The Inspired Hive

Inspiration for a creative home

Search

DIY Patio Rules Wooden Sign

DIY painted "Patio Rules" sign | Meet the B's
I don't know if you've noticed, but outdoor signs with rules on them are all the rage these days, and for good reason... they're so cute!! Check out some of the inspiration I ran across on Etsy...



Porch Rules
{source}

Patio Rules
{source}

Deck Rules
{source}

Pool Rules
{source}

Beach Rules
{source}

Needless to say, when I started thinking about patio decor, I had to have one of these signs! I had some scrap wood lying around, so I decided to DIY it. Warning-- this was an extremely time consuming project, so unless you have lots of free time or have a super helpful machine like a Silhouette or Cricut (oh hubbyyyy, only five months til Christmas!!!!), feel free to click on the above Etsy sites and browse their customization options! However, despite the long hours I spent hunched over this sign and  my inability to paint within the lines, I'm glad I made it myself and got to put my own little spin on it! :)

Alrighty, so I started with this board which was already cut from a previous project, so I just went with it. You could also browse your favorite craft store for wooden signs too. They usually have some smaller squares and rectangles.

DIY painted "Patio Rules" sign | Meet the B's

I gave it a coat of primer with some leftover Kilz. If your board is rough or has any kind of finish on it, be sure to sand it before priming.

DIY painted "Patio Rules" sign | Meet the B's

Then I covered it with spray paint. I used the paint leftover from the legs of my outdoor bar cart.

Next I browsed Pinterest and Etsy for rule inspiration. I made a list of all the outdoor "rules" I ran across and selected my favorites. I typed them all in Microsoft Word using the font Ever After in varying sizes so that they would all fit on the board. I used my usual font transfer method to create my word art.

DIY painted "Patio Rules" sign | Meet the B's

After printing your words, shade the back of paper with a pencil. Flip it over, position the paper, and trace the letters with the pencil.

DIY painted "Patio Rules" sign | Meet the B's

The lead from the pencil on the back of the paper should leave an outline on your project. Sorry it's hard to see here... it's tough to take pictures in incandescent light with glossy paint!!!

Then just fill in your outlines with paint. I used an acrylic paint leftover from the rest of my outdoor projects for the teal color and a paint pen for the white. I used the smallest paint brush I had, but it's tough to fill in those tiny letters! Patience, my friend. Patience.

DIY painted "Patio Rules" sign | Meet the B's


If you'll be leaving your sign outside, be sure to seal it!! I think I might rough it up a little more before I seal it. What do you think?

DIY painted "Patio Rules" sign | Meet the B's

DIY painted "Patio Rules" sign | Meet the B's

Do you have any outdoor signs you've made? Feel free to share!!!

Check out the rest of my outdoor makeover:

post signature

Follow me on Pinterest!Follow me on Bloglovin!Follow me on Google+Subscribe via email!Follow me on Facebook!Follow me on Twitter!

16 comments

  1. So cute, Nicole! I also love patio rules signs. Love the colors you chose and I am totally down with all of those rules. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sarah! I'm a pretty strict rule maker, aren't I? :)

      Delete
  2. This is so cute, Nicole! I haven't seen patio rules before - I need some of my own! You did a great job on your sign. Now just go sip a cold drink and enjoy. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Bre! I can't wait to follow these rules! Cold drink, yes please!

      Delete
  3. LOVE this! I've been meaning to make one of these for ages! Love that you worked it into your outdoor space!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kristi! It's been on my to do list for a while too!

      Delete
  4. This is absolutely adorable and perfect and ah, love! What perfect rules and it matches the rest of your fantastic patio perfectly :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love this! Love all your patio rules as well, especially the sip a cold drink rule :) Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  6. So cute, Nicole! I love the colors you chose!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love your sign Nicole! I definitely want to try to make one for my front porch!

    Deb
    @Seeking Lavender Lane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Deb! I would love to see what front porch rules you come up with!

      Delete
  8. Great job! Love your DIY sign, and thanks so much for sharing with the Merry Monday Linky Party!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love this Nicole! Going to make one for our pool area! Love your work!!!

    ReplyDelete