Free Open/Closed Sign

How was it free you ask?

Literally, opening day of our store I realized I didn’t have an opening sign. I mean yea, I had thought about it several times in the past few weeks, but unfortunately it got push back in my long list of to do’s and was clearly forgotten about. So I had to improvise and fast. Off on a mission, searching for something, that would temporarily let people know that we were open. At this point anything would do that wasn’t paper taped to the door written in marker. Thats when I spotted this sign in the basket of flowers.

Yep, this sign was also suppose to serve as a useful purpose, that clearly wasn’t written on…did I mention my to do list was long? Either-way, I grabbed it up, cut out an open vinyl decal and suck it to the chalkboard front. So proud of myself, I headed to show it off to my husband and ask him to cut off the wood stake. Thats when I heard a voice and it dawned on me, make the backside “closed”, or maybe that was my husbands voice, nevertheless this is how it looks.

Steps to make the sign

All I did was cut out the words closed and open using my circuit. On the back I first added craft paper using spray adhesive. Next I trimmed the paper in the shape of the sign using a razor blade. This part is really simple since its adhered to the back. All you do is take the razor blade and follow the edges of your sign. Just be careful not to cut yourself.  Then stick the closed sticker to the craft paper (don’t use really sticky transfer paper or it will rip your craft paper). Then I used mod podged over the entire back. Lastly, I added some eye hooks and twine. Voila my new open and closed sign thats now, not so temporary! Best part, cost was FREE using supplies I already had.

Learn from my rookie mistake: #1 Make sure you have an open sign. This really helps potential customers!

Here is a list of the supplies I used incase you want to make your own sign

• Be creative and use anything. Look around at stuff you already have. I used a wooden chalkboard yard stake that I had for several years that I got from hobby lobby.
• White vinyl.  Font: your choice
• Craft paper link here
• Mod Podge link here
• Small eye hooks (found at any hardware store, Wal-mart, and most craft stores)
• Natural twine (Michaels or Hobby Lobby)

A couple of ideas you could use these supplies for

• Welcome signs
• Holiday signs to hang on your door
• Personalize a sign with your last name

These would make great gifts for friends and family too! Happy crafting.

Here are a few more pictures