DIY Fall Sign Using Cricut, Plus a Bonus!

Add a simple touch of fall to your decor this season with this easy DIY fall sign using Cricut.  It’s easy to make, inexpensive, and customizable to fit your own personal style.

Confession: I just recently got into the world of Cricut.

Confession #2: I have had a Cricut Maker sitting in my house for approximately 3 years, and I just started using it this summer.  Yikes!

In my defense, I had an infant and a toddler at the time I received the Cricut machine.  So, I was short on time to begin with.  But then, shortly after receiving it, a friend posted on Facebook about getting a similar machine.  She talked about how difficult the software was to learn, and how she would probably have to have numerous one on one sessions with someone to help her become familiar with everything.

And I thought, “I seriously don’t have time for that.”  Plus, I am horrible with technology.  Double whammy.

So, there it sat.

Then, a few months ago, I read a blog post that spoke about how easy the Cricut was to learn and how intuitive the software was.  So, with some trepidation, I decided to get it out and give it a try.

And I wish I had done it years ago.  Ha!  *Facepalm*

It really is so easy.  And now I might be slightly addicted…

So, this is how even a completely technology-challenged, Cricut-newbie like myself can create a fabulous DIY fall sign using Cricut with total ease.

(This post contains affiliate links.  To see my full disclosure, go here.)

DIY Fall Sign Using Cricut

Supplies needed:

• Cricut Machine (I have the Maker)
• Unfinished Shadow Box
• Wood Stain
• Small paint brush
• Removable vinyl
• Transfer Tape
• Weeding tool

Step 1 – Stain

Most craft stores sell various types of unfinished, or partially finished, craft frames, and they are often relatively inexpensive (especially if you can snag one on sale).  I grabbed this little unfinished shadow box from Michael’s recently.

I pulled out one of my favorite stain colors – Minwax Provincial – and got to work.

Be sure to put something down to protect the surface you are working on.  Since this was so small, I actually stained it inside my house.  (I usually do my staining in the garage.)  The stain has a pretty strong odor, so just be aware of that if you choose to do it indoors.

Then, using a small paint brush or small foam brush, simply paint the stain onto the surface of the wood and wipe away the excess with a rag.  You can choose whatever color of stain you like, and do as many coats as you want, in order to get your desired color.

For this project, I just did one coat.

*There are a few areas around some of the seams that did not stain due to glue.  Personally, I don’t find it that noticeable and was not too worried about it.

Let dry.

Step 2 – Select Designs and Cut Vinyl 

Next, you will want to select your design and cut your vinyl for the sign.  For this project, I used removable vinyl. 

Since I am pretty new to Cricut, I prefer removable vinyl to permanent vinyl, at the moment.  It allows for errors and repositioning if you don’t get something exactly where you want it.

I recently found some Martha Stewart removable vinyl (and iron-on vinyl) on the clearance rack at Michael’s, and I bought a few rolls of each.

Once you’ve selected your design, be sure to size it appropriately for your frame.

Then, hit start, and let the Cricut work its cutting magic.

Step 3 – Place Vinyl Graphics onto Wood

Since the pumpkin was small and did not have a lot of intricate cuts or details, I simply peeled it off of the vinyl backing and stuck it on my sign.

For more intricate designs, and most definitely for text, you will need a weeding tool to carefully pull away any excess vinyl around the design.  You will also want to use transfer tape for your application for the easiest transfer.

First, weed away any vinyl that is not part of the design or text.  Then, cut a piece of transfer tape that will fit over your design.  Press the transfer tape firmly on your design, and carefully peel the vinyl off of the backing.

Then, press the transfer tape (with design) down on your sign and carefully peel the tape off.

Finally, I added a couple of leaves in the corners for just a little extra detail.

And that’s it!  An incredibly easy DIY fall sign using Cricut that even a super-newbie like me can create.

BONUS!

I also created another smaller fall sign with some of the same techniques.

For this one, I used the same staining method (except the color this time was Minwax Walnut), but I used a stencil and paint for the truck.  You could easily create the truck with your Cricut machine.  I just wanted to try something different.  

Then, I simply hot glued a few faux flowers into the bed, and boom, another adorable fall sign.

So, which one do you like better?

 

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• 3 Easy Fall Centerpieces
• Super Simple DIY Christmas Doormat
• DIY Ceramic Tile Coasters
• The Easiest DIY Succulent Wreath

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