How to Make Shelf Sitter Signs

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If you’ve been following along, you’ve been seeing my new love of making wood signs. Shelf sitter signs are a thicker sign that is meant to do exactly like its name – sit on a shelf.

Shelf sitter signs are typically made out of thicker wood – like 2 inches thick and aren’t too large. You can stencil keywords or a short quote onto them. You don’t need any hardware because it doesn’t get hung on the wall – it just sits on the shelf.

Supplies to Make Shelf Sitter Signs

• 2-inch thick wood in whatever width you like – I use 2×6 that can be gotten at most home improvement stores; cut it into the size you’d like. Common lengths that the 2×6 may include 6 inches (so it’s square), 8 inches, or 10 inches. You may be able to make them longer, but I’ve never tried as I’ve never had anything that big or long to put on a shelf sitter sign. Your size depends on what you want to put on it.
• sandpaper – medium grit
• wood finish – the possibilities are endless here. I use Varathane wood finish in weathered grey and Jacobean
• stencil – I use my Cricut Maker to cut out stencils on Oramask 831 stencil vinyl
• chalk paint – check out my easy way to make your own chalk paint in any colour you want, here. For the wood stains that I use, I like to use white chalk paint.
• pin or needle
• (optional) Polycrylic topcoat to seal and protect

Step by Step Directions to Make your Shelf Sitter Signs

The procedure is similar to that of any stencilled wood sign. You can check out my detailed blog post here. Otherwise, here are the basic step-by-step directions to make a shelf sitter sign.

• Sand your wood so that it is smooth; dust off so that your wood is clean
• Finish with your wood finish. I apply my finish with a foam brush and then use a rag to wipe off the excess. Let dry.
• Sand the edges if you want a “worn” look; dust off so that no particles remain.
• Apply your stencil using transfer tape; I like to secure it with painter’s tape or any low tack tape
• Apply a thin coat of modgepodge to make sure your stencil adheres to the wood; this also prevents bleeding
• Using a makeup sponge, lightly dab the chalk paint – don’t use too much paint; less is more. You can always apply multiple coats to get the coverage that you want and need – it is better to build it up.
• Remove the stencil while wet and let dry
• Use a pin or needle to remove those little bits from the inside of letters.
• Optional – apply a light coat of polycrylic to seal; this will also allow you to wipe clean if necessary

I love shelf sitter signs because you don’t have to worry about having to nail things to the wall. They sit in windows or on shelves.

You can customize them to say anything you want. They make great gifts for any occasion, including weddings, babies, house warmings and graduation. Here are a few that I have made.

Want to remember how to make these shelf sitter signs? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.