Kitchen Quick Fix: DIY Grocery Sign

Thursday, October 11, 2012

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was hoping to craft up a little sign for the kitchen. Our poor kitchen got no lovin' for the longest time. It's in desperate need of a major overhaul but we're waiting patiently so that I can pick the most expensive finishes and appliances for the right time. Ahem.
 
I originally wrote about our ugly kitchen here. Then I followed up with a few quick fixes that have included paintopen shelving, a pendant light over the sink, and some kitchen carts for extra counterspace and storage.
 
After rounding up some sign inspiration from the magical-land-of-internets, I finally decided that I wanted my sign to say "grocery". After all, I do need frequent reminders to go grocery shopping when we're out of food and I start making Kraft Dinner for every meal. Heh heh heh. No, seriously. I do that.
 
Here is the spot over the window where I wanted to put the sign:
 
Empty space above window.


Empty space above window.

 
Well, here is how the sign turned out and how it looks over the kitchen window and sink:
 
 
 
I really like how it turned out, however I haven't decided if I'm going to try and add a little something something to make it look a bit older.
 
The letters are fairly distressed (although it's hard to tell from this photo):
 
 

I have most of the pictures ready for a step-by-step tutorial but it will take me a few more days (or weeks, sigh) to get that done for ya.
 
This is BY FAR the best stenciling job I've done so far, so come on back if you're curious how I got the letters so crisp (well, they were nice and crisp before I sanded the heck out of them).
 
Here is a little before and after comparison of the little spot with and without my little DIY sign:
 
 
Obviously the kitchen still needs a lot of work. But hey, at least there's a cute sign in there now. ;)

Update: I think I will move the sign up an inch thanks to a friendly suggestion from a reader. (Readers are cool.)

P.S. The wooden valence at the top is kind of in the way to hang it centered between the ceiling and the window.

Okaybyeeeee for realz.
 
Sharing Here:
 
Link Up With Me, Liz Marie @ Liz Marie Blog
Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

27 comments:

  1. Love it! It makes a huge difference!

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  2. Love it!! Perfect addition to that spot, its always the little things that make the biggest impact. Can't wait for the "tutorial" (take your time!), I've been wanting to make some signs:)

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  3. Maybe bang it up a little? I would love to see the sign from the same angle as the first photo. Great job!

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  4. Super cute!! I would love to see a tutorial. I really stink at stenciling.

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  5. This is just what that spot was missing! I think you used just the right amount of distressing. I have never worked with wood stain before so I look forward to more details on what you used to make your version. Being a homeowner with a so-so kitchen I know what a difference little DIY projects like this make to help it feel more your style.

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  6. I just came over from liz marie - I am relatively new to this blogging world but even still I can't believe that this is the first time I've found you! LOVE your blog, LOVE your home, and LOVE your style. I'm your newest fan, I mean follower...
    Keya

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  7. This sign is Be-u- t-ful!!!It IS so crisp! Perfect spoy perfect sign:)

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  8. It looks great! What a difference a sign makes!!

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  9. I LOVE that sign. Looks just perfect in that spot. I love Grocery - or maybe Fresh Eggs? I'm needing something new above my kitchen window too (well, I need a whole bunch of 'something new' in my kitchen. But for now, a new sign may have to do the trick!

    Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for your tutorial!

    Jen
    athomeinthenorthwestblog.com

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  10. Turned out wonderfully! Yeah, I think an inch or two higher would probably do the trick, but looks fine to me.
    Brenda

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  11. Love those grocery signs.....adds a nice homey feel to it. Great Job!! Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

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  12. Your grocery sign is Caaauuuute!! It looks perfect above your window!

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  13. I love it. Personally I wouldn't try to make it look older, but I have a thing about pieces being authentic. I feel that if you want a "vintage" sign then you may as well pay to have an actual antique. Anyway, this will age (slowly) itself!

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  14. It's stinkin adorable!!! Way to go. :)

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  15. You did a great job! It is the perfect touch above the window!

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  16. It looks great! It's a perfect spot for it!

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  17. OH YEAH! Love it! I really like the stain color. I have a bad kitchen. its uggo. one day it will be better...one day.

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  18. Yes. I love it - nice balance between vintage and new, I think. This makes me want a sign like yours in my kitchen, too!
    -Revi

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  19. Love this sign!! Love the kitchen!! Love everything! Thanks for linking up at liz marie blog!!

    xx Liz Marie

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  20. Love it...it fits the space perfectly!

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  21. I love it...so neat! The Coopster in your newer post is adorable:) Also was really surprised you get 12 months off to be with your baby, that's wonderful!

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  22. I love your grocery sign and it looks beautiful there - perfect spot!

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  23. Love it! What is the name of the font?

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  24. Super cute! Love it !

    Meggie

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  25. Sarah - your kitchen is anything but ugly! I only wish I had such a cute kitchen. If I were you, I would change the countertop to a butcher block counter from Ikea, put beadboard or subway tiles part way up the wall, and a new floor and cabinet hardware. I love the faucet coming from the wall! No way would I totally reno that kitchen. It is totally "cottage cute"!!! Oh - and the sign is perfect.

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  26. This kind of kitchen will make anyone feel at home. I really love it! My sister's kitchen looks like this. The only repair she had to do was the fridge so she looked for fridge door seals in Perth.

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  27. Love the sign! Hope to make one that looks that nice :)
    Www.branchandtwig.com

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