Patchwork Welcome Sign

This week, I decided that it was time to put away our spring/summer ‘Welcome’ sign and make a new one for the fall.  I planned to make a patchwork ‘Welcome’ sign this time, and here are the supplies that I started with for the project:

Clockwise, starting at the top:

-craft paint
-Mod Podge
-ribbon
-8”x8” canvas
-letter stickers
-paint brushes
-8 coordinating sheets of scrapbook paper

For the first step, I tackled the sides of the canvas.  I thought it would be tricky to wrap and Mod Podge the paper around the edges of the canvas.  Instead, I decided paint the edges and picked a color (Folk Art Basil Green) that complimented the papers.

Step two was to cut out two 2” x 2” squares for each of the eight pieces of scrapbook paper.

Once they were all cut out, I played with the arrangement and found a pattern that I liked.

Next, I taped together four squares at a time to form strips of the paper.  I then taped the four strips together to connect all of the ‘patches’.

With the papers taped together, I was ready to Mod Podge!  I find that giving the paper (or fabric) a top coat of Mod Podge before adhering it to a surface makes the paper easier to work with.  It does not take long to apply the Mod Podge – a few minutes – but always be sure to allow for ample drying time – about 1 hour.  Adding coats of Mod Podge to a surface that is not completely dry can lead to a finished product that feels sticky.

Once my top coat was dry, I was ready to adhere the paper to the canvas.  I applied a layer of Mod Podge to the canvas and a layer to the back of the paper.

For the next step, it is important to work quickly.  I placed the paper on the canvas and worked to smooth out the paper.  I used my hands and a drug store rewards card I had on hand to smooth any bubbles and wrinkles out of the paper.

After smoothing out the wrinkles, the sign was ready for a top coat of Mod Podge.

When the first top coat was completely dry, I put the stickers in place and then added two more coats of Mod Podge (allowing each coat to fully dry).  The last step was to staple the ribbon to the back of the canvas, tie it in a bow, and hang it on the door!

I also added a little owl that I picked up at Michael’s for $1.99. (Funny – if you buy the fall décor items when it’s actually fall, they’re on sale!)

What fall projects have you been working on?