Introduction: Personalized Wooden Plaque

In this tutorial I'll show you how to make a plaque with a word or phrase on it that you can hang to use in decorating or just as an inspiring piece for a gift.

Materials Needed:

  • Wooden Plaque (You can find these at any craft store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby for about $10. I liked the completely unfinished look with the bark still on it but you could also use one with a finished edge)
  • Paper
  • Ball point pen
  • Fine point Sharpie
  • Extra fine point Sharpie
  • Scissors
  • Masking tape
  • Hammer
  • Picture hanging and nails
  • Computer/Printer (not pictured)

Step 1: Printing and Tracing

First you have to decide what you would like on your plaque. I chose a saying that my grandpa used to say as a work saying and became our family's motto. It can be inspirational or funny or even just a name. Once you've chosen your phrase chose a font that you would like and enlarge the size so that it will correctly fit on your plaque.

Now flip the paper over and using your ball point pen, trace the outline of your letters TWICE. This will ensure that there is plenty of ink on the paper to transfer. It doesn't have to be exact or perfect as long as you don't go outside of letters. The transfer will be light but will still be there.

Step 2: Transfering

Now to transfer your letters to the plaque. I found it easiest to cut closer to the words so I could see more of the plaque to accurately place it. Once its in the placing you like use the tape to secure it in place. Be sure not to put the tape too close to any of the letters.

Next take your ball point pen but UNCLICKED so that the tip of the pen is covered. If your pen is not a clickable pen you can use anything similar to it that has a point to it. Bear down with your pen and scribble over every letter and punctuation mark to make sure it all transfers. Scratch both horizontally and vertically to cover as much of the letters as possible. Once you've covered all your letters you can remove the paper and you should be left with an exact transfer of the outline that you created earlier.

Step 3: Filling In

First use the extra fine point Sharpie to trace over your outline again and to fill in any thin parts of your letters. Next use your fine point Sharpie to fill in the rest of the lettering.

Now you're ready to hang it!

Step 4: Hanging

Now use a simple picture mounting with a couple of small nails (make sure they aren't too long or they'll stick through the other side) to make your plaque able to be hung. Then find a spot where you want to hang it and use a nail to put it up and step back to admire your work! Now you have a neat, handmade plaque that will make a great statement in any room.

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