Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY.

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 paint, open 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:

 

 

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.

 

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