String the twinkling lights, hang the pine wreath and dress up your yard with fun holiday signs this December. Basic store-bought Christmas yard signs can cost as much as $50 and many large signs cost up to $100. Put your creativity to work and create your own signs using basic building materials. Yard signs on posts are easy to make and can be a project the whole family creates together. Does this Spark an idea?
Plan Your Message
Bring holiday cheer to your neighborhood with good tidings on your signs. Plan what your signs will say before you gather your materials. Children might enjoy signs that say "Santa, Stop Here!" or "I'm on Santa's Nice List." If you're transforming your yard into a winter wonderland, consider a sign that reads "North Pole" or "Santa's Workshop." Simply wish everyone "Happy Holidays." Add a personal touch and include your first or last names. For example, "The Smiths Wish You A Merry Christmas" or "John and Jane are on Santa's Nice List."
Plan Your Design
Decide how you want to display your message. You may want to leave a rectangular sign simple or you may wish to add an image, cut out a shape or decorate your post. Put "Santa, Stop Here" on an octagonal red stop sign. Add holly or stars in the corners of any sign. Paint the pole of the "North Pole" sign red and white like a candy cane. Draw a border around your words for a simple artist touch. Illuminate any sign with a string of Christmas lights.
Assemble Your Sign
Gather your supplies from around the house or from a hardware store. Look for scrap boards or plywood. You will also need a wood stake, outdoor paint, sealant, screws and a drill or a hammer and nails. If you plan to cut your wood, you will need a saw. For shaping the wood, use a jigsaw. Draw or stencil your design onto the wood with a pencil or pen before you paint. Then paint the background colors for your board and wood stake post. Let paint dry and then add your words and designs. Use dark colors such as black, green, red or blue for your words so that they are easy to read. Apply a coat of sealant after paint has dried. Next, attach your sign to the post with a nail or screw at both the top and the bottom of the sign. Finally, secure your assembled sign in the yard by hammering the stake into the ground.
Tags: your signs, your words, Nice List, North Pole, Plan Your