The Shabby Creek Cottage

Hundreds of ideas for creative ways to eat, make & decorate!

make this: pool closed sign

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 😉

Filed Under: DIY

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Comments

  4. 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. 🙁

    Reply

  7. 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

    Reply

  9. 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

    Reply

  11. 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!

    Reply

  14. 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

    Reply

  29. 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.

    Reply

  32. 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

    Reply

  36. 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.

    Reply

  47. 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! 🙂

    Reply

  48. 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!

    Reply

  58. 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.

    Reply

  94. 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!

    Reply

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