Dollar Store Wooden Sign Makeover

About a month ago, I walked into the Dollar Tree and walked out with an arm full of treasure.

I bought ribbon and floral picks.

I grabbed the fall plates that I shared last week.

And, something I'm excited to share today, a monogrammed pumpkin cut out with the wrong initial.

That's right. I bought the wrong initial.

On purpose.

There's no J anywhere in my name. Middle, married or maiden.

You see, I bought the sign strictly for the shape. Plus it had a painted stem, metal leaf detail and ribbon already attached.

And it was a dollar.

The thrift store paddle I turned into a pumpkin was more than that. And it didn't even have a bow.

So this was a no brainer, bargain purchase...and the dollar stores are full of them.

They have signs in shapes for every season and holiday imaginable.

And the possibilities to reinvent those signs are endless, as you turn them into elegant and more personalized decor. 

Keep that in mind while you're checking out this craft. Use my DIY as an inspiration piece more than a specific how to.

Think about what you could create or re-create with a Santa, Reindeer, Tree, Turkey or Pilgrim Hat in the next few months.

Or with a snowflake, tulip, rainbow, sunflower or apple thereafter.

How To Makeover A Dollar Tree Sign

I started my own makeover with a coat of paint to cover up that mismatched monogram. I used a foam brush for the larger areas.

Then I used a pointed q-tip for the tight spaces around the leaf. They're great tools for detail work or clean up.

For example, I love using them when I paint rocks.

I was ready to stencil the front of my clean palette when I decided I wanted an aged look, so I gave it a quick coat of stain. I simply brushed it on and then wiped off the excess.

It's an easy way to make something brand new, look old. 

The stain over paint suddenly gave my pumpkin a wood look. The stain settled into the brush marks mimicking the grain. 

Then I picked out a stencil from my stash and used black paint for the design.

I applied it with a round stencil pouncer brush.

Now, I'm not the best stenciler.

I'm not always super careful and I can't use a spray adhesive to keep the stencil in place, so on this project my paint bled a bit.

However, I wasn't deterred. Or disappointed.

I'm not a perfectionist when it comes to crafting, and I did want an aged and worn look, so this fit.

I gave it another coat of stain to distress it even more and then I coated it with a clear satin.

I used this one. It's become my new favorite. Doesn't smell at all and gives a nice clean finish. 

When it was dry, I propped it up in my kitchen to celebrate the season.

It's been a lovely fall addition to my 1920's cottage home with its antiqued patina.

Now that it's been personalized by me.

Re-monogrammed, if you will.

You'd never guess I bought it last week.

For a buck.

What will you create?