Make a family name pallet sign with Image transfer

Personalize your home with a family name pallet sign. This rustic sign shows off your surname in style with a budget-friendly image transfer technique.  Use a sophisticated fancy font or a basic font to create different looks.  If you are not comfortable with power tools you can ask the person at the lumber counter to cut it for you or a friend.  Take proper precautions when working with power tools.  If you are unsure ask for help.  If you want use a different base color stick to light or pastel colors.

Supplies for pallet sign:

• Wooden pallet or plaque, 18”x7-1/2”, two
• White computer paper
• Hanger of choice
• Computer, photo editing software, inkjet printer
• Saw
• DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Snow White, Lamp Black, Dura Clear Exterior or Interior Poly Varnish, DecoPage
• Glue gun and glue sticks, ruler, pencil, black marker, paintbrush, sanding block, soft cloth, wax candle, scissors, foam brush, hand towel, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Instructions for pallet sign:

1. Use ruler and pencil to mark off six 2-1/2”x7-1/2” pieces on one wooden pallet. Use saw to cut pieces apart. Sand wooden pieces thoroughly and wipe with soft cloth.
2. Paint large plaque and small plaque pieces Lamp Black. Let dry. Randomly rub candle across surface of small plaque pieces. Paint small plaque pieces Snow White. Lightly sand surface to reveal distressed areas.
3. Arrange small plaque pieces on top of larger plaque. Adhere pieces in place using hot glue. Let cool.
4. Use computer and photo editing software to type letters for surname. Make sure letters are flipped horizontally and sized appropriately before printing in font of choice. (Note: Designer used Microsoft Paint to type letters and inserted as image into Word document in “Stencil” font.) Repeat process for “EST” and year in desired font and size. Print name, year, and “EST” on computer paper using inkjet printer.
5. Cut out printed words and year with scissors; position right side down on surface of smaller plaque pieces. Use foam brush and découpage medium to coat pieces thoroughly. Let dry overnight if possible.
6. Wet small portion of hand towel with water. Starting at one corner of plaque, gently rub away paper, taking care not to rub off transferred images. Wipe off any excess paper.
7. Attach hangar of choice onto back of plaque. Apply sealer if the piece will be exposed to the elements.