Custom Lettering Transfer

You don't have to be a trained artist to get a custom painted look.

I'm making signs for my Mad Hatter Tea party and I thought I would pass along my technique for custom signs.

First, I pick a font on my computer and print it out. Sometimes I have to enlarge it on my copier machine to get the right size I need.

I turn the copy over and hold it on a window (must be done during the day) to see the lettering and I use a #2 pencil and trace the letters and fill them in with a lot of graphite. I do realize that I can use graphite paper or a light box, but this is cheaper.
Then, I flip the paper over to the right side and tape it on my already painted sign.

Next, I trace over the lettering again so the pressure from the pencil transfers the markings on the back of the paper onto my wood.
Unfortunately, I didn't use a very sharp pencil so the transfer turned out a bit fainter than I like but you get the idea.

Instead of using a paint brush, I use a paint pen. It is a lot easier to control and it's like outlining and coloring when you were a child.

I highlighted it with some white and dark pink paint pens as well.

Now, I just have to seal it and attach it to a post. More on that later!

I used the same technique to create this sign for my Princess party!