my FAVORITE! CLICK HERE or on the image below to get those cords under control and stored RIGHT on your small appliances:
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