Funky Junk Interiors

Rustic vacation directional signs in an old window

I really should have called this project  the ‘I can’t make up my mind ‘ directional signs, because boy did this project take a few hundred U-turns!

Rustic vacation directional signs in an old window

.

It all started with a vintage wooden window frame.

This is the window found from the trip to the Alexandria bridge where I found that surprise massive junk place along the side of the road.

I wanted summer decor on my fireplace mantel. So I rummaged through the ‘ol stencil collection and decided that vacation type sayings would be PERFECT.

Probably because I needed a vacay… heh.

So here’s how this one came together!

(this post contains some affiliate links)

Supplies I used:

.

• Stencils from the Getaway Collection – Private Beach, Lake Rentals, and Cabin HERE
• Stencil brush
• Old wooden framed window
• Random rusty junk hinges etc.
• Paint of choice – I used black acrylic craft paint.
  .Learn how these signs were stenciled from HERE

 

 

.That’s when the help walked in.

The discussion was in depth, ranging from layout to apparent lack of birds to watch that day. Very therapeutic for both of us.

So I grabbed a little Beach sign I had already made way back, dry fit some other boards into the window frame, and…

I didn’t like it.

So I took it apart and forgot about it. For weekSSSS.

Until this weekend. Yet AGAIN I wanted something summerish on my mantel. So I picked up that same Beach sign, stenciled two others to read Rentals and Cabins and attached them to a post instead.

Vacation getaway signs on a post

.

1. Stencil getaway signs onto fence planks.

2. Attach stenciled planks to a post with screws.

3. Create a base for the signs to either self stand or lean against a wall.

Learn more tips on how to stencil from HERE

.

Well, how cute is that! Instant vacationland in a forest setting if you will.

I decked out the surrounding area at the sign base with features that mimicked my beloved forest bike ride trails.

Can you see it? Can you see me on that bike racing along the trails amongst the tallest of pine trees?

Yep. I want to stay in THAT cabin by that river in THAT forest. I love storytelling in decor.

Faux Ikea plants were tucked behind some firewood, then a few metal antiques were placed to capture the cabin bike antiques getaway thing.

And it fit the mantel nicely.

Then what did I go and do? I walked downstairs to my junk stash and my eyes landed on that old window again.

And then I couldn’t turn off the brain. I had to try the signs inside the frame again.

Vacation getaway signs on a window frame

.

1. Team up planks that fit inside vintage window panes.

2. Cut, then stencil the planks with getaway signs.

3. Mount them to the window in some way. I used hooks and rusty junk hinges as shown.

.

Each sign was installed onto the window a different way. Rentals utilized two rusty junk door hinges to make it extra quirky.

Beach was outfitted with a board across the back of the window frame first, then mounted to that from the front.

And Cabins was installed with 4 little cup hooks along with one tiny link of chain to centre the sign inside the window panel. 

Much better! I fell in love!

But one more detail was added to make that Beach sign pop…

Find the Buffalo Check- medium stencil HERE

How to add an arrow tip to a sign

.

1. Cut a plank at a 45 degree angle. Flip it around and cut again in the middle to create a tip.

2. Attach it to a wood plank with screws.

3. Stencil to decorate in Buffalo Check like I did if desired.

Learn more tips on how to stencil from HERE

.

Once I placed the old window signs onto the mantel, the arrow tip looked a tiny bit plain. So I grabbed the Buffalo Check stencil and some black craft paint, and did it up right.

The perfect detailing! The stenciled Buffalo Check highlighted the arrow tip making it stand out moreso, while chiming in with the rest of the sign. Cute!

Now let’s put it on the mantel…

Oh, love it! The window frame ended up being the perfect height for the fireplace mantel!

And adding a few cabin-fever decorating elements brought it all together, such as an antique lantern, antlers, and faux plants that resemble natural forest greenery.

Doesn’t it look authentically old? I have a secret to getting that look….

Tips for achieving a rustic look

.

• Start with old materials!
• Use rusty junk hinges, hooks, string or bolts to embellish
• Stencil with a light touch… allow some letters to somewhat fade for an aged appearance

And then… I had another brainstorm on where to put the sign…

Here it is hanging up on my patio outdoors! It’s mounted to one post with screws and it fit perfectly!

I cozied the newly cleaned patio up and made it feel like home. Complete with my childhood farm dinner bell that acts as a wind chime when a gust of wind hits.

I can still hear my mom ringing it for Dad to come in from the barn for dinner.

It was fun playing house out there! I still haven’t decorated the patio yet so this certainly made a dent.

The perfect little patio getaway, don’t you think? It’s really a great porch sign!

Now that’s a versatile sign! Or… signs! You choose!

How would you mount these signs for your home?

If you need a little advice, Sky’s for hire… 

Other vacation-themed signs you may enjoy:

How to make your own beach signs

Faux barn door headboard with Bed & Breakfast bedding

2-layer buffalo checked Cabin Resort pillow

Illuminated Cabin shaped resort sign

Visit many other current sign projects HERE