Transforming a space into something truly special often involves adding personal touches that reflect passion, memories, and dreams. After sharing the vibrant eclectic farmhouse playroom reveal, many of you reached out, eager for a detailed guide on creating our DIY storybook art. This project isn’t just about crafting a beautiful piece of decor; it’s about infusing your home with meaning and charm, all while keeping your budget happily intact. We believe this might just be one of the most heartwarming and impactful DIYs you’ll undertake, bringing beloved stories to life right on your walls.
When envisioning the playroom, I knew I wanted a burst of color and a focal point that wasn’t just decorative but deeply sentimental. The goal was to create something unique, meaningful, and incredibly affordable. The magic number for each sign? A mere $28! This budget-friendly approach ensures that anyone can embark on this creative journey without breaking the bank, proving that custom, high-impact decor doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Let’s dive into how you can make your own captivating storybook art signs.
Ready to bring your favorite tales to your walls? Here’s everything you’ll need to create stunning, personalized storybook signs.
Supplies Used: (Please note: Affiliate links are provided below for your convenience. For more detailed information on our affiliate partnerships, you can refer to our full disclosure here.)
- 1 sheet of 1/2″ 4’x8′ hardwood plywood: This forms the sturdy base for your art. Hardwood plywood is recommended for its smooth finish and durability, making it ideal for painting or applying prints. If you’re planning just one sign or prefer smaller projects, you can easily find pre-cut smaller pieces in the lumber aisle, saving you the hassle of large cuts.
- 5 1″x2″x8′ boards: These boards will be transformed into the elegant frame for your storybook art, adding a refined, finished look. Approximately 1 and 1/2 of these boards are needed per sign, so plan accordingly based on the number of signs you intend to create.
- Circular saw: Essential for making precise and clean cuts through plywood and framing boards. Always prioritize safety when operating power tools; ensure you wear appropriate protective gear like safety glasses and gloves.
- Stain of your choice: I achieved a beautiful, subtle finish using General Finishes Gel Stain in Gray. Gel stains are excellent for even application and rich color, but feel free to choose any wood stain or paint that complements your home decor vision.
- 2 sponge brushes: Perfect for applying stain and Mod Podge smoothly and evenly. Having a couple on hand allows for separate applications or for different stages of the project.
- A couple of clean, dry rags: Indispensable for wiping off excess stain, cleaning surfaces, and handling any spills. Old cotton t-shirts work wonderfully for this purpose.
- 3 colored engineer prints: These oversized, cost-effective prints are the heart of your storybook art. You’ll need one print per sign. The availability of colored engineer prints at places like Staples for under $4 each is a game-changer for large-scale, colorful projects.
- Tape measure: Accuracy is key in DIY. A reliable tape measure ensures all your cuts and placements are spot-on.
- Approximately 30 1-5/8″ wood screws: These screws provide strong, lasting structural integrity for your frame, especially for the hidden top and bottom sections. You’ll need about 10 per sign.
- Approximately 42 1-1/2″ finishing nails: Finishing nails are ideal for securing the visible side frame pieces, as their smaller heads are less noticeable for a cleaner aesthetic.
- Old credit card / library card / old hotel key card: This simple tool acts as a squeegee to smooth out air bubbles and excess Mod Podge when attaching your engineer print, ensuring a wrinkle-free finish.
- Power drill: Necessary for pre-drilling holes and driving wood screws, making assembly much easier and preventing wood splitting.
- Hammer: For driving finishing nails securely into the frame.
- Hanging kit: Choose a sturdy hanging kit appropriate for the weight and size of your finished signs to ensure they are safely mounted on your wall.
- JPG file of storybook page images: Your chosen quotes and designs, ready to be printed as engineer prints.
- A partner to help: While many DIY projects can be solo endeavors, having an extra set of hands, especially during the Mod Podge application, makes a significant difference in achieving professional results and preventing frustration.
