How to Make a Pumpkin Sign Using a Silhouette Machine

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In this post: Learn how to make a fall pumpkin sign using a Silhouette machine and stencil material. Paint it any color you like to go with your decor!

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I don’t think you’d be surprised to hear that I like to make things for our house. Big things, little things. Complicated things. Simple things. (Mostly simple things.) As long as they’re stylish, I like to make them. Like this pumpkin sign made using a piece of wood a stencil cut from a Silhouette machine. 

Often, making something is a matter of spending less and still making our home a cozy, cheerful place. Frequently it’s also a way to celebrate the changing seasons and special holidays. And we are definitely getting closer my favorite holidays!

I have made wooden signs before – remember my Harvest sign from last year? – and I’d love to make many more. Which is just one of the reasons I recently got a Silhouette Cameo!

Why a Silhouette Cameo?

Before I chose a cutting machine, I did a little research on which type of machine to get (you know the other big boys out there) and the Silhouette Cameo won hands down. Mainly for its ability to use any fonts installed on my computer to create my own designs. As a die-hard DIYer and a former Graphic Designer that was a HUGE selling point.

I also appreciated that I didn’t have to keep buying expensive cartridges. And I love all the different craft mediums that can be used with the Cameo:

• vinyl
• temporary tattoo paper
• stencils
• stickers
• rubber stamps
• fabric
• and more!

Basically I could see myself making such a variety of projects – which I’m sure you know excites me to no end!

How to Make a Pumpkin Sign

The first thing I wanted to tackle with my new machine was making a typographic stencil. I’ve used the pencil transfer method for so long (which is still such my favorite way to make art), I was anxious to try something a little different. And since fall is coming soon (judging by the sudden chill in the air), I thought a PUMPKINS wood sign would be perfect!

Supplies

• 1″x6″x18″ pine
• dark walnut stain
• lint free rag
• taupe paint (I used Homestead House’s new Fusion Mineral Paint line in Algonquin)
• black paint (I used craft paint)
• small foam brush
• sandpaper
• dark wax
• 12″ Silhouette stencil material
• Silhouette Cameo
• picture hanger (optional)

Instructions

1. Using the lint free rag, apply stain to pine. Let sit for 5 minutes and wipe off the excess.

For a step-by-step tutorial on how to stain wood, check out this post. 

2. Apply taupe paint over dry stain. Let dry.

3. Using Silhouette Studio layout your sign and cut stencil:

• Open the Page Settings Window and create a page 22″ wide by 12″ high, landscape. Check the Show Cut Border box.
• Using the Draw a Rectangle Tool, create a rectangle that measures approximately 5″x18″. Make sure it is safely in the Cut Border Shown in red.
• Using Britannic Bold font at 293 pt type the word PUMPKINS.
• Center in rectangle, using Align Center in the Align Window.
• Go to Cut Settings. Select Standard, Cut Edge and Stencil Material as your options.
• Adjust rollers on Cameo to hold 12″ Stencil Material, following directions on your machine.
• Load Stencil Material into machine.
• Choose Send to Silhouette in Silhouette Studio software, making sure you’ve adjusting the blade accordingly.

4.  Remove backing from stencil and apply to painted and stained pine. Weed out the letters, keeping the centers for the P’s. Place P center’s. Make sure stencil is firmly adhered to board so no paint seeps underneath.

5. Using the same foam brush used to paint the taupe, apply small amounts of black paint to stencil. Don’t use too much.

6. Remove stencil and let paint dry.

7. Sand entire sign with fine grit sandpaper, concentrating on the edges to distress.

8. Apply dark wax. Buff to remove excess and finish.

9. Attach picture hanger if desired, otherwise prop up your very own Pumpkins Wood Sign and enjoy!

Do you have a Silhouette? Don’t you love it?! If you don’t have one, is it on your wish list? 

*This post was sponsored by Silhouette. All creative ideas and opinions are my own.