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How to Make Your Own DIY School Sign
School is starting and we are getting prepared by making a DIY school sign for my littlest. My family loves being able to document the memories created on the first and last days of the school year. It’s so special to look back on the photos and see their growth. In this post, I’m going to show you how you can easily create your own DIY school sign.
Supplies:
- Chalkboard paint
- A foam roller
- Wood canvas (12×12”)
- White vinyl, white paint or white paint pens
Step 1: Apply Chalkboard Paint
First, stir the chalkboard paint really well. Dip the foam roller in the paint can and paint the sides and front of the wood canvas. I did two coats of paint on the sides and three coats on the front. Let it dry. You can lightly hand sand with 220 grit sandpaper and wipe clean between coats for an extra smooth chalkboard surface.
You could also use chalkboard paint that comes in a spray can. Apply 2-3 coats.
Step 2: Print School Sign Design
Use a Cricut or similar cutting machine to print and cut Sew Bright Creation’s school sign design on white vinyl. You can get the design for free with the code JANJUL, valid until September 20, 2024. The design comes in png, dxf and svg formats.
Our DIY school sign design has space at the top to write “first” or “last.” These make for great photos of the first and last days of school. If you don’t have a cutting machine, no worries! Print the png file on paper and place it on top of the chalkboard sign. Press firmly with a pen to mark up the board. Remove the paper and you should be able to lightly see the design. Use white paint or a paint pen to go over the design
Step 3: Apply Vinyl School Sign Design
Weed vinyl, apply transfer paper and place it on top of the dried sign. Use a scraper tool to ensure the vinyl adheres to the chalkboard before removing the transfer paper.
Step 4: Capture Memories
You now have a super fun DIY school sign that can be used for many years to come! Fill in the blanks with chalk or chalk paints and capture those special memories with your family. I always love comparing the first and last days and hearing my kid’s answers to the questions.
Want to know my pro tip for the best back to school photos? Take them the night before or even a few days after. Trust me on this one!
Back to School Essentials
At the beginning of each school year, these are our minimum must-haves for each kid:
- Water bottle
- Indoor shoes
- Change of clothes
- Bento box lunch container
- Backpack
- Lunch bag
A good quality backpack is important because my kids carry their own packs. My 3 year old loves wearing his new bear mountain Jan & Jul backpack. It is comfortable for him, has an extra chest strap and is big enough to hold all his things! The matching kids pencil case and kids lunch bag are perfect too. The lunch bag is insulated and super easy to clean.
Now the real question… are you ready for back to school? Every year brings something different for us, but this year I’m looking forward to a new routine. Stocking up on essentials and making our fun DIY school sign are both ways make the transition more exciting. For daily DIY and Craft inspiration find us on Instagram @sobrighthome.
Jackie, Northern BC Mom & DIYer