There’s something special about decorating a tiered tray with those little handmade signs. They make everything look cozy and personal. I’ve seen so many people buy these ready-made, but honestly, they’re simple to make yourself.
You don’t need fancy tools or expensive materials, just scrap wood, paint, and a design you love. Today, I’ll walk you through how to create your own farmhouse-style mini signs for your tiered tray. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to pull together, even with things you already have around the house.
I always say the best projects are the ones that look high-end but cost almost nothing. This one is exactly that kind of craft. These signs add charm to your kitchen or living room and are perfect for any season.
You can change the words, the shapes, and the colors to fit any holiday or theme. Let’s get started.
Choose Your Materials
The best part about this DIY is that you can use whatever small wood pieces you have lying around. I had a leftover five-by-five-inch piece of wood from another project, and it was the perfect size for one of my tray signs. You can also use small canvases, wooden tags, or even little blocks you find at the dollar store or craft shop.
If you want your signs to match that farmhouse look, it helps to stick to clean, simple shapes. Squares and rectangles are great because they look neat when stacked or layered on a tray. Circles or small plaques also work if you want to break up the lines. Just keep in mind that smaller pieces are easier to style on a tiered tray because they don’t overwhelm the other decor.
Painting Your Base
Once you have your wood pieces, it’s time to paint them. Farmhouse-style decor always looks best with matte or chalk paint. I love using white, soft cream, or light gray as the base. These colors work with every season and make your lettering stand out beautifully.
You can use a foam brush for smooth coverage, or if you prefer a slightly rustic finish, use a dry paintbrush and let some of the wood grain peek through. If you’re in a hurry, spray paint with a matte finish works just as well. It gives a clean look and dries quickly.
Because these signs are mostly decorative and will stay indoors, you don’t need to seal them heavily. But if you plan to add vinyl lettering later, brushing on a light layer of clear matte sealer will help the vinyl stick better. The sealer gives the surface a smooth feel, and your letters won’t peel off over time.
Cutting the Vinyl Design
Now comes the fun part — adding your design. You can use a cutting machine like a Cricut or Silhouette, or you can buy pre-cut vinyl stickers online. If you’re new to using vinyl, it’s easier than it looks. For that farmhouse feel, stick to black or white matte vinyl. Glossy vinyl can look too modern, but matte blends right in with the rustic look.
I love using fonts that feel simple and cozy. Short words or phrases work best for small signs, like “home,” “gather,” “blessed,” or “fresh baked.” If you’re making Christmas versions, try words like “joy,” “merry,” or “peace.” You can also add tiny designs like a tree, a star, or a wreath.
Once your design is cut, weed away the extra vinyl, leaving just the letters or shapes you want. Then, use transfer tape to lift the design and place it onto your sign. Gently press it down, peel the tape back, and your design will look perfectly crisp.
Adding a Farmhouse Finish
After you’ve added your vinyl, you can leave it as is or give it a slightly aged look. Lightly run a piece of sandpaper around the edges to soften them and make the piece look worn. This small touch adds that authentic farmhouse texture.
If you want to go a step further, dip a dry brush in a little brown or gray paint, wipe most of it off, and then lightly drag it across the surface. This gives a soft, weathered look without covering the design. It’s an easy way to make new wood look like it’s been part of your home for years.
Styling Your Signs on a Tray
Once your signs are done, it’s time to have some fun styling them. Mini signs look great when mixed with other textures, greenery, ceramics, or candles. I like placing one at the front of the tray and one on each tier for balance.
You can lean a sign against a vase or stack it on a small riser for height. If your sign is very light, add a small piece of double-sided tape underneath to keep it from sliding. I also like to tuck a little sprig of eucalyptus or boxwood beside mine. That bit of green against the neutral colors always makes it pop.
For seasonal trays, just switch out the signs. You could make one for every holiday: a pumpkin sign for fall, a snowflake for winter, a bunny for spring. The idea is to keep the base tray the same and change the accents whenever you want a new look.
Design Tips and Tricks
When it comes to designing these mini signs, less is more. Farmhouse decor always looks its best when it feels simple and calm. Avoid mixing too many colors or fonts. Stick with neutral backgrounds and one or two text styles.
Another little trick is to mix sizes. If one sign is square, make another one rectangular. Varying the shapes adds visual interest without making the tray feel crowded.
You can also add texture by gluing a small piece of burlap, lace, or jute rope around the edge of your sign. It’s an easy way to give it a custom touch.
If you have leftover vinyl scraps, use them to create mini tags or ornaments to hang from the tray. These small details help pull the whole display together.
Why I Love This Project
I think what I love most about making these little signs is how personal they feel. Every word, every brushstroke, every color you pick reflects your home and your personality. You can make a dozen of these for the price of one store-bought sign, and each one will feel unique.
It’s also one of those crafts that you can do while listening to music or chatting with friends. There’s something relaxing about painting small pieces and watching them come together.
Where to Find Fonts and Designs
If you’re looking for ready-to-use designs, So Fontsy has a great Christmas bundle that includes simple farmhouse fonts and tree shapes. The fonts are easy to work with and look perfect on these mini signs. You can download them, cut them with your machine, and mix and match your favorite styles.
You don’t have to limit yourself to holiday signs, though. You can create ones for your kitchen, your coffee bar, or even your laundry room. The key is to pick designs that feel personal and cozy.
Bringing It All Together
By now, you’ve got your materials, your paint, your vinyl, and your ideas ready. You’ve learned how to turn leftover wood into beautiful little pieces of decor that make your home feel warm and inviting. The best part is that this project doesn’t take much time or money, and you can make as many signs as you like.
When you start arranging your tray, step back and look at how the signs tie everything together.
Crafts like this remind me why I love farmhouse style so much. It’s not about being fancy or perfect. It’s about creating beauty from simple things, adding comfort to the corners of your home, and enjoying the process while you do it.
So gather your scraps, grab your paint, and give these mini signs a try. Once you see them on your tray, you’ll understand why they’re such a favorite for decorators everywhere.
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