The calendar says it’s summer, but we’re only in the 80’s here in Tennessee. In July. Crazy weather, I tell ya. While it’s not hitting the triple digits (thank goodness!), we’re always looking for ways to stay cool. If you’re ever in the mood to make two teenage girls insanely happy, buy them a pool – you’ll instantly win the award for best parents of the year. While they’re seeing lazy days hanging out with their friends, you’re seeing the mountain of work that goes along with it. Fun times.
Much to their dismay, there are certain times when they just can’t swim. So, instead of listening to whines and pleas to jump in, I decided that we needed a pool closed sign to let them know the off limits hours. Mostly the sign is for cleaning & chemicals, but it’s never a bad idea to make them get out of the pool – well, at least long enough to clean their rooms. To make my life a little easier, I made a simple sign. No whining, no arguing – a clear cut way for them to know when not to swim.
Making a pool sign is super easy, especially when you use a Silhouette. For this project they supplied me with the Designer Edition software, which is much more user friendly than the original.
I started with a scrap piece of 1×8 wood, about 12 inches long. First I spray painted it black, giving it a few coats until it was covered well.
Next, I used the machine to cut out the words “Pool Closed” on vinyl. It doesn’t really matter what color you use, because it’s only a tool to create the wording.
Once the letters were all cut out, I took away all the negative space and picked out the centers of the letters.
I cut apart the two words, separating them to make it easier.
So here’s my big tip of the day: Once you have the letters cleaned and ready to peel off of the backing paper, put some painter’s tape on top and rub it down well. Peel it up, and you’ll leave the paper behind while grabbing the letters.
Then rub the letters down on the wood where you want them, and burnish in the letters with your finger really well. Now you can peel off the painter’s tape and it will leave the letters behind.
After the letters were all in place, I gave the sign a few coats of white spray paint.
When it was completely dry, I peeled off all the letters, which left the words black. That part is kinda like magic.
Lastly, I drilled pilot holes in each end on top of the sign and screwed in some hooks to hold the chain.
Now, when the pool is off limits, I simply loop the chain through the ladder and hook it onto the pool closed sign. Simple solutions always rock 😉
Laura @ Top This Top That says
oh Gina- i just have to make this sign for our new pool that we put up last month. thanks for the inspiration and for one less complaint if I say no….they will now see the sign.
Catherine says
I’d use it to make stencils. 🙂
Lisa says
I’m dying to make subway art!
EJ says
I would love to put some of the vinyl lettering on my walls at home.
I also pinned your post.
Cute sign. We’ve had so much rain in the past month we haven’t even been able to put our pool up yet. Don’t think it’s going to happen this year. 🙁
Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest says
I LOVE your “pool closed sign”. I would love to make that and tons of other signs around my house and yard! The possibilities are endless!!
Linda Cooper says
I am a new crafter and I would love to make some of the wonderful things that you do on your blog.
Susan Jackson says
I love your pool closed sign. What a great idea. I would love to win one and I would make a sign for my farm. I’ve been wanting one for a long time. Thanks for showing us the how-tos. Susan @ Through My Porch Window
sunshineandsometea.com says
I would use it to make clever typographic wall art using some of my favorite quotes and lyrics.
2Momma2 says
Great idea with the painters tape! I have so many projects I would love to do with one of these – I’ve been drooling over them for quite some time! I would love to make a great piece of subway art or something to put in my kiddos’ playhouse.
Thanks!
Kristin
ExploringDomesticity.blogspot.com
Charity says
I would use it for projects in the craft class I teach
live and luv says
E-V-E-R-YTHING! I so need a “Pool is Closed” sign! I also would love to make a similar sign to your, “Sweet Tea Served Here”, and much, much MORE!
Mama says
Love it! I need one that says “Bathroom” so my guests can find the little hidden powder room behind the stairs!
jlawrence says
I’d use it to do all kinds of papercrafing like cards and signs!
Marie Blackburn says
Love the sign Gina! I enjoy using this method for making signs. Wish I was a US resident to enter this contest because that Silhouette machine would definitely come in handy. I must check them out at my local craft supply store.
