If you’re someone who loves to travel and enjoys surrounding yourself with memories of places you’ve visited, creating a destinations sign might be the perfect DIY project for you. This guide will walk you through the process of crafting a unique and meaningful piece of decor to celebrate your travel adventures. As an added bonus, it’s a great conversation starter and a fantastic way to personalize your home.
I’ve always loved having reminders of my travels around the house. From framed maps to souvenirs, each piece tells a story. Recently, I became inspired to create a destinations sign after seeing similar designs at Humble Pie and Between You and Me. Tara at Between You and Me, their stunning creations gave me the motivation to craft my version, which is a loose interpretation of their work.
Getting Started
To begin, you’ll need a few materials and tools. Here’s what I used for my project:
- Unfinished poplar board (24”x24” from Lowe’s)
- Water-based Kilz spray paint (for priming)
- Black paint (for the border)
- Frog Tape (highly recommended over blue tape)
- Colored chalk
- Sharpie markers (black for stenciling)
- Sandpaper
- Paint brush
- White paint (for whitewashing)
Feel free to adjust these materials based on your preferences and availability. The beauty of a DIY project is that it allows you to inject your personality into every step.
Step 1: Preparing the Board
Start by priming the smooth side and edges of the poplar board. I used water-based Kilz spray paint for this step. Once the primer dries, tape off the outside edges to create a clean border and paint it black. Pro Tip: Ditch the blue tape! After numerous failed attempts with it, I switched to Frog Tape, which prevents paint bleed-through and delivers crisp, clean lines.
Step 2: Selecting Destinations and Distances
The next step is to decide which destinations you want to feature on your sign. For me, this was one of the most enjoyable parts. Using an online distance calculator, I measured the distance from my home to various travel spots. It was fascinating to see the mileage, and it even turned into an impromptu math lesson with my kids!
Once you have your list of destinations and distances, play around with font styles and sizes. Check out this site I used a mix of Century Gothic, Copperplate Gothic Light, and Baskerville Old Face to create a dynamic and visually appealing layout. Print several versions until you find one you love.
Step 3: Stenciling the Text
Here’s an easy method for transferring text onto the board:
- Rub colored chalk on the back of your printed text.
- Tape the paper to the board, ensuring it’s straight using a T-square.
- Trace the letters and numbers with a pencil, transferring the chalk outline onto the board.
- Fill in the text with a black Sharpie. This method is perfect for detailed fonts and makes it easier to correct mistakes.
Pro Tip: Avoid painting over mistakes with primer, as it often takes multiple coats to cover. Instead, sand off any errors and start fresh. This saves time and ensures a cleaner result.
Step 4: Distressing and Finishing
Once the text is complete, you can add a distressed, rustic look to your sign. Here’s how:
- Whitewash: Mix equal parts white paint and water, then lightly brush it over the surface. While this technique adds a lovely vintage feel, it’s optional and depends on your desired outcome.
- Sanding: Use sandpaper to roughen the edges and expose the bare wood beneath the paint. This creates the look of a weathered, well-loved sign.
- Distressing: For added character, use a hammer or other tools to create dents and scratches. This step gives your sign an authentic, “found-in-a-barn” aesthetic.
Lessons Learned
During my project, I faced a few challenges. For instance, I initially tried to paint over mistakes but quickly realized it was a bad idea. Sanding off errors before re-stenciling yielded much better results. Additionally, experimenting with compasses and other decorative elements didn’t always go as planned. Embrace the imperfections—they’re part of the charm of handmade art.
Displaying Your Sign
Once finished, find the perfect spot to showcase your creation. My sign now hangs between my kitchen and family room, serving as a constant reminder of the wonderful places we’ve been and one dream destination we hope to visit someday. It’s far from perfect, but that’s what makes it special. Every detail reflects our family’s unique journey.
Why Make a Destinations Sign?
This project is more than just a decorative piece. It’s a celebration of your adventures, a tribute to the memories you’ve created, and a source of inspiration for future travels. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to add personality and meaning to your home.
Additional Inspiration
Looking for more creative DIY ideas? Check out these fabulous blogs for inspiration:
- Somewhat Simple
- Transformation Thursday
- 504 Main
- Funky Junk’s Saturday Nite Special
- Under the Table and Dreaming
Final Thoughts
Creating a destinations sign is a rewarding and enjoyable project that allows you to commemorate your travels in a meaningful way. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or trying your hand at crafting for the first time, this guide provides everything you need to get started. So grab your materials, unleash your creativity, and start making your own destinations sign today!
