Create your own rustic Christmas ‘Joy’ sign

You will need

• Resene FX Crackle effect - this causes the topcoat to shrink and crack, giving an aged look
• Resene testpots in your choice of colours; Fleur used Resene Double Blanc and Resene Lonestar
• Board – this is salvaged pine from an old pallet (45cm tall x 14cm at widest point).
• Sandpaper, medium grit, paint brush, small piece of sponge
• Printout of the word Joy
• Sellotape

Instructions

Step 1:  Prepare your board by sanding off any rough areas with medium grit sandpaper. Paint Resene Double Blanc over your board. For a more rustic look don’t go right to the edges, allowing some of the weathered timber to show.

Step 2:  Once the paint has dried, paint on Resene FX Crackle effect over the painted area. Leave to dry for two hours.

Step 3:  Cut out your Joy letters and use loops of sellotape to stick them to your board. Make sure the letters are evenly spaced and straight. Using a small piece of foam sponge, dab Resene Lonestar over the letters, making sure to cover all the Resene Double Blanc paint.

Step 4:  Carefully remove the letters while the paint is still wet. If you want to give your finished piece a more aged and distressed look, lightly sand it all over with a medium grit sandpaper.

Top tip: For a multicolour effect to suit your seasonal theme, use 2-3 Resene testpot colours sponged over your base colour. Make sure your letters contrast well with the colours you are sponging on.

Styling and images by Fleur Thorpe, 2018.