DIY Keep Calm and ... Sign

DIY Keep Calm and... Sign

So I was scroll through Pinterest one afternoon, like I normally do, when I came across a DIY Song Lyric Wall Art project.   I thought to myself, Wouldn't that make a great gift and Christmas is like 90 days away! So I pinned it. I have to admit I did not read the entry, I just looked at the photos.  Here is the link to the site, A Beautiful Mess. So after looking at the lovely photos and buying some supplies I dove right it with a sign for my son.  This is what I got...

I had major problems with the letter stickers ripping the paper.  I had to go in and delicately cut pieces to fit the tears and rips.  So I thought about what I could do to fix the situation.  This is what I came up with.

What you need:

Canvas - I used 8x11

Scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, newspaper, whatever you want your background to be

Letter stickers - I used vinyl ones found at Micheal's in the art department

painter's tape

Xacto knife

Mod Podge

Acrylic paint

sponge brushes

1. Apply a thin even coat of Mod Podge and press paper onto canvas.  It took a about one and a third sheets because I wanted to wrap it around the edges.   I placed a book under the canvas to have something to push against.

Yes, it is wrapped in a paper towel.  I love all my book and want nothing bad to happen to my babies. 

Now wait for it to dry completely.  

Note: I wrapped the sides just like you would a present using the Mod Podge to hold it in place.

2.While it is drying you can get started doing the most time consuming part of this project.  I laid the stickers on top of the painter's tape and cut them out with the Xacto knife.  I know, I know, this sounds like a lot but you will be happy you did this.  You paper will not tear and when you are placing the letters they can be moved easily.  

3. By the time you are done doing this, the paper should be dry.  Now you can place your saying on the canvas.

I did a thin line around the edge too. 

4.  Apply the paint with a sponge brush.  You could probably spray paint it but I haven't attempted it yet.  It took two coats to get it to where I wanted it.

5. Once it is dry to the touch, I think I waited 10 minutes, carefully peel up the letters.

I had a little bleeding of the paint but I was still happy with the over all look.

6.  When it is completely dry I do a thin coat of Mod Podge but I would not say it is necessary. 

Now I have a really cute give for my son's teachers for Christmas this year.  And to tell the truth I am not done. I really enjoyed making them and the possibilities are endless.  I am thinking about making one for my instructor for a holiday gift too.  

If you make any, I would love to see them!