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LZ Cathcart

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Decor SVG Files

DIY Reclaimed Wood Love Sign PLUS Free SVG Cut File

This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

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Happy Monday!! I am so psyched for this DIY Reclaimed Wood Love Sign post today. You know why?

Well, it’s for a few reasons.

  • I love creating new items.
  • I’m using this particular sign (along with many, many others) in my new studio in a picture gallery so of course I’m really excited to get that party started!
  • Not to mention, I am also sharing with you a few of my “secrets” that I was kind of nervous to share prior to this post. I think it’s just an artist thing. You don’t want to tell everyone all of your tips and tricks, but you know what? It’s all good. I can’t think of anybody else I would rather share these tips with than with all of my favorite readers!! πŸ™‚
  • This stencil is also created using my own, personal handwriting. It was drawn out on paper, converted into a vector, and now available for you! PLEASE, PLEASE, please, please keep in mind that this stencil is ONLY for personal use. If you would like to use it for commercial use just send me an email, and we’ll talk about how you can use it in your own shop.

Learn how to create GORGEOUS signs with
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    So, let’s get started!

    DIY Reclaimed Wood Love Sign

    Materials Required:

    • Reclaimed wood – I used 18 inches by 5.5 inches
    • Paint
    • Love SVG Cut File
    • Stencil Maker like the Silhouette Cameo
    • Vinyl
    • Razor
    • Spray Paint

    Directions

    1. ) As always, pick out your favorite piece of reclaimed wood that you just so happen to have hanging around. The piece that I am using is 18″ long by approximately 5.5″ wide.

    2.) Then, paint it whatever color that your heart desires! Loving the color I’m using? Here’s the exact label! In fact, this is my “orchid” color on my color wheel. Use it wisely, my friends. πŸ˜‰

    You can find ColorPlace paint just about at any Walmart, and highly recommend using exterior paint. Why? Because it lasts so much longer than interior paint. Ever had a paint go bad? Ugh. The smell is pretty horrendous. Trust me on this one!

    This post does include some affiliate links, but they are for your convenience. I promise! Please click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Love printable SVG file from the Summery Umbrella

    {Love SVG Cut File}

    3.) After your paint has dried (it could take a few hours depending on the humidity in your area) you are now ready to use the stencil!

    4.) I highly recommend using a stencil maker for this project. Do you have to? No, but it will make your life so much easier and I can honestly say that I use both my Silhouette Cameo and Cricut Explore Air on nearly a daily basis.

    Which is better – Silhouette Cameo or Cricut Explore Air?

    I bet you’re wondering… which one should I buy? Well, each one has their own advantages and disadvantages obviously, but the biggest thing for me (as a designer) is whether or not it can easily use designs I’ve created through other programs.

    For instance, the Silhouette Cameo does not convert my Adobe Illustrator files very well, but they have an upgrade you can purchase (I believe for $50-60) that I have not bought. Whereas the Cricut Explore has a built-in program that can automatically convert a variety of files into stencils in a blink of an eye.

    For today’s project I’ll be using my Cricut since I created the original file in Adobe Illustrator.

    5.) Like I said earlier, you don’t have to use a stencil maker to create this sign, but it does make it a whole lot easier. If you’ve decided to just print it out keep in mind that the stencil is formatted for 18″ long so you’ll need two standard sheets of 8.5″ x 11″ paper. Then, I would suggest using a razor blade (or Xacto knife) to cut out the shape.

    If you’ve decided to take this route go ahead an use this PDF download now!

    6.) Since this stencil is relatively long it required me to use the 12×24 mat so it could fit the entire word on one piece of vinyl.

    You can buy vinyl from a variety of stores and even in the Silhouette or Cricut brand, but I find that it’s easier to buy in bulk since I just use it as a stencil and the color doesn’t matter. US Cutter is my personal favorite (click on the link for the brand and size that I typically use). See, I told you that I’m letting the cat out of the bag on this one! πŸ˜‰

    Pink vinyl on a cutting mat

    7.) Unfortunately I will not be going into exact details on how to use the Cricut Explore today, but hopefully one of these days soon I will come up with a video tutorial or something. Thankfully Cricut does have a ton of beginner videos so if you need assistance with learning the basics just head on over to their site, and they’ll be able to help you out!

