I sorted through a bunch of my antique business advertisements and decided I’d like to create one based on this advertisement from a 1920’s college yearbook.
I don’t have a lot of experience with my Silhouette, but I have enough that I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy font to work with, but I still wanted to give it a try. The window is long, so I cut 3 feet of vinyl and cut out the image, only to have the blade depth set too high and it cut through the vinyl and backing paper, completely butchering it. I cut 3 more feet of vinyl, and tried again, with no problem. The problem came when trying to remove the vinyl from the backing paper. All the tiny little slivers of the font got stuck together, and it was going to be impossible to get it unstuck and onto the window.
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I still had the lettering left on the backing paper, so before throwing in the towel, I thought I’d try a reverse painting, with the letters being see-through and the area around the letters would be solidly painted. It was worth a try anyway.
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I had just received a huge roll of transfer tape that I ordered, specifically for a project like this, so I stuck the transfer tape to the letters to lift them off the backing paper, so I could transfer it to the window.
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I stuck a ruler to the underside of the glass, so I’d have a way to line up the letters. The next sign of trouble came when I tried to pull off the transfer tape. It wouldn’t let go of the vinyl for anything. The letters would not stay on the window and just stayed stuck to the transfer tape instead (I want my money back!)
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Though it took a long time it sure turned out nicely. I love it!
Another great sign… I always love that shape too. Still waiting for the Silhouette Fairy to make it to my house!! 😀
GREAT signage! xo Diana
It looks great even if it did wring you out. I bet you needed some quality baked goods after all that. By the way, I love old yearbook ads!
I looks amazing Angie! You are very patient too! I don’t think I could have been that patient LOL!
Anne
Love your sign–and the one you made before does look perfect in your customers house!
I love the sign. I want to try this sometime — maybe with your help. Or, maybe it is easier just to get one from you already finished. Blessings
Love your signs…. now I’m on the hunt for some old windows to re-purpose! I just got my silhouette a few months ago and am still learning as well. Thought I’d pass along a tip I found on the internet with regard to the transfer paper that has saved me on more than one occasion! Before you place the paper on your vinyl, blot the transfer paper to remove some of the stickiness. I lay mine out on my counter and use a clean kitchen towel…. I blot that towel all over the tacky side of the paper until the towel almost doesn’t stick anymore….but not quite. At first you’ll think the paper won’t stick & lift off you vinyl, but somehow is does. I also use a credit card to burnish the image down before I lift the paper off. Haven’t had a problem since. And I’ve re-used the transfer paper several times on other projects. This also works with clear contact paper (that I now use instead of the transfer paper). Much less expensive! Just thought I’d share from one “newbie” to another!
Lora
I don’t have a silhouette, but am fascinated by your window signs. You see, I have about 10 windows that I’ve been storing for about 10 years and have refused to throw out because I knew I wanted to do something special with them. (No, not hoarding lol) This is what I want to do. Do you have any suggestions as to how to do it without the silhouette. I’m thinking I’ll have to print out and cut my own stencils which I’ve never done. Either that or do a reverse painting with paint pens. In any case, thanks for the inspiration. These are just wonderful!
good morning Angie … love, love that sign. Wish I had a big enough place for it in my kitchen. Even with all your troubles, it was worth it. I just have to get me a Silhouette, but have been afraid it will be too hard to learn. Those clear glass windows are rare to find. Have not seen one in a long time. Guess I could make one out of framing and just add the glass … but nothing like the real vintage ones. Need to check ReStore.
Thanks for sharing… also, love how the one looks in your customers home and WOW, I looked at her Pinterest board and I could stay there all day, just dreaming.
Have a great week.
Hugs,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
You hit it out of the ball park with these signs Angie. A real trendsetter you are and I have a suspicion that you are going to be copied (that’s an honour) by many. If I lived closer I would buy your signs in a heartbeat!:)
Blessings…Sumaya
You have patience….It looks beautiful. I love how this turned out!!
Cynthia
Angie, I love the sign and I don’t think your a “slow learner” you just kept gettin’ back on the horse! Good job and thanks for the tips…I have old windows stored for this purpose and have been considering a silhouette.
Have a good day! 🙂
Angie, I love the sign and I don’t think your a “slow learner” you just kept gettin’ back on the horse! Good job and thanks for the tips…I have old windows stored for this purpose and have been considering a silhouette.
Have a good day! 🙂
The sign turned out beautifully after all your troubles. Myself, I’ll stick to the old fashioned way of printing out my design, using carbon paper (if it’s NOT glass) and hand painting. I think fiddling with that machine would cause me to scream.
Well I love it, it’s getting pinned, and I had flashbacks to the crates I made at Christmas with my Silhouette.
Bliss
It really looks great. I just don’t have the patience. 🙂
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy
I give you credit for hanging in there and not throwing in the towel on this project. I think all your hard work paid off by the looks of your fabulous new window! The window you sold has found the perfect place to shine in its new home. Now I’ve got to go visit her Pinterest boards!
Well you are definitely persistent!! I admit I would have given up after the first time — I actually prefer the simpler font with the sign — lovely job!
simple font or not, I think it looks fantastic! Your persistence paid off!
Deb – Ramshackle Romance
Well, I for one, have every intention of copying you on these window signs. They’re awesome!
It may have caused you trouble, but in the end, it sure looks worth it! I love it!
Debbie 🙂
Well done, Angie! It’s beautiful! Glad you didn’t settle for an easier font. Challenging yourself often, and persevering, rewards you with a beautiful end product like this one. Keep it up! I would love to see more of your lovely signage. Justin @ CrownNeonSigns.com