Vintage Lace Painted Wood Sign

This project started out as a test piece for another project which will be revealed on the blog next week.  I like to say that I’m resourceful and don’t like for good things to go to waste, so I decided I would find a use for this painted piece of wood.  When I visited my neighbor the day I painted this piece, I took it with me to show her and get her opinion.  She really liked the vintage look of the lace print on the wood, and I walked away knowing my test piece was going to become a gift for her. I decided to make a name sign for my neighbors with this test piece, and I’m really happy with the way it turned out.

I had seen pictures of various furniture pieces painted by using lace as a stencil, and I decided to give it a try.  I started out with a scrap piece of wood, and taped the edges to frame it.

Next, I laid a piece of lace across the piece of wood, smoothing it with my hands to make sure it laid flat.

I then held the spray paint can about 10 inches above the piece and lightly sprayed a coat of paint on it.  I didn’t paint too closely to prevent the force of the spray from bleeding underneath the lace.

When I lifted the lace and removed the tape, a beautiful piece of wood remained with a painted lace design on it.  Isn’t that cool?  I was so happy this turned out so well!  I can’t wait to show you the project I was testing this process out for, but it will have to wait until next week.  Now, remember, this project doesn’t stop here.  I had to find a use for this beauty!

I used my printer to create the lettering for my sign, and used carbon paper to trace the design onto the piece of wood.

I then used paint pens to color in the design on the wood.  I also used the paint pens to draw a line around the edge of the paint to frame the sign.

I decided to use these paint pens because I like the way they dry on wood.  You can see the marks of the pen up close. Since I was going to make this piece look vintage, I thought the stain would settle into these creases and create a great look, which it did.

After a light sanding to create some distress, I pulled out my stain and used a rag to apply it and rub it in to create the aged look I was going for.  I kept adding more stain until I achieved my desired result.

The last step was to spray a thin coat of sealer on it and I was done.  Finis!

What do you think of this vintage lace painted wood sign?  I really like the way it turned out, and I hope my neighbors do, too! Do you like the look of lace painted onto the wood?  Do you want to give it a try?  Make sure to visit the blog next week when I reveal the project that prompted this test piece.  You don’t want to miss it!

*Shared at the following Linky Parties:  Inspire Me Please, Junkin Joe, Link Party Palooza, The Party Bunch, Retro Re-pin Party