    8.) After you have cut out your stencil (by hand or with your machine) it is now time to place it on your board!

    TIP: If you haven’t used/purchased transfer tape before when using your stencil machine I would highly recommend purchasing some to make transferring your vinyl onto your board soooo much easier. Here’s what I use.

    Vinyl stencil that reads love in cursive script

    9.) After your stencil has been placed on your board where you would like it to be (I like to use a measuring tape to ensure accuracy on this part!) it will now be time to paint it up! I recommend using spray paint for this part, and not just any spray paint. I use Liquitex Professional Spray Paint. Why? Because I can use it in the house since it has low fumes, and it’s super durable for outdoor use as well. Definitely a win-win!

    Liquitex Pray Paint

    10.) Like with anything you spray paint make sure to do multiple, light coats. This part is ESSENTIAL! If you don’t do light coats your paint can run underneath your stencil causing an ugly mess underneath. Definitely no fun cleaning up.

    How to spray paint the word love on a wood sign

    11.) Then, rip that stencil off! Doesn’t that look awesome? It looks like I just painted it on by hand doesn’t it?

    A distressed wood sign with the word love on it

    12.) Now, depending on your style you might want to omit this next step, but I love a good distressed sign. I just lightly distressed my board on all of the edges and a little bit over the word.

    Distressed wood sign

    And that’s it! You have a beautiful, DIY reclaimed wood love sign that will look great in any room of your home. Gorgeous, right!?

    Purple wood sign with the word Love

    Since, my new studio isn’t done yet I just made an “make-shift” photo gallery of what I would like to use when I can finally put it up. I’ve decided to go with a Spring theme so I’m loving all of the light and bright colors that are streaming through all the frames.

    A gallery wall with the DIY love wood sign

    On Instagram yesterday I declared that I am a self-proclaimed bookworm. Always have been, and probably always will be. Anybody else love a good read? I go through these spurts of reading a certain type of genre, but have always been obsessed with sci-fi and fantasy. One of my favorite authors Sarah J. Maas has recently released her brand new series “A Court of Thorns and Roses“, and once again she has completely rocked it!

    This particular quote (seen below) is actually a riddle from the book. I bet you can’t guess what it is! πŸ˜‰

    A quote from a book framed in a wood frame

    I can’t wait to hear what you guys think, and if you have any problems just let me know,

    and I’ll do my very best to help fix them ASAP. Have a wonderful week πŸ™‚

    the DIY love wood sign on a Gallery Wall

     

    Psstt… don’t forget to check out my other DIY sign posts!

    Fairy Tale Reclaimed Wood Signs

    fairy-tale-reclaimed-wood-signs

    How to Create a Reclaimed Wood Sign Using Your Own Handwriting

    how-to-reclaimed-wood-sign-9


    21 Comments

    About LZ Cathcart

    LZ is an artist who loves creating illustrations, custom hand lettering and patterns for gifts, home decor, fabric, and wallpaper. She is also the creative mind behind The Summery Umbrella where she shows you how to make handmade signs, various DIY projects and gorgeous home decor.

    When she’s not dreaming up new projects and designs you can typically find her drinking her fair share of coffee, hanging out with her super handy husband and her sweet and sassy daughter. They all have a hard time sitting sit so this family is constantly on the go!

    Don’t Miss Out!

    Learn how to create GORGEOUS signs with my FREE guide. It's the perfect source for getting started and moving forward!

