Every year I like to do a tree-inspired holiday decor DIY. Last year it was my mason jar snow globes and this year it’s a Christmas tree sign made out of words. And the words I chose? Why, lyrics from “Oh, Christmas Tree,” of course.
I used the same method to paint this Christmas tree sign as I did for my love arrow sign, which I originally learned how to do here. I thought a video of how to create a handpainted sign – holiday-related or not – would be helpful so I made one… just for YOU!
To be honest, it’s also for myself. Because sometimes I forget how to do things and have to watch my own video to remember.Here’s my video of how to paint a Christmas tree sign. You can also follow the written instructions down below if that’s more your learning-style. Happy handpainting!
Watch the Video!
Note that this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on a link and make a purchase a small percentage of the sale goes to yours truly. Please know that I only link to products that are good for the earth, good for the soul, or both!
Supplies
– scrap piece of plywood (essentially any size you want will work, but mine was 10″ wide x 17.25″ high)
– white paint (try to get an eco-friendly paint like this one)
– grey paint (again, eco-friendly option here)
– artist’s brush (if you don’t already own one, try getting a paint brush with bamboo handles)
– print-out of a graphic/lettering (download the one I created for this project below, you could also make your own using Canva)
– tape
– pencil
Instructions
1. Paint your plywood with two coats of white paint. Something non-glossy works best and also if you need to buy new paint – make sure it’s either low or no-VOC. But first check what you have at home (it doesn’t necessarily have to be white), ask what friends and family members have and look on local buy and sells before purchasing brand new.
2. Flip your graphic over and shade the back of any lettering/artwork. I find using the side of the pencil tip works best for this. You don’t have to cover every single millimetre of the reverse side, just give it a nice scribble.
3. Turn the graphic right side up and tape it in place. Trace the graphic with the pencil, pushing firmly. Once done, remove the graphic and you’ll see a light etching of your graphic on the plywood.
4. Use the artist’s brush to paint over the etching. You may need to do several coats depending on how much paint you use, how dark you want the graphic, etc. Extra coats also help you to fix any boo-boos you may have made and make the lettering just look nicer and smoother overall. And that’s it! Display and admire.
LET’S BE TREEHUGGERS TOGETHER!
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Posted on December 13, 2018
Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.
I’m here to help you green your home – and your life.
Subscribe to the Of Houses and Trees monthly newsletter and I’ll send you my FREE list of “The 8 Best Places to Buy Eco-Conscious Decor Online.”
What on earth is sustainable design? Learn all about this eco-focused design method and read the latest posts about green architecture, interior design and decor.
Sustainable living is more than just a thing treehuggers talk about. It’s about making conscious choices everyday. Read the latest posts on living with the planet’s wellbeing always in mind.
Visit the Of Houses and Trees sustainable product directory and support brands trying to make a difference in the world.
Find out more about our 40 acres of land in Parkland County, Alberta and the sustainable home we built amongst the trees.
Need help creating the home of your dreams? Care about the planet? You’ve come to the right place! check out my affordable, sustainable e-design services.
Having a had time choosing paint colours? I’ve got you – and your walls – covered with an interior paint palette sure to compliment your home.
Have questions about creating an eco-conscious home? Go ahead – ask me! Sign up for one of my free online interior design consultations and ask me anything you want.
If you want to help create a more sustainable future, consider green bonds – one of the lowest risk forms of green investment.
What is green investing? How do I get started with green investing? Why are green investments something I should even care about?
Great questions! Questions I have too.
I don’t consider myself a financial expert.
What I am is someone who cares deeply about environmental issues and wonders on a daily basis – as many of us do – if I’m doing enough to help curb climate change and preserve our natural resources.
A big thank you to RE Royalties for sponsoring this post. Please know that I strive to only feature companies and brands that value sustainability as much as I do.
Bernard Tan, CEO of Canadian-based finance company RE Royalties, wondered the exact same thing after he became a father in 2013.
“When you are staring into your baby’s wide open eyes in the middle of the night while enduring sleep deprivation, everything changes. You begin to think about every possibility in your child’s life. Who they will grow up to be, who their friends will be, where they will live, their values as a person, and the risks and challenges they will face… And that was when the future impact of climate change really hit me.”
As a fellow parent, I’ve certainly spent my fair share of sleepless nights – and exhaustion-filled days – staring at my daughters, thinking about the world they’ve inherited.
Of Houses and Trees is all about shifting the way people see the world and our relationship with the planet.
There are countless small, daily changes we can make to create this shift. But if you’re looking for something more, or want to make a difference with your dollars and not just your actions, green investing may be what you’re looking for.
How do green bonds work?
When it comes to green investments, green bonds are one of the most stable options. They’re also one of the easiest forms of investing to understand.
What exactly is a bond? A bond is something a company issues when they’re looking for project investors.
But what do I get when I buy a bond? You essentially get three things. Interest on the money you invested. Your original investment back at the end of a pre-set term. Plus, you get to support the projects your bond is financing.
Is a green bond different than a regular bond? Yes! When you buy a green bond, your money will only be used to support green projects like clean energy development and sustainable building construction.
Who are green bonds for?
Green bonds are for people who want to invest in a more sustainable future on a larger scale.
They’re also for people who already put money into low-risk investments such as GICs and are looking to green their portfolio.
Bonds are often referred to as fixed-income investments. They provide a steady flow of cash – which acts just like regular income.
The income amount will vary depending on who you purchase the green bonds from. For example, RE Royalties pay 6% per year over a course of five years.
What types of projects do green bonds support?
It all depends on the company that issues the green bonds.
Green bonds can support projects in areas like sustainable agriculture, ecosystem protection, clean transportation, fishery, forestry and clean water management.
Some investment companies look for specific criteria in the projects they support.
RE Royalties focuses on green energy investing and has helped finance solar parks, wind farms and hydro facilities in Canada, the US and Europe.
How do you get started with green bonds?
To start, visit the RE Royalties website and read more about how to invest in green bonds. You can also read the full story of how RE Royalties came to be.
In 2015, when Bernard Tan came up with the idea for renewable energy royalty financing, he was shocked when he realized no such thing existed.
That knowledge, paired with something his grandfather told him before he passed, led him to co-found RE Royalties with renewable energy expert Peter Leighton.
What his grandfather said was, “The hardest step on any journey is the first one. If you don’t take that step, you will always wonder what could have been.”
Whether green investing and green bonds are for you or not – it’s time to take a step. Walk to work. Forgo that to-go cup. Say no to over-consumption. Vote with your dollars. Support green companies. Speak for the trees.
Our children – and our planet – deserve it.
LET’S BE TREEHUGGERS TOGETHER!
Sign up for the Of Houses and Trees monthly newsletter and I’ll send you my FREE list of “The 8 Best Places to Buy Eco-Conscious Decor Online.”
OH, AND LET’S BE FRIENDS TOO…
PIN ME!
Posted on September 29, 2020
Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.
I’m here to help you green your home – and your life.
Subscribe to the Of Houses and Trees monthly newsletter and I’ll send you my FREE list of