Introduction: 88 MPH Back to the Future Speed Signs

About: For more about my costumes, crafts and general craziness, check out my blog: http://modmischief.blogspot.com/

So you're planning a Back to the Future themed party because October 21, 2015 is right around the corner, and now you need some decorations. You're in luck, these 88 mph fake speed limit signs are perfect for setting the mood!

We made these decorations for our son's birthday party and have included the files so you can easily reproduce them for yourself.

For this project you'll need:

  • White foam core or poster board
  • Black adhesive vinyl and transfer tape
  • Cutting machine (we used an Epilog laser cutter for the foam core and a Silhouette Portrait for the vinyl)
    OR a sharp X-acto knife and a bit of patience
  • Template/cut files:
    • pdf (if you're doing it by hand)
    • Silhouette Studio file
    • Corel Draw file

Step 1: Design

We've done the work for you, so you can skip this step if you're in a hurry to make your own signs.

We designed the speed limit signs in Corel Draw.

The font used is from a set called Roadgeek 2005.

To get the look of a real American speed limit sign, we used the design specifications we found online.

After we were happy with the design in Corel Draw, we imported it as a png into Silhouette Studio and traced it.

Step 2: Cut Foam Core

Cut white foam core or thick poster board into the shape of the sign. We were able to get 4 signs out of a sheet of foam core.

For this step we used YuKonstruct's Epilog laser cutter. If you don't have access to a laser, you can cut the foam core with an X-acto knife.

Step 3: Cut Vinyl

Cut the black decals out of vinyl, being careful to cut through only the vinyl layer and not the backing paper. If you are using a cutting machine like a Silhouette or Cricut, you'll want to adjust the blade to do a 'kiss cut'.

Weed out the vinyl bits you don't need.

Step 4: Finish Road Sign

Using transfer tape, lift the vinyl decals off of their backing paper and carefully position them on the foam core. Smooth out any air bubbles and then remove the transfer tape.

Your sign is now done! Time to party like it's 2015!