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    Comments

    1. Lauren English says

      July 27, 2015 at 11:33 am

      This is so cute! i love that subtle shade of purple. AND I love the tutorial on how to use the stencil/stencil-maker, since my handwriting needs some work. Thanks for sharing your secrets! πŸ˜‰

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        July 29, 2015 at 2:51 pm

        Thank you, Lauren! It was a little scary at first, but so happy that I did! I hope you enjoy it πŸ™‚

        Reply
    2. Christine says

      July 28, 2015 at 6:59 pm

      Hi Liz, wowsers you know I purchased a Cricut earlier this year and I have not played with it yet…The manual scares me I need for you to come show me how to use it…lol….Pinning this!!!! THanks so much for the inspiration.
      Christine from Little Brags

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        July 29, 2015 at 2:47 pm

        It can be a little daunting at first, but you got this! Thankfully it is super user-friendly so that’s a major plus in my book πŸ™‚ Hopefully I can do more in depth tutorials soon to help you out!

        Reply
    3. Karen says

      August 18, 2015 at 7:06 pm

      That Orchid paint is so pretty! And I can’t believe it, bu t I have never thought to use spray paint on a stencil! I am all over that idea now!
      Thank you so much for sharing at Soe thing to Talk About!
      Karen

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        August 18, 2015 at 8:34 pm

        Hi Karen and thank you! Spray paint is definitely the way to go! It makes my life a hundred times easier πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    4. Megin says

      August 19, 2015 at 10:37 am

      Love reclaimed wood projects ~ this is awesome! I also love your other botanical signs shown here.
      Thank you for sharing this week at Brag About It link party on VMG206 (Mondays at Midnight).
      ~ Megin of VMG206

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        August 20, 2015 at 9:25 pm

        Thank you so much, Megin!! I’m such a sucker for botanicals of any sort πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    5. Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says

      August 19, 2015 at 11:27 am

      Gorgeous! I love all your pieces. You are so talented!!

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        August 20, 2015 at 9:39 pm

        Thank you, Chrissa! I just adore making these little cuties πŸ™‚

        Reply
    6. Leah Sannar says

      August 19, 2015 at 12:17 pm

      Wow, I am really loving that purple! It’s such a pretty shade! I’m actually getting ready to do a stencil project too, so this post was perfect! I can’t wait to get started. I love how your sign turned out. :o)

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        August 20, 2015 at 9:42 pm

        That’s awesome! I will definitely have to stop by to see how gorgeous your turns out πŸ™‚

        Reply
    7. Meredith @ The Palette Muse says

      August 21, 2015 at 7:27 pm

      This is so pretty! Love the colors and design. I didn’t know liquitex made spray paint – totally going to try that. Thanks for sharing your secrets with us! πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        August 23, 2015 at 10:45 am

        No problem, Meredith! Every once in awhile it’s nice to let it all hang out. Lol. πŸ˜‰

        Reply
    8. Sahana says

      August 21, 2015 at 7:40 pm

      Love how you have used your hand writing and converted it into stencil. The “Love” sign looks perfect. Thank you for sharing with us @ #HomeMattersParty .We would love to have you again next week.

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        August 23, 2015 at 10:44 am

        Hi Sahana and thank you so much for stopping by πŸ™‚ Can’t wait to see you next week!

        Reply
    9. Lory from The Robin's Nest Designs says

      August 23, 2015 at 9:47 pm

      So cute! Thanks so much for sharing at The Living With Style Linky Party! Have a great day.
      Hugs, Lory
      http://www.therobinsnestdesigns.com

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        August 24, 2015 at 5:15 pm

        Hi Lory and thank you!! πŸ™‚

        Reply
    10. Jenny @ Refresh Living says

      August 25, 2015 at 7:49 pm

      Your sign is adorable, and I so appreciate all your tips on stenciling! I finally allowed myself to buy a silhouette, and I am just starting to experiment with creating my own stencils.

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        August 26, 2015 at 9:36 am

        Thank you, Jenny! It does take a little getting used to, but once you got the hang of it… the possibilities are endless πŸ™‚

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Pillow Case Blog says:
      June 6, 2016 at 5:22 am

      Bought A Reclaimed Wood Heart Sign

      […] a built-in program that can automatically convertΒ a variety of files into stenc […]

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