It’s June and wedding season is in full swing! Are you looking for that perfect and unique gift for either a wedding or a shower present? Today I have a step by step tutorial for you below or you can click on the link under the picture for a video tutorial. Some of my closest friends and family have got married, and I love doing a Family Established sign as a gift.
These signs have turned into my go-to for wedding or shower gifts. I have also used the same concept when making address signs. I love the reactions when these signs are opened up! In fact, I volunteer at our local Habitat for Humanity, and at each house dedication, I present the new owners with an address sign that has their name and street address. I use tile or wood for the address signs.
I have seen “Family Established Signs” made of wood. But I love using a double-pane glass frame for my established signs. It creates a great wall piece and is easy to hang. It is a lot lighter than a wood sign. Each type of sign is excellent. I just love making the glass signs.
Supplies
- Frame
- Vinyl
- Transfer Tape
- Cricut Maker
- Windex
- Paper Towels
I start out with a double-pane glass or wood floating frame. I have the best luck finding these types of frames at Hobby Lobby, JoAnn’s or Amazon. You can make it with a single pane frame, but the double pane protects the vinyl and is easy to clean.
Then I like to create the design for the sign using Cricut Design Space and cutting it out with my Cricut Maker. You can do the same thing with another cutting machine but, you all know that I love my Cricut Maker!
Step #1 Frame Size and Shape
The size of the sign is determined by the size of the frame you select. I find the best signs are frames that are a rectangle shape. When you want to have the design to be the last name and date. A good size is 10X20. I place the design so that the picture frame is laying landscape. If you want to use a monogram design than a 11X14 size works great. I set this type of design portrait. I recommend that you find your frame first and then design the layout based on your frame size.
Step #2 Determine Design
This is when the fun starts. What do you want to design? The primary two standards items in a family established sign are last name and date. The other options are a monogram, initials, and first names.
Step #3 Create Design
I use my Cricut Maker and Design Space to create the design. The thing that takes me the longest amount of time is determining what font to apply for the design. There are so many options at your finger-tips. But if you don’t find one you like in Design Space, there is a great website available, DAFONT.COM, that offers all types of fonts. They are free to use if you are not selling your items. Commercial licenses are available, but if you just making a gift, there is no need to pay for a commercial license.
Once you have determined your design, you are ready to cut it out. I like to use 651 vinyl for all of my designs. I order my vinyl from 651Vinyl.com. They have a great selection, excellent customer service, and fast delivery on my orders.
Step #4 Frame Preparation
If you are using a double pain frame, you need to clean the inside of the glass. Please be very careful with this step. I have found that most of the glass edges are very sharp when you take the glass out to clean it. I use Windex to clean my glass. The most important area to clean in the insides of the glass.
Step #5 Applying Design
Before you apply the design, you need to determine the location of the layout on your frame. I like to use a dry erase marker to mark the center of the frame. I mark on the opposite of the glass that I am laying down the design. I also like to apply a straight line on the reverse of the glass to help apply the design accurately.
Once you determine your location and you have your marks on the glass you are ready to apply your design to transfer tape. I like to use blue transfer tape that I get from 651Vinyl.
When you are applying your design, you want to use your dry erase marker lines as your guide. You want to make sure that your design is put on straight.
Step #6 Assembling Frame
Keep in mind during this step, the design is going to be sandwiched between the glass. I also like to be very careful not to get fingerprints on the inside of the glass. So be very careful and clean the inside glass before you reassemble the frame.
And there you have it, a DIY family established sign that you can make for your next wedding or shower gift. This gift is sure to be a hit and treasured for many years to come.
Thanks so much for joining me here at Fun Stuff Crafts for another tutorial. I am hoping that this will inspire you to create! I would love to hear your comments and suggestions for upcoming ideas for tutorials.
So, until next time remember, INSPIRATION is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone or something, which gives you new and creative ideas!
