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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!


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. 

how to make a pumpkins sign silhouette machine pin

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:

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!

PUMPKINS WOOD SIGN | WWW.AKADESIGN.CA

Supplies

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. 

STAINED WOOD

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

PAINT SIGN FUSION MINERAL PAINT ALGONQUIN

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

PUMPKINS WOOD SIGN SILHOUETTE STUDIO SCREENSHOT

  • 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.

STENCIL ON WOOD

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

PAINT STENCIL

6. Remove stencil and let paint dry.

LET DRY

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

SAND

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

DARK WAX

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

PUMPKINS WOOD SIGN SILHOUETTE STENCIL | WWW.AKADESIGN.CA

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.

shannon photo and sig oct 2022

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22 Comments

  1. Love this Shannon! I have a Silhouette and have only made 1 sign in a year!! I needed a push to make more – thanks for the great tutorial! xx

  2. LOVE this. I keep saying I’ll make some signs–even have some stencils I purchased. I have a Cricut mini and need to learn to use it. You have motivated me!!!

    1. Yes, there is a little learning curve, just like with any new tool. I’ve got a list a mile long of projects to make!

  3. Thank you for your inspiration – I’ve had my Cameo for over a year and haven’t used it yet!! How bad is that!! I think I’ve been too afraid – silly right? But your instructions are perfect – I shall give it a go!

    1. Well, it’s understandable actually. Life is busy and it does take a wee bit of time to get the hang of it. But once you do – you’ll be loving it!