A new welcome sign for the front porch

I think my love of home decorating began when I was in college.  I would walk through the neighborhoods surrounding my campus and look at all the houses.  I would dream a little dream about what houses I loved and what I would do differently to each one.  Then I would wander around the different department stores and plan all the rooms in my future dream house.


Fast forward 17 years, 3 apartments, 2 houses, and 2 different states and I can honestly say...my house is not even close to what I dreamed of back then.  It's funny how your tastes change and your dreams shift as you get older.  Not to mention navigating the curve balls life throws at you, sometimes changes your views on wants vs. needs.

Here is a perfect example of my dream house at age 22.

Isn't it dreamy!  Here is the reality of what my forever home looks like:

So totally different from the dream house.  The only item that is similar is the huge front porch.
Which brings me to my latest project...  a new welcome sign for our front porch.

It was super simple and super easy to make.  I started with a sign that I had made for the dining room. It just never seemed right.  So I painted it black and drilled some holes in it.

 Then I made a template of the letters on the computer.  I cut them out and made a stencil with the paper.  (I can't wait until I manage to get a cricut and save some time on stuff like this.)

I placed the "stencil" on a piece of burlap that I picked up at the Target dollar spot.  (I LOVE the target dollar spot...)

I then traced the letters with a sharpie marker and filled them in.

A little spray glue and a burlap ribbon and it was all set to hang up!

I love how it looks hanging next to the front door.

I'm liking up at:
finding silver pennies
Sand and Sisal: Inspire me Monday
Home Stories A to Z:Tutorials and Tip Links Party
Coastal Charm:Show and Share
A Bowl Full of Lemons: One Project at a Time
The Happy Housie: Work it Wednesday
Your Turn to Shine Link Party
Living Well Spending Less: Thrifty Thursday
Blue I Style: The Creative Circle
Tatertots and Jello: Link Party Palooza