Time began in a garden

 

  I like quotations. You know, little verses hanging about, here and there, in surprising  places around my home. In my last house I had one out near the front courtyard to greet people as they arrived. The Thanksgiving time photo is pretty blurry , but you can get the idea:

      I finished up a sign for my garden today, and I thought you might like a tutorial. This one is made from an old twin sized headboard. Now, you can use anything, a board, cupboard door, or even a larger headboard if you like (I once made a fabulous sign for a friend's shop using a full size old four poster headboard upside down- darn, why didn't I take a picture of that?)

Anyway.

I have several old twin sized headboards in my inventory in the garage. You can get these for next to nothing at yard sales or thrift shops, and if you're lucky, you'll find a headboard and a footboard, which will give you two signs. Here's how:

1. Prime and paint the headboard.

2. Print your verse in a print program or large font in Word and tape it together.

3. Rub chalk on the back side of the paper. If the headboard is painted a light color, use colored chalk.

4. Place the verse, printed side up, on the headboard, exactly where you want it.

5.Using an old fine tip felt pen, outline all the letters, pressing fairly firmly.

6. Remove the paper. (The chalk letters did not photograph well at all, but trust me, they're there...)

7. Paint in each letter, coloring book style.

8. Seal with marine varnish or other sealer.

9. Plop in in the garden, nestled in between some spring flowers, get yourself a nice glass of something cold and delicious to drink, and have a seat where you can enjoy the new sign.(Once my plants fill in and get to blooming it will really be pretty.

See? Easy as that. What are you waiting for?

Comments

[clarice]

Ohhh I may have to copy you. Very cool. Clarice-who is stuffed with tapioca with peach caramel sauce

[Mrs G]

that is so clever...I would have never figured that out :)

[Crystal]

Thank-you, for showing how to do that. Can't wait to make one will post it when I do.
www.fariebees.blogspot.com

[Lori]

I love your signs, now I will be on the hunt for headboards. Thank you.

[lucinda]

You are incredible...I am a slug in your shadow! This is a great idea.

[Rosemary]

How did you know that I love to make signs?? I make them out of old wood that I might find. I also bought some old barn wood.
I love them in the garden too!
Now I will have to try your method. I have seen those headboards all over. Now I will know what to do with one.
Thanks,
Rosemary

[Cindy]

Tracey, you are so amazing! You need to write a book! You're my idol!

[Elaine]

What a wonderful idea! I agree with Cindy, you should write a book. I love your blog and all your ideas.

[Chris and Laurie]

I love your sign what a great idea. Guess I will have to be on the look out for something I can use for a sign.

[Trudi]

Nery Nice, You have such a steady hand. I think I'd have to give up coffee for several day, but will be on the outlook for a headboard too cute.

[joyce]

Oh my goodness, now I know I'll be looking for old headboards at garage sales! Great idea!

[Lisa]

I love this idea too! I bought two headboards at an outlet store to use as trellis for my climbing plants, but never though of putting words on them. I just did mine in bright colors to show up in winter when there isn't much "pretty" to see.

[Tina]

I just saw a great twin headboard yesterday at Goodwill...got to go get it! Love your blog sweetie! Your so smart!

[amandajean]

thanks for the tutorial! I have painted some signs, but the chalk transfer thing is genius. WOW. thanks!!!!

[Racheal]

I love this idea.
I am going to be making signs for sure.
Thank you
Racheal x

[Emilie]

My friend just invited me to an Uppercase Living party. They sell rub on words that you can put anywhere. They have pre-made sayings or you can create your own! They can be rubbed onto wood, walls, glass... anything! They stay if you want them to and come off easy if you change your mind.
www.uppercaseliving.com

[maggie b]

Did I tell you - you're amazing? Thanks for sharing your knowledge so inspiring!

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Does anyone remember the bright multi-colored aluminum glasses from the 1950s or so? They came in sets of multiple colors. Are they safe to drink out of?

[Mary]

Tracy this is such a cute idea!!

I got the privilege of seeing your booth in person last week when I was in Oregon and it was even better in person then all the fantastic pictures I see in blogland! Now I have my own picture that I posted in blogland!

bee blessed
mary

[Jan @TWOwomenANDaHOE]

So lovely! Thanks!

May all your gardens grow,
Jan