DIY Graveyard Sign

Every year we try to add something to our yard for Halloween. This year I wanted to make a sign for our graveyard.  I pretty much lucked out when I found this twin headboard for $5 at my local Habitat for Humanity Restore. It was already painted like this with teal paint and some light black wash.  

I measured the space on the sign and got to work finding the perfect font to create the words I wanted on my sign. Once I printed the words I used Modge Podge to glue the letters onto the headboard.

We used our Bosch Plunge Router to then trace out all the letters. We had to buy a special bit to create the depth that we wanted also one strong enough to cut out wood.  This process was quite different than the lettering I made on my foam gravestones.  Be sure to use protective eye wear and a face mask when drilling into wood. 

After the letters were etched I used my indoor/outdoor cabinet paint to give it two coats of paint.  It turned out that I could still see a bit of the teal color which gives in a nice weathered look. I used gold acrylic craft paint and a small paint brush to do the letters.  I found these cute light up jack-o-lanterns at the At Home Store and used velcro command strips to attach them. 

I gave it a coat of waterproof spray paint to further protect it from the elements.

In order to prop it up I bought two Christmas tree stands with Pentagram feet on Amazon.  I honestly think they are perfect for this so we could anchor both legs. I added two solar lanterns on the ground with shepard hooks to illuminate it at night. 

I hope you like this little Halloween DIY. We have another project in the works so stay tuned!

Cathleen