How to Paint a Window Screen Fresh Flowers Sign

Junk Garden Series Project #1

When my daughter and I went to Chicago a few weeks ago, we stopped at a few thrift and antique stores along the way.

One of them sold a combination of antiques and handmade items.  I didn’t see anything I wanted to buy, but I noticed an antique window screen hanging on the wall.

I assumed it was just a decoration, but figured it couldn’t hurt to ask if they’d sell it.

I was shocked when the woman told me she’d sell it for just a few dollars.

I whipped out my cash quickly so she wouldn’t change her mind.

I knew right away that I wanted to turn it into a sign.  Here’s how I did it.

How to Paint a Window Screen  Sign:

• Position the stencil where desired on the screen, and secure with tape.

  You may need to use small pieces of duct tape if painter’s tape won’t stick.

• Position a board under the screen so you have a firm surface to work on.
• Load paint on your stencil brush, then offload most of it on a rag or paper towels so the brush is fairly dry.
• Pounce the brush over the stencil until you have the desired darkness of color.

• Lift the stencil, and Voila!
• Attach D-ring hangers on the back to hang.

Because my window screen would be hanging against my guest house, I needed a way to make the white lettering not blend into the white siding. So I cut luan to fit the back of the window, painted it black, and screwed it to the back of the window screen frame.

I’m sure by now you’ve noticed the obvious mistake I made.

I positioned the stencil slightly crooked on the window screen, so the lettering isn’t quite straight.

From a distance you can’t tell, but up close it’s more obvious and it’s going to drive me nuts.  So I’m going to paint over all the letters using the same black paint I used on the backing board, then redo the stenciling.

I picked up the galvanized minnow bucket at an antique store on our anniversary weekend getaway.

The Fresh Flowers stencil is now available in two sizes.

The small stencil measures about 12″ wide x 8″ tall and is just the right size for pillows and smaller signs.  I used it on the rusty metal bucket that I shared a few months ago.

The large stencil measures about 16″ wide x 10.5″ tall and is great for larger signs, like the window screen.

Both sizes are available HERE.

You can mix and match my entire line of farmhouse stencils.  See them all HERE.

One final note – Thank you to everyone who left such kind comments about my son’s graphic design projects in the branding show at his college.  A group of professionals judged every team’s project, and he texted me today and said his team won “best presentation” and “best in show” and came in second for the popular vote.  So his team won overall in the branding show competition.

What can I say?  I’m a proud momma and just had to mention it. 🙂

Vaya con Dios,