- Unfinished wood panel (smooth surface is best)
- Dark wood stain
- Vinyl letter stickers
- Star stencil (cut from cardstock)
- Off-white acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Cloth rag
Either purchase or build a wood panel (I used 1” x 4” scrap wood boards and cut them to 24”-long pieces. I assembled the panel by gluing two vertical boards to the back). Stain panel and allow it to dry completely. Arrange letter stickers on the panel (vinyl letters are best – these can be purchased in the mailbox hardware aisle at most large shopping centers). Use a plastic card to firmly rub the surface of the letters, so the paint doesn’t run underneath (although some may). Apply a thin coat of acrylic paint over entire surface. Take a damp cloth rag and rub away any excess paint. Also rub away in the area where the star will be and near edges to reveal some of the stain underneath. Allow piece to dry and carefully peel away stickers. Position the star stencil on the panel and blot (with cloth rag) acrylic paint within stencil area. Lightly sand the edges of piece to give it a more rustic look. If necessary, add picture frame hardware to the backside of the piece.