Personalized Subway Sign as Artwork
I'm sharing tips and ideas for creating and painting your own personalized subway sign
There is a lot of cool subway art available these days. I love the look of the words, how they're all lined up and perfectly fitting the space. But, it's hard to find a subway sign that is perfectly personalized! That's why I decided to create my own.
I wanted something for my home that was a reflection of us, our family. We have lived in 2 countries, 4 states and moved 7 times in our marriage. That's a lot of address changes!!
DIY Subway Sign
I decided to create a personalized subway sign that showcased some of our addresses.
My inspiration piece was this great stool makeover by the diy village.
I really like the richness of the wood, combined with the painted numbers.
Mr. DIY is great at helping me problem solve. I come up with the great idea, he figures out a way to help me pull it off!
How to Create a Personalized Subway Sign
I created the template for my sign in Open Office, but I'm sure Microsoft Word or any word processing program would work as well. I adjusted my fonts so they would fill up my document. I think I used 3 different fonts, variations of Arial, but kept them close enough in style so it wouldn't be too hard on the eyes. I had to play around a bit, varying the heights and sizes, making adjustments until it fit just right.
Once it was created, I printed it out. Then I went "old school" and used a projector (that Mr. DIY brought home from work). I had a large piece of plywood sitting in our garage that was perfect for this project. I leaned my board on a bench against the wall, and projected the image onto it, adjusting until the image was centered on my board and the words filled the space.
I then spent 3 hours on my knees hand painting the lettering. Not for the weak-kneed, I tell you!
The original plan was to pencil in the projected image, then move the sign to a comfortable work surface and fill the words in with paint. However, I soon realized that would basically require me to double my work.
So I decided to just get started painting and see how it went.
You can see pictures of the process when I used the same method to create my DIY laundry room sign by clickin here.
Once the paint dried, my plan was to stain the whole piece, then wax and be done.
Yeah, things kinda went south from this point.
My wood was a piece of cheap plywood, not furniture-grade like my inspiration piece. Using dark stain doesn't mean you're going to get a nice, even finish. Never having done a project like this, I was surprised and disappointed to see the dark striations and grain that was revealed when I stained the plywood.
I tried to like it, but it looked bad. You couldn't really read some of the words, it was that bad.
So I took my palm sander to it, thinking I could tone it down somehow. Of course, this also removed
some of the paint. Which ended up not being a bad thing as it looks more antiqued and distressed that way.
After sanding and wiping it down, I gave the whole thing a gray wash (gray paint diluted with water).
This filled in a lot of the cracks and grooves and helped soften the tone somewhat more. I used a clear wax on it and it's now hanging in our family room where it gets noticed by everyone who visits.
It's a wonderful conversation-starter, and I love the distressed look now. Our family was established in 2012, and this sign is a reflection of that. It's weathered, aged and beautiful!
It's also a great reminder to our kids of the path our lives have taken up to this point. They were each born in a different state (one in a different country - Canada), so their lives are represented on this subway sign.
Not all projects go as planned, and you may need to just roll with it and try something new. You just might be surprised with the end result....it may be even better than you imagined! This DIY subway sign has become the focal point of our gallery wall in our new home!
For other projects in this room, click below:
- DIY farmhouse GPS coordinates sign
- painted country church
- farmhouse laminate floors
- sunroom makeover
- peel and stick reclaimed wood walls
- buffalo check painted mason jars
- painted craft cubbies for storage
bringing beauty to the ordinary,
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This blog's content is for entertainment purposes only and is not professional advice. By reading this blog and attempting to recreate any content shared on it, you assume all responsibility for any injuries or damages incurred. Read my full disclaimer here.
I loved this when I was at your house. It's a fantastic idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Crystal
DeleteWhat a great idea! TFS!
ReplyDeleteThanks Carmen :)
DeleteThis turned out fantastic! What a great way to showcase some of the places you've called home. Thanks for sharing at Weekend Wander this week!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Krista! I love have pieces in my home that are personal and unique to our family :)
DeleteI really like how it turned out! It looks lovely in your home! Thanks for sharing this post on Tickled Pink Times Two!
ReplyDeleteThank you Meegan.
DeleteI love how this turned out! What a neat personalized piece to have in your home! Thanks so much for sharing this at Get Your DIY On! Hope to see you on Sunday with your spray paint projects! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDelete~Abby =)
What a great idea to keep memories ! Love it. I was thinking to make the same things with all the States that we've been visited with my husband.
ReplyDeleteGreat job ! have a wonderful weekend !
best,
marlin
I love that idea Marlin! It would be a great way to remember what states you've been to (and what ones you still need to visit!!). Thanks for visiting :)
DeleteThis is a great idea! I think making one of those with all the places I've lived would be very unique! I’m bopping over from the VMC DIY Sunday Showcase. So glad you shared your link! I’d love to have you visit me sometime at http://www.kneadedcreations.com. Happy crafting! Deb @ Kneaded Creations
ReplyDeleteYes, you totally should make one!! Thanks for visiting :) I'm looking forward to checking out your site too!
DeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteWOW...super duper sign...LOVE IT! You will be featured on Monday at this weeks party.
Blessings,
Linda
Love this!!! What a great way to display all those memories. Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Denyse
Thank you!
DeleteI think it turned out great! Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alli :)
DeleteFabulous Personalized Subway Sign as Artwork. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in posting those nice picture.You really did a great job on posting.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Delete