How to Make An Easy Fall Sign

Create this cute chalkboard sign for customizable front door decor. All you need is an inexpensive wood picture frame, a little paint, and a pretty ribbon to tie it all together!

Make this DIY fall sign for easy and attractive fall decor you can update year after year. Hang it on your front door or rest it on a fireplace mantel, and customize the chalkboard with your favorite word, phrase, or greeting. A ribbon in the finish, color, and pattern of your choice completes the sign with personality. Plus, you can easily recycle this sign to use for every season thanks to the erasable chalkboard surface! Follow along below to see how to make your own DIY sign for fall.

Here's how to create a cute fall front porch to match!

What You Need

Large picture frame (ours was 8x10-inches)
Sandpaper or sanding block
Tack cloth
White paint
Water
Black chalkboard paint
Foam brushes
1-inch wide ribbon
Scissors
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Staple gun and staples

Step 1: Prep the Frame

Start by removing the glass and backing from the frame. If needed, lay down kraft paper or a plastic tablecloth to protect your work surface. Lightly sand the frame to remove any gloss or finish. This will also help the paint better adhere to the wood frame. Once you've finished sanding, dust away any sawdust with a tack cloth.

Step 2: Paint the Frame

Gradually add water to white paint in a cup, mixing as you go, until the paint consistency has thinned but is thicker than water. This will give your frame a white-washed look that reveals some of the wood beneath. Using a foam brush, paint a layer of the thinned white paint on the wood frame, making sure to cover the sides and inside edges. Let dry, then add a second coat if needed.

Step 3: Add Ribbon

Cut an 8-inch length of ribbon (we used one with a black-and-white buffalo check pattern) to create a hanger for the sign. The length of your ribbon will depend on how big your frame is and the height at which you'd like it to hang. Hot glue the ends of the ribbon to the back of the frame, each about 1 inch from the edge of the frame. Let dry. For added security, use a staple gun to tack the ribbon into place once the glue is dry.

Step 4: Paint the Glass and Finish

With a foam brush, paint the glass panel with black chalkboard paint. Let dry. Hold the glass up to the light to see any thin or bare areas of the paint on the glass and touch up with more paint. Let dry. Place the glass back into the frame and secure with the backing. Use a chalk marker or chalk to write a welcoming message, then hang the sign by the ribbon.

Here's how to make your own chalkboard paint.