Custom Wood Pallet Sign: Make Jesus Famous

On a whim, a new friend asked me if I could make her a sign on a pallet. "Sure! I can do that." She had a vision but was also willing to let me do my thing. Really, in the end all she specified was the wording "Make Jesus Famous." This was going to be a statement piece for sure.

At first, I thought I couldn't do this statement justice, but then I put on my DIY pants and well, was really happy with the final product. I actually LOVE it...and so does my friend. The simplicity of the wood "pallet" with such a strong statement work so well together.
 

Supplies
( I made this sign without the intention of posting about it, so my tutorial photos are a little lacking...but I also have this post about making a sign you can check out)

• Tarp/drop cloth for protecting surface
• 1" x 12" Pine boards. One 6' board should yield you the three pieces you need.
• Firring strips or 1 x 4 pine boards. You need 3 28" long pieces.
• 18  1 1/2 wood screws

• Minwax stain in Jacobean (or a natural stain like my Apple Cider Vinegar Wood Stain)
• Paint brush and cloth for stain
• Screwdriver
• Saw
• Sanding block or sanding tool (I use a Dremel)

You have TWO options for lettering (in case you do not have and electronic craft cutter)

• Silhouette Cameo
• Vinyl and transfer paper
• Burnishing tool

OR

• Stencils (one in cursive and one in block lettering) from the Craft store.

• Americana decor chalky finish in Everlasting ( or Multi-Surface in white)
• Pouncer
• Deft Wood Finishing Spray or American Creme Wax

Make It

• I created vinyl stencils in Silhouette Design Studio
• I am totally font challenged. I used this Font Pairing tutorial from The Girl Creative to assist with my font pairings.
• The "Make: and "Famous" are in Pacifico font, size 357
• The "Jesus" font is in Couture, size 392
• I cut my stencils, weeded them, and applied transfer tape.
• You can also use stencils found in a craft store - just mix a cursive font with a more block font. 

• Cut the pine 1x12 boards into 24" lengths
• Cut the firring strips into 28" lengths (you need three)

• Stain all the boards and firring strips. Wipe and let dry.
• Determine how you want your boards to look (based on knot holes, distinctive grain, etc.)
• Flip the boards over, keeping them in the order you desire.
• Place the 3 strips on the back, one centered, and one on each side, about 4" in from each side.
• Screw the strips to the boards. I used 2 screws in each board.
• Sand the edges slightly.

Here is what the back of the pallet looks like (see the diagram in supplies for more information):

• Place the words.
• I found the center of the board, and slightly raised the lettering (about 1/4-1/2') 
• I applied the stencil to the board.
• Using the Chalky Finish paint and a pouncer, apply the paint. I applied about 3 coats.
• Let dry and remove the vinyl stencil.
• THIS PHOTO IS NOT FROM THIS PROJECT BUT YOU CAN SEE THE PROCESS OF APPLY THE VINYL STENCIL

THIS IS NOT FROM THIS PROJECT BUT YOU CAN SEE THE PROCESS OF APPLY THE VINYL STENCIL

• I personally felt it was not distressed enough and lacking a bit of character. I used a wide brush and a dry-brushing method and ran strokes of paint (LIGHTLY) all across the signs, leaving heavier areas in the corners and creases. 
• Let dry thoroughly.
• Sand all over, especially the edges.
• I like to use the "tip/point" or my dremel and run it through the letters for extra character.

• Wipe clean.
• Spray with a clear coat or wax.

 
All done...time to make a statement!

I love this Sunshine Pallet I made a few years ago...you might too!

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre