How to make a rustic potting shed sign

DIY project from NZ Gardener magazine

This is a creative way for using up a piece of old timber, and turning it into something useful. Plus an old rake head can be added for hanging raincoats and gardening gloves!

A DIY rustic potting shed sign made from old timber

You will need

Materials:

  • 200mm x 25mm at approximately 600mm in length of exterior timber or similar. I used macrocarpa
  • Old rake head (or similar items – try hooks, bolts or hinges, often found lurking in the shed!)
  • Sandpaper
  • Vinegar, steel wool and plastic container (optional)
  • Stick-on letters and/or masking tape and scissors
  • Screws for rustic items
  • 2 x 50mm hex head screws for hanging the sign
  • Resene test pot in your colour of choice. I used Resene Orchid White

Tools:

  • Measuring tape and pencil
  • Hand saw
  • Steel ruler
  • Drill and 6mm drill bit to suit corner fixings
  • Screwdriver if required for smaller rustic items
  • Paintbrushes

Cost: $30. This excludes Resene products; I used a test pot of Resene Orchid White.

Instructions

 

Step 1: Measuring and cutting timber for a rustic potting shed sign Step 1
Measure your 25mm x 250mm timber and cut to 600mm with the hand saw. Sand down the edges and front, this doesn’t have to be perfect as you want to leave a rustic look. Dust down with a brush.

Step 2: Applying vinegar-soaked steel wool to wood to create an aged effect Step 2
This is an optional step, so feel free to skip it, depending on your own personal aesthetics. Place some steel wool and vinegar in a container and leave for a couple of hours. Once it has reached the desired colour, brush on over the entire piece of wood to give it a more aged appearance.

Step 3: Measuring 75mm down the top edge of timber to mark a guideline for lettering Step 3
Measure 75mm down the top edge of your timber to create a line for your letters to sit on, making sure your rake and other items won’t be in the way. I used a steel rule as a guide.

Step 4: Firmly sticking letters onto timber for rustic potting shed sign Step 4
Stick your letters firmly down, equal distances apart. I also added a shed and tree, using masking tape.

Step 5: Lightly brushing two coats of chosen paint onto the timber sign Step 5
Lightly brush on two coats of your choice of paint, giving a weathered look. I used Resene Orchid White. Leave to dry. Remove your stickers, and screw into place the rake head and other items.

Step 6 Step 6
Measure 100mm down from the top and 75mm in from each end of the sign, and drill holes for your fixings ready for hanging.

Project by Jane Horne

 

Jane Horne and partner Simon Bartholomew design and develop projects from their studio in Christchurch, managing projects throughout the South Island.

› Download the PDF of this project