Marie@Interior Frugalista
Amul K says
Would love to win one ! Would make a Subway Art/Goodie bags. Thanks
The Ruffled Stitch says
I would use it to make appliques, stencils, and cards!
Angie Holden says
Gah I need a new Silhouette!! Since I am addicted to signs as well as you….I think I would make a sign.
Kirstin says
I’d make some labels to test it out.
Irene says
I would use it on my stained glass. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sinamon Schlomer says
Pinned 🙂
I would love, love, love to use the silhouette to make labels for containers in the kitchen.
Tiffany Jenkins says
I would use the silhouette to make all kinds of things. The possibilities are endless with two girls around the house.
Becky says
I’d use it to make banners, label things, so many things!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
I’ve been dying to make those etched glass Pyrex dishes. My friend is getting married in 2 months and that would be a great additional gift for them!
Sandra Pace says
I wouldn’t know where to start!!! I have seen so amazing proyects that I have just been dreaming to get my hands on one of those amazing machines! pacesandra@comcast.net
Tonya says
I have some jars that need some labeling added to them!!
Brittania Ruth says
I want to make some signs for my French Bulldogs room!
Angela Anzhelika Yeremenko says
I would love to make some vinyl wall art! anzhie[at] live [dot]com
Dawn says
I would definitely use it at work in my classroom. Class up my bulletin boards!
Sylvia says
I also would use it to label materials in my classroom. Science teachers have a lot of stuff and I would love to have more organization. Then I would make lots and lots of cute things for home. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Ana says
I would love to use it to design and make signs to put around the house! Thanks for the giveaway!
Harmony Burmeister says
Would make the kids signs for there rooms
Laurie Ann Phinney says
I would absolutely love to win the Silhouette – I would create word art for my family tree wall and signs with all of my favorite quotes to place throughout our little cottage. Thank you for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Laurie
Shanna Gilbert says
I would make stencils!
sally mae says
I would use it for scrapbooking & paper crafts!
Unknown says
wow what a great giveaway. mind is reeling with all kinds of things I can create and label. pick me!
penny says
I have lots of organizing to do so I’d make nice labels for glass jars & canisters. Plus, I have lots of art & furniture projects using text & stencils in mind. I’ve honestly wanted one of these forever…but just too many other things I need to spend $$ on first. Thanks for the opportunity.
Brenda says
I’d label the walls, signs, frames, glass, front door window…nothing would be safe from my labeling madness.
Brenda says
Shared on Facebook
Brenda says
Pinned it to my Project board on Pinterest!!!
Nancy Carr says
I want to make signs and this would be a blessings to me. nancythedove@aol.com
Nancy Carr says
Shared on facebook. Thank you. nancythedove@aol.com
Ann says
Let’s see…wall art, home decor, scrapbook pages,…the possibilities are endless!
Ann says
Shared on Facebook & Pinterest! 🙂
eshetchayil says
I would use this in my K-5 music classroom ALL. THE. TIME. Would love to label my hand instrument bins with it!
eshetchayil says
I pinned this! 🙂
eshetchayil says
I shared on FB! 🙂
Maddie Davis says
Why I would want this is kinda like the quote how do I love thee let me count the ways. My daughter is getting married in December, so many DIY projects there. I’m a craftier and decided this year would be a homemade Christmas, and last but not least, of reasons that I’m giving, I have a granddaughter that I have a huge list of projects for already. So pick me pick me! 🙂
Cindy says
I think I’d make a sign, but I also think that i’m the only person in the world who doesn’t have a Silhouette. And my house is in need of some signage, people!
Cindy says
I pinned this tip for making crisp letters.
Mary Brown says
I would use it to make so many signs! 🙂 I think my kids would go crazy ! LOL
Mary Brown says
Posted it on facebook! 🙂
Mary Brown says
I also pinned it!
Mary Brown says
And it’s up on twitter! 🙂
maggietucker10 says
I would LOVE to use this to make wall art for my hallway! There are so many possibilities 🙂
maggietucker10 at yahoo dot com
Benny Sequeira says
My son is getting married in Dec., would make a good signage for the guest table.
Ellen says
Labels for my pantry items.
Ellen says
Pinned – http://pinterest.com/pin/251779435390637716/
Bobbye says
I would love to have one for vinyl lettering on the walls and on other things, for labels all over the house especially the craft room, for signs similar to your pool closed sign and the list goes on. Thanks for the instructions on pool closed sign. I posted this on my FB page.
Dragonfly4 says
Super hero t-shirts for the kiddies!
Karen U
Dragonfly4 says
I pinned the giveaway!
http://pinterest.com/pin/172966441911590694/
Karen U
Lindsey says
I’d love to make some labels for my pantry!!
Kaitlin Boles says
I would make some signs for our wedding on 10.12.13! Love this giveaway! Thank you for the opportunity to enter!
kaitlin(dot)boles(at)gmail(dot)com
CraftingLily says
I would make SO many things, but let’s start with the coolest: a penguin “family” for our car 🙂
CraftingLily says
Shared on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lizs-List-of-Amazing-Deals
CraftingLily says
Pinned on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/pin/456411743457083814/
CraftingLily says
Tweeted on Twitter! https://twitter.com/CraftingLily/status/353060992957169665
Carissa says
We are buying a house and the things I could make is endless! Thanks for the giveaway!
Amanda Feist says
The first thing I’d use it for would be a sign for my front porch that reads “hey y’all”. My porch needs to be more inviting. 😀
Kelly Tillotson says
we just bought a {new to us} home, so I have a lot of projects up my sleeve to make it “my own”. i have also seen some fun projects with the silhouette making tees/onesies, that would be so fun to do for my family. thanks for the chance
*kelly
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com
Kelly Tillotson says
facebook share:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/kelly.tillotson.12/posts/10151689779688610
*kelly
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com
Amanda Feist says
Shared on facebook!
Kelly Tillotson says
tweet!
https://twitter.com/gimmiegiveaways/status/353214320991158272
*kelly
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com
Kelly Tillotson says
pinned!
http://pinterest.com/pin/10273905372870332/
*kelly
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com
Amanda Feist says
Shared on twitter!!
Amanda Feist says
Pinned on Pinterest!!
Karen says
I would make dorm decorations and label stuff in the dorm!
Karen says
I tweeted!!
doodlebug says
You have posted so many great ideas, I am not sure which one I would do first!! I would love to use it to make signs.
lissa646 says
Where to start?! First I think i’ll be making vinyl stencils for my walls, thank you for the shot at this gorgeous machine :D!
lissa646 says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/MelissaDBanks/status/353545834987663361
lissa646 says
Liked on FB!
lissa646 says
Pinned on Pinterest!http://pinterest.com/pin/241153755019641136/
Kelly Tillotson says
fb share
https://www.facebook.com/#!/kelly.tillotson.12/posts/10151691701728610
*kelly
kelly-tillotson@hotmail.com
Heidi says
I’d love to use heat transfer vinyl on tote bags!
Heidi says
Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/colorvibrant/status/353578484750233600
Marilyn Clark says
I have been drooling over the silhouette products for a LONG time. I’d love to win this and make tons a super cute labels to organize my entire house!
Marilyn Clark says
Tweeted https://twitter.com/4youwithlove/status/353931535495344128
Shannon F says
I’d use it for scrapbooking!
Shannon F.
meltoole(at)hotmail(dot)com
Shannon F says
Shared on facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/shannon.faith.3/posts/472166289539699
Shannon F.
meltoole(at)hotmail(dot)com
Shannon F says
Tweeted.
https://twitter.com/MamaMichigan/status/354052673189838849
Shannon F.
meltoole(at)hotmail(dot)com
Faith Carr says
I’d love to make a welcome sign for my door. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Andrea Nelson says
Appliqué onesies!
Laura Dassance says
Id make some wood signs with vinyl.
Linda @ DesignInMyView says
I made a sign for our kitchen that says “Clean” on one side and “Dirty” on the other. To end the repetitive question, “Are the dishes clean or dirty?” It’s still a simple 3×5 card but it works!
Cheers!