
Your home style doesn’t need to fit neatly into any single category like traditional, modern, vintage, or Victorian. Instead, it can be a delightful mix that reflects your unique personality. Personally, I’m drawn to a blend I’d describe as eclectic-traditional-rustic-industrial-artsy, with a touch of casual elegance. Though, with a lovable but drooly senior Saint Bernard ruling the house, “casually elegant” might sometimes be a stretch. Still, I adore spaces that radiate that effortless charm, even if they require a little extra love.
A few summers ago, after moving into our home, I stumbled upon a copy of Cape Cod Home. I was instantly captivated by a large, vintage-looking sign featured in one of its pages. It struck me that a similar piece could fill the awkward, empty space above my dining room bay windows perfectly. The idea stuck with me.
Finding Inspiration for Your Sign
The hardest part wasn’t making the sign—it was deciding what kind of sign to make. This past spring, Mark and I spent a weekend on Cape Cod to make up for several anniversaries that had gone uncelebrated. Between the beautiful coastal scenery and the fantastic food, the trip reminded us why we love the Cape so much.

One restaurant, the Brewster Fish House, stood out—not just for its incredible lobster bisque (seriously, it’s amazing!) but because it represented the relaxed, joyful vibe we associate with Cape Cod. It’s a place where we’ve shared laughs and made happy memories.
The name itself sparked my creativity. I envisioned a sign styled with a vintage flair that would contrast beautifully with my traditional cane-back dining chairs. With a few creative liberties in font and design, I set out to bring my vision to life.
Steps to Make Your Own Vintage-Looking Sign

Creating a vintage-inspired sign is simpler than you might think. Below is a step-by-step guide for crafting your own:
- Find a Suitable Board: Start by locating a piece of wood. Scrap wood works perfectly—my board came from an old bookcase project.
- Distress the Wood: To give your board a weathered, timeworn appearance, have fun banging it up a bit. Use tools, chains, or even rocks to add dents and imperfections, mimicking years of exposure to the elements.
- Apply a Base Coat: Give the board a light coat of stain or paint, depending on the look you’re going for. This creates a foundation for your design.
- Prepare Your Text: Print out the text you want to use, experimenting with different fonts and scales. Choose a style that complements the vintage aesthetic.
- Transfer the Design: Rub colored chalk on the back of your printed text. Then, tape the text onto your board and use a pencil or ballpoint pen to trace the outline. The chalk will transfer the design onto the wood.
- Fill in the Letters: Using a Sharpie or paint, carefully fill in the outlines. For an authentic vintage look, you don’t need perfect edges—imperfections can add character.
- Add a Border (Optional): If you’d like a border, cover the text with newspaper and painter’s tape, leaving the edges exposed. Spray paint the border area. For extra detail, you can later layer colors or distress the edges for an aged effect.
- Apply Stain for Aging: To add depth and dimension, wipe on a little wood stain over the entire piece. This step enhances the vintage vibe by making the sign look aged.
- Sand for Authenticity: Gently sand the board to remove any shiny, new-looking finish. Focus on edges and raised areas to mimic natural wear.
- Attach Hardware: Use short screws to attach two triangular hangers to the back of the board. These hangers, readily available at hardware stores, make mounting your sign easy.
- Display Your Masterpiece: Hang your sign in your chosen spot and admire your work!
The Joy of Personalization
The best part about making your own sign is the creative freedom it gives you. Whether you’re celebrating a beloved place, a cherished memory, or a whimsical idea, your sign can be a reflection of something meaningful to you. If you live locally and would like a custom sign without the DIY effort, feel free to email me at lscibilia (at) verizon (dot) net. I’ll also be sharing pricing and size details soon.
Once your sign is proudly hung, take a moment to enjoy your handiwork. Then, step outside and savor the final days of summer. Whether it’s a stroll, a picnic, or a lazy afternoon by the water, let this season inspire you to embrace creativity and joy.
Before you go, here’s a quick reminder: This Friday is the August Best of the Nest! Join me, Kris, Pam, Jennifer, and others as we share our favorite projects from the month. Whether it’s home improvement, design, gardening, organizing, art, or crafts, we can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on. Let’s celebrate all the creative goodness together!