Another fall piece to replenish my seasonal decor is done. Can you believe this, DIY ‘Fall Sweet Fall’ Sign was made with nearly all Dollar Tree supplies?
My intention was for it to be an outside piece but I ended up loving it in the house. Once my toddler is older it will reside likely on the fireplace hearth but for the time being it found a home on my end table.
Stay tuned as I plan to add some other really easy and budget friendly pieces to accompany it.
You can view a short YouTube Slideshow that quickly shows the process here on my Lovensthelife Channel.
Ok…..Let’s Create!
Supplies List
- 4 wooden blank pumpkins (from the Dollar Tree)
- Larger wooden pumpkin (from the Dollar Tree)
- Letters of choice (I created these in Canva and applied with the pencil transfer method)
- Stain (I used Minwax Wood Finish in Espresso)
- Paint (I used Rust-Oleum Chalked in Linen White)
- Glue (I used hot glue and wood glue)
- Paintbrush and sponge or cloth
- Twine (from the Dollar Tree)
- Finishings of choice (I used some ribbon and berry garland from the Dollar Tree)
Instructions
The Pumpkins
First, I stained the raised portions of the four pumpkins as well as the entire larger pumpkin. I apologize that I don’t have any in-process photos of this. I like to apply stain with an old rag and rubber gloves though. However, you can also apply it with a brush or sponge likely with less mess.
Next I painted the non-raised area of the four pumpkins white.
Note, if I were to do this project again I think I would paint the pumpkins white first. Then any white paint I got on the areas to stain I would sand off before staining. I say this thinking that it would be easier in theory but I could be way off. If you try paint first and then stain let me know how it goes.
The Lettering
Once the paint dried, I applied the letters. I don’t have a Cricut or similar machine and I am still trying to master stencils. As a result, my current preference for applying letters is the pencil transfer method. It isn’t for everyone but I explain the process in this tutorial here ) should you want to try it.
If you chose the pencil transfer process you are welcome to use the Canva letters I created. I printed each at full page size and they were a good fit.
Once you have your letter outline on you can start painting. If I have the color I am painting with in a paint marker I start there by going over the outline first. Then I go over it and fill in the letters with a brush. I don’t have a super steady hand and these are in no way perfect but they look pretty decent from afar. Plus you just can’t beat hand painted in my opinion.
Weather Protection
I initially planned for this to be an outdoor piece so I would have applied polyurethane to protect it from the elements at this point. I ended up keeping it indoors so I skipped this step. If you intend to display it outdoors I would suggest a protective coat of polyurethane or something similar.
The Trimmings
Next, I used hot glue and twine to cover the pumpkin stems on all 5 of the pumpkins.
Then, I put together small messy bows for each of the four raised pumpkins. These bows are so easy to make. Simply cut ribbon all in the same length or varying if you prefer. Layer cut pieces together and secure in the middle with twine. Once I had them created I glued them to the pumpkin stems.
On the larger pumpkin I wrapped some berry garland around the stem after applying the twine.
Final Assembly
I glued the 5 pieces together using a combination of wood glue and hot glue. I clamped them together while they dried. It was a process as I had to glue one area at a time as I only had two of the larger sized clamps. A test in patience for me I suppose.
Display Options
When it was going to be an outdoor sign my plan was to put a wide stake on the back for displaying in a planter or leaned against the house.
Since I liked it inside and it actually fit and stood on its own; I skipped anything to hang it with. You could add a string, blocks to each side for a stand, or a picture hanger to the back as some options though.
Completed ‘Fall Sweet Fall’ Sign
Mantle Display
It was just a little big for our small mantle.
Hearth Display
I think it makes a great hearth piece. However, with a toddler in the house who likes to relocate anything at eye level it wasn’t happening.
End Table Display
The Fall Sweet Fall sign found it’s home on my end table this year. It is looking pretty bare there all alone though. I will be adding some other super easy and inexpensive items to place around it later this week. Stay tuned.
Your Turn to Create
I would love to hear if you gain inspiration from this post and make your very own DIY ‘Fall Sweet Fall’ Sign