To truly personalize your DIY storybook art, you’ll need the perfect printable files. We’ve made it easy for you to access the storybook page images we used, allowing you to replicate our design or use them as a springboard for your own creative endeavors. You can download these essential files here:
We’ve honed our skills creating large-format DIY art over time, having crafted similar projects such as our popular DIY Oversized Sheet Music Art and a heartfelt DIY Irish Blessing Sign. Each project has been a valuable learning experience, and this storybook art truly benefits from those lessons learned, resulting in a refined and enjoyable process. Practice undeniably makes perfect, and with these detailed steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning pieces.
Step 1: Preparing Your Plywood Base
The foundation of your storybook art begins with a precisely cut plywood base. For our signs, we opted for a generous size of 24″x36″, which provides ample space for the captivating text of your chosen story. Using a circular saw, carefully measure and cut your plywood to these dimensions. A standard 4’x8′ sheet of plywood can yield approximately four signs of this size, making it a highly efficient and cost-effective material choice. Remember, the beauty of DIY is customization; feel free to adjust the dimensions of your signs to perfectly fit your engineer prints and your desired wall space. Always wear safety glasses and use a steady hand or a guide when operating the saw for clean, straight cuts.
The flexibility in sizing allows you to create a cohesive gallery wall or a single, impactful statement piece. Consider the scale of your room and the prominence you want your storybook art to have. Once cut, gently sand the edges of your plywood pieces to remove any splinters and ensure a smooth, professional finish. This small step makes a big difference in the overall look and feel of your finished project.
Step 2: Staining Your Framing Boards
Before attaching the frame, it’s best to stain your 1″x2″ boards. This ensures an even finish and prevents drips onto your printed art. I used General Finishes gray stain, which provides a lovely, muted tone that complements a variety of decor styles. Apply the stain evenly with a sponge brush, working in the direction of the wood grain. Immediately after application, use a clean, dry rag to wipe off any excess stain. This step is crucial for preventing a patchy or overly dark appearance and allows the wood grain to shine through. Allow the stained boards ample time to dry completely, typically several hours or overnight, depending on your climate and the specific stain used. Proper drying time ensures the stain is set and won’t transfer onto your print or hands during assembly.
Step 3: Designing and Printing Your Engineer Prints
The visual appeal of your storybook art largely depends on the quality and design of your engineer prints. I was thrilled to discover that Staples now offers COLORED engineer prints, making these large-format sheets incredibly affordable—often less than $4 each! This opens up a world of possibilities for adding vibrant hues to your projects without the high cost associated with traditional large-scale printing. For designing the storybook text, I used Picmonkey. It’s an incredibly user-friendly program that’s ideal for creating large prints because it exports designs in high resolution, ensuring crisp, clear text even on a grand scale. If you appreciate the classic, elegant typography, I recommend using the “Caslon Antique” font, which adds a timeless touch to any storybook quote. Alternatively, programs like Canva or Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator offer robust design tools for those with more experience.
Step 4: Attaching the Engineer Print to Plywood
This step requires patience and, ideally, an extra set of hands. A partner can significantly simplify the process and minimize frustration. Begin by ensuring your plywood surface is completely clean and free of dust or debris. Carefully align your engineer print exactly how you want it on the plywood piece. Once satisfied with the placement, lift one end of the engineer print. Using a sponge brush, apply a thin, even strip of Mod Podge about 2-3 inches wide along one edge of the plywood. This adhesive acts as both a glue and a sealer, creating a durable bond.
Carefully lay the edge of the engineer print back down onto the Mod Podge. With an old credit card, library card, or hotel key card acting as a squeegee, firmly but gently press and smooth the paper into place. Work from the center outwards to push out any air bubbles and excess Mod Podge. This technique helps achieve a seamless, wrinkle-free finish. Continue this process in small sections, applying more Mod Podge and smoothing the print down a few inches at a time. While you’re working, your partner can hold up the non-glued end of the engineer print, preventing it from folding, crumpling, or sticking prematurely. Remember, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to this crucial gluing step. Even with careful application, a few tiny creases might appear, but they are often barely noticeable unless scrutinized up close, adding to the handmade charm of your piece.
Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely before moving on. This can take several hours. For added protection and durability, you can apply a thin, even coat of Mod Podge over the entire surface of the engineer print once dry, or opt for a clear sealant spray. While Mod Podge offers protection, it can sometimes leave subtle brush strokes, so a clear matte or satin spray sealant might be preferred for a perfectly smooth finish.
Step 5: Framing Your Storybook Signs
With your print securely attached, it’s time to add the finishing touch: the frame. Robert took charge of measuring and cutting the stained 1″x2″ boards. To ensure maximum sturdiness, he first attached the top and bottom frame pieces to the plywood/print using wood screws. These screws provide a strong hold and are strategically placed where they won’t be visible once the sign is hung. Pre-drilling pilot holes before driving screws is highly recommended to prevent the wood from splitting, especially near the edges.
Next, he carefully measured the sides of the sign, taking into account the newly added top and bottom frame pieces, to cut the 1″x2″ side frame pieces. These side pieces were then attached using finishing nails. Finishing nails are ideal for this step because their smaller heads are much less visible, contributing to a cleaner, more professional appearance. If desired, you can use a touch of wood filler to cover the nail holes, sanding it smooth once dry, and then touching up with stain for an absolutely flawless finish. This method provides both structural integrity from the screws and a polished aesthetic from the nails. Consider mitered corners for an even more professional look, though butt joints (where one board’s end abuts another’s side) are simpler and still effective.
Step 6: Final Touches and Hanging
With the frame complete, the final steps are quick and satisfying. Simply attach your chosen hanging kit to the back of the sign, ensuring it’s secure and level. We then proudly placed our completed signs on the wall, instantly elevating the playroom’s ambiance. To add an extra touch of whimsy and warmth, we draped some colorful pom pom garland over the top of the signs, completing the look and bringing even more joy to the space. This final embellishment tied everything together beautifully, creating a truly inviting and imaginative environment.
The Heart Behind the Art: Sentimental Significance
More than just decor, these storybook signs are imbued with deep personal meaning. I meticulously selected three excerpts from beloved children’s stories, each conveying a profound message I desperately want Olivia to internalize as she grows. These aren’t just words; they are guiding principles, daily affirmations hanging on her wall.
First, from the timeless classic The Velveteen Rabbit, an excerpt reminds her that true beauty lies not in outward appearances or material possessions, but in the genuine connections and love shared. It’s a message that realness and inner warmth are what truly matter, shaping her character from within.
Next, a tender passage from Love You Forever serves as a constant reaffirmation of an unbreakable bond. It’s a promise that no matter how old she gets, how big she grows, or how far she ventures, she will always be our precious baby, cherished unconditionally. This quote is a testament to the enduring nature of parental love.
Finally, an excerpt from Dr. Seuss’s inspiring Oh, the Places You’ll Go empowers her to chase her dreams with unwavering determination. It instills the belief that with hard work, perseverance, and a courageous spirit, she can conquer any challenge and achieve remarkable things. It’s a call to adventure and self-belief.
While this playroom is undeniably a hub for joyous activities—coloring, playing with dolls, and, yes, even the occasional banging of noisy percussion instruments that make me question past purchases—I want this space to communicate a far deeper message. I want it to be a sanctuary of inspiration, a canvas where every glance reinforces vital life lessons. It’s a profound desire for her to grow up surrounded by these truths, etched not just in her memory but physically on the walls of her most beloved space.
The world can indeed be a daunting place, but I want her to understand that the most potent forces for positive change are love and compassion. To truly be authentic, to strive for greatness, but always to honor and appreciate the unique journey of her past—the very experiences that have shaped her story. These storybook signs serve as daily reminders of these core values, creating an environment that nurtures not just play, but profound personal growth.
Whew! Did it suddenly get a little dusty in here? It seems I’m getting quite emotional over a sign tutorial. How did that happen?! The power of these stories and the sentiment behind them truly resonate, turning a simple DIY into a heartfelt expression.
Now, I’m curious to hear from you. If you were to embark on creating your very own personalized storybook sign, which story would you choose to grace your walls? With a world full of incredible narratives, the options are endless… says the book-wormy former English teacher in me. Share your ideas and let’s celebrate the magic of stories!
