How to Create Your Own Burlap Christmas Sign

Bring the holiday season cheer into your home this year with a handmade burlap Christmas sign! Not only can they be created in a variety of colors, but will also be a great project for the whole family to enjoy.

Hello, Kenarry readers! It’s LZ Cathcart from The Summery Umbrella, and today’s project is geared towards that most wonderful time of the year. Not only is it a super easy DIY project, but it could also make a great gift. I’m not sure about you, but I always seem to need just one more gift. However, if you make a few of these beauties ahead of time you’ll never have to worry about not having enough for everybody!

Just in case you haven’t stopped by The Summery Umbrella you’ll find that I love to share my three favorite things: DIY, Design, and Decor projects. My all time favorites would have to be How to Use Vinyl Stencils to Create Your Own Signs (Video Tutorial) then most definitely my lovely DIY coffee station and then rounding it all up with my custom hand drawn vectors that make all of your crafting projects a breeze.

However, if you’re looking for more inspiration around these parts (aka. Kenarry Kingdom)  go check out my incredibly easy Hand Lettered Drink Coasters tutorial that I created last month, or even this Custom Tumbler Template. If you have holiday gift giving on your mind then these are the tutorials just for you! 

How to Create Your Own Burlap Christmas Signs

As I’ve mentioned earlier I have a huge crush on DIY projects, and one of my “specialities” just so happens to be in sign making. I used to run a shop that focused on creating these beauties, and now-a-days I enjoy finding new ways to make them for gifts or even just fun.

So, let’s get started with these Burlap Christmas Signs!

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What you’ll need: 

• 1–Piece of scrap wood (7″ x 9″)
• 1–Piece of scrap wood (5.5″ x 8″)
• Burlap
• Decorative ribbon
• Black paint (furniture paint, latex, or acrylic)
• Red paint (furniture paint, latex, or acrylic)
• Blue paint (furniture paint, latex, or acrylic)
• White paint (latex or acrylic paint)
• Heavy duty staple gun OR super glue
• Paint brushes
• Silhouette CAMEO and Mat
• Vinyl
• Transfer Tape
• Squeegee (or a Credit Card)
• Christmas template downloads

Exclusive for Kenarry subscribers, receive the FREE printable Burlap Christmas sign templates for the joy and tree designs by signing up below. You’ll get the download link sent directly to your inbox.

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Instructions:

1. Clean and paint your scrap wood.

When using scrap wood you always want to make sure that the surface is clean so your paint will adhere to it. Thankfully a rough brush or old washcloth will usually do the trick. 

Note: Please feel free to use any type of wood for this project. I literally used the first piece of wood I found in my garage!

Then, add an even coat of your red paint to your 5.5″ x 8″ piece of scrap wood, and the same in blue paint for your 7″ x 9″ piece. 

I used Fusion Mineral Paint so I only needed one coat, but it is totally up to your own discretion if you’d like to use a more.

2. Download the Christmas templates. 

While you’re waiting for your paint to dry go ahead and download the Christmas templates from the supply list above and save it to your computer. 

3. Cut out the Christmas templates.

Using your Silhouette CAMEO cut out the templates with the vinyl on your mat. Check out these tutorials if you need help cutting out these templates!

4. Remove your vinyl from your mat.

Once the designs have been cut out remove the vinyl from your mat, and apply your transfer tape to the vinyl side. I like to use my squeegee for this part to ensure that it goes on super smooth.

Then, remove the backing from your vinyl, and carefully remove the interior vinyl pieces so you are left with a stencil.

5. Staple or glue the burlap to your signs.

Next, wrap your burlap ribbon around each of your signs and staple (or super glue) it in place on the backside. 

NOTE: You’ll have to pull it pretty tight prior to stapling it in place to ensure a snug fit on the front. 

6. Paint the front of your sign.

Flipping your signs back over to the front side you’re going to paint a white strip down the middle of your burlap. 

NOTE: If you’re short on time feel free to use a blow dryer to speed up this process. However, just stay vigilant and be safe if you do!

7. Apply the design to your block.

After your white paint has dried completely it is now time to apply the designs. 

You’ll be applying the “joy” design horizontally to your red sign, and then the “Christmas tree” to your blue sign vertically.

Measure and line up your vinyl with each of your signs so they will be applied evenly, and then firmly push each down with your squeegee.

8. Remove your transfer tape.

Next, remove your transfer tape so that only your vinyl is left on your signs.

9. Paint inside the design.

You’re almost done! Now, you’ll just need to paint the inside of your DIY Christmas signs using your black paint. 

NOTE: You might need to go through your design a few times before it looks even. Since you’re painting on burlap the design will look a little bumpy close up, but trust me, it’s going to look fantastic sitting on top of your mantle or hutch!

10. Add your decorative ribbon.

Last, but certainly not least, add a little bling to your burlap Christmas sign with decorative ribbon. I felt that using just one strand didn’t quite do my new signs justice so I used two! 

Wasn’t that easy? Something a little different than the same ol’, same ol’ burlap signs, but equally just as pleasing to the eye. Now, it’s your turn! 

Go get your craft on, and I’ll see you again next time 🙂

Looking for more crafty projects?

How to Create a Vintage Snowflake Sign

Create Your Own DIY Farm Fresh Eggs Signs

How to Build a Sled

You may also enjoy these other burlap inspired ideas on Ideas for the Home by Kenarry® –

• Rustic Christmas Tree Burlap Garland
• Learn How to Make Burlap Coasters 
• How to Make a Burlap Wreath