Learn how to craft signs and make wood signs with a laser engraver in this 3-step DIY. Design, cut, and paint your own custom sign!
Bring Character to Your Coffee Bar with Custom Sign Crafting
After finishing our cozy lakehouse coffee bar project, I knew it needed a little something extra. There was a white abyss just calling out for something. A custom sign was the perfect solution!
I’ll tell you where I got the image, how I customized it, and what materials I used, so you too can make your own custom sign.
I did this with a laser engraver, but I have other tutorials on how to craft signs that are great alternatives!
Materials You Will Need to Craft Signs of Your Own
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- Wood sized for your laser engraver
- Laser engraver
- Paint
- Small finishing nails
- Hammer
- Editing software (I used Canva)
- The fish image
Watch the Video Tutorial
You can see my laser in action and how it cuts.
Directions on How to Craft Signs for the Coffee Bar
I made the main sign that I’m showing here, but at the end, I’ll show you the second one my granddaughter suggested I make.
Step 1: Design Your Sign
I started by finding a royalty-free image of a fish that felt right for our lake theme. In Canva, I added a coffee mug graphic and the words Lakehouse Brew to complete the look.
It’s quirky, lakey, and fun!
So perfect for our quirky little gang.
This is where the sign crafting begins. Whether you use Canva, PicMonkey, your laser engraver app, or any other number of apps and programs available, this is where you make it reflect you.
You might just find that being a sign crafter is so much fun!
I actually love doing it!
I you are just learning how to make wood signs, start with a simple design and build your skills from there.
Step 2: Cut with a Laser Engraver
With the design ready, I imported it into my laser engraving app. I adjusted the settings to cut the sign and sent the file to my laser engraving machine and cut it out of wood.
Watching the machine precisely cut the design is one of my favorite parts of the process. This step takes your idea and your design and turns them into something real.
Laser engraving is a great tool if you are diving into learning how to make wood signs or want to become a more advanced sign crafter.
It gives unbelievably professional results!
I’ve always said everything looks better when you add resin. I had to expand my thinking because I also think everything looks better when you use a laser engraver!
Step 3: Paint and Finish
Once the wood sign was cut, I spray-painted it black. I kept the paint job simple to let the design speak for itself.
However, you can experiment with colors, and you can go one step further and use resin to give it a stained glass effect.
Hmmm…something to think about in the future!
My wheels are turning for that now!
When my youngest granddaughter saw the finished coffee bar on YouTube, she texted me and was adamant that there needs to be a sign:
“Oma’s Coffee Bar”.
She also told me that the four grandkids needed to paint the sign their favorite colors.
As a bonus, I made one, but I made it Oma and Opa’s Coffee Bar because Greg was involved from start to finish. It may have been my idea, but he as in 100%.
I designed a simple A-frame house for the sign to match the style of our house.
This is what it looks like now, but I can’t wait to see what it looks like when they get their hands on it and paint it!
That’s another example of how your sign craft can reflect your personality or your family’s.
Installing the Lakehouse Brew Sign
When we returned to the lake, we mounted the Lakehouse Brew sign to the sloped wall above the coffee bar, using very fine nails. It’s just the right size and brings the whole space together!
It’s always extra special when a project reflects the people who helped inspire it.
Why Learn How to Craft Signs?
Whether you are customizing your coffee bar, decorating for the seasons, or learning how to craft signs is a skill that brings your creative ideas to life.
If you’re wondering how to make wood signs that are simple, stylish, and fun, this project is a great place to start.
As a sign crafter, you’ll find endless ways to personalize your home or create meaningful gifts… or it can be a great side hustle!
Want more laser engraver crafts and sign projects?
Be sure to subscribe and follow along for more tutorials from the Craft Klatch workshop!
But here are a few to get you started!
- Wedding Guest Book Alternative! It’s a Wedding Tree
- Wood with Resin Tree Coasters DIY Crafts
- How to Make a Wood Bowl
- Rack Makeover with Laser Surprise!
Thanks for stopping by! Remember: Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!™
Mona