Jump into the holiday season with an easy farmhouse-style DIY Christmas countdown sign!
Hello, again!! So happy to be back from Making Joy and Pretty Things to share a fun rustic DIY with ya today.
You see, just like Kristi here, we have been drowning in the One Room Challenge. We actually did a shared boys bedroom (see the full reveal here) and while I LOVE farmhouse decor, my sweet little boys don’t.
I had to put away my white chalked paint and rough sandpaper for bright blues and greens and a smooth finish on wood (no distressing! no neutral colors! the horror!).
I’m so, SO happy to be back in my farmhouse neutral comfort zone.
You guys, I know it’s a a tad early for Christmas/holiday posts. I can’t help myself! Christmas is such a fun time now that the kids are old enough to be “into it”.
Picking a Christmas tree, decorating the house, putting up lights, and snuggling together on the couch. I LOVE this season with my little family.
While I haven’t decorated yet (I promise!!), I thought a little Christmas DIY post could be fun! I also shared on my blog some farmhouse-style Christmas cards and a fun giveaway! Okay, so maybe I am in full-blown holiday mode a little too soon….
To make the Christmas countdown sign, I started by staining a sweet unfinished plaque my oldest got me for my birthday (from Michaels). He knows me, huh?!
Once dry, I cut a piece of paper the size of the plaque and used Mod Podge to apply it to the front.
Apply Mod Podge to the wood, place the paper onto the Mod Podge, then apply Mod Podge on top of the paper. Use a credit card or Mod Podge tool to smooth out any bubbles.
Once the paper dried, I used an old paint brush to apply some white wax to the entire piece including over the paper and wood. Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess and it creates a beautiful white-washed finish.
As is tradition, I used sandpaper just over the decoupaged paper to give a more distressed look.
I used my favorite font transfer method to add “days until” and “christmas” to the front. Basically, print the font out on computer paper, color the back in white chalk (or black chalk if the surface is white) and trace over the top of the letters. SO easy.
You’re left with an outline of the words without having to do any free-handed lettering.
Lastly, I used a regular ole’ black sharpie to trace over the letters.
I found some cute little chalkboard frame stickers at Michaels that I thought would be perfect on the sign.
What do you think?
I love how it turned out!
Alright, so maybe my Christmas craving has been temporarily satisfied. It is only November still…
Are you ready for the holidays? Or are you totally anti-holidays right now? I can certainly see it both ways.
I can’t wait to be back next month.
Wishing you a joyful day!
walshcandy6 says
I love this! Definitely pinning this one! Thanks for sharing!
Kristi says
Thanks so much! Sarah always comes up with the sweetest ideas!!!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things says
Aww I’m so glad you like it!!
Shawnna Griffin says
hey girl love the sign! I can’t wait till Christmas!
Kristi says
Isn’t it cute! I’m counting down with you Shawnna!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things says
So glad you love the sign, Shawna!! According to my sign it’s only 38 days away now 😉
muchloverose says
Hi Sarah
So sweet. I love so many of your ideas.
Have a great day
Rose
Kristi says
Sarah always has such sweet ideas to share!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things says
Aww thank you SO much, Rose!! That is such a sweet compliment. I’m so glad you love the countdown sign!
Sabrina says
Aw what a cute little idea, it looks so pretty!!
Kristi says
Isn’t it the sweetest! Sarah’s SO creative!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things says
Thank you so much Sabrina!! I’m glad you like the sign – I can’t believe Christmas is so close!
Peggy says
This is adorable! I will definitely make one!
Kristi says
I was just thinking the same thing Peggy! Sarah is so darn creative!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things says
Aww I’m so happy to hear that, Peggy! It was so so simple to make.
thejohnsonplusdog says
I love this cute sign.. I have the perfect unfinished sign for it! I’ll make something similar! I am soooo ready for Christmas!
Kristi says
Isn’t it cute Chelsea! Sarah’s always coming up with such inspiring projects!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things says
Girl, I hear you! It’s the perfect way to start decorating for Christmas, without actually decorating for Christmas 🙂
Zan says
This is seriously the cutest little count down to Christmas sign. I love how easy it is to make it – your DIY’s always seem effortless. And hey, nope I don’t think it’s too early to start posting about Christmas:)
Kristi says
Thanks so much Zan! Sarah’s got me counting down to the big day already with this sweet little craft!
northcountrynest21 says
This so adorable! Iover the farmhouse style and it looks so easy to make!
Best,
Kelly
Kristi says
Thanks so much Kelly! I can’t wait to try making one of these beautiful signs too!
craftivitydesigns says
I love the really light coat of paint you did, it feels like a very natural worn look!