A Baby Gift-An Announcement Sign

Here's the 2nd of five personalized baby gifts, I plan to make, for my friends that have recently had or are having babies soon.  This is just one of the five I'm making!

First, I painted the front and back of a 9x12" board white.

Then, I painted this board blue.

Using my Silhouette, I cut out the baby's name, weight, and birthdate out of vinyl.  I applied the vinyl, like a stencil, to the board.  You can see where I used an exacto knife to cut it into sections. This makes it easier to transfer.  I rubbed the vinyl well to release any bubbles and wrinkles. Then I painted with a beige paint.

After the paint dried, I removed the vinyl.

I used my mouse sander to distress the board.

I applied the stain.  This picture shows the top half stained and the bottom half not. The stain further distresses the board and leaves a nice finish.

The board is stained and the stain is drying.

I used polyacrylic to add a protective coat. It is a satin finish so it doesn't make it too shiny, but does leave a slight gloss.

I drilled holes in the top corners.

I used rope, knotted, as a hanging source.

One down, four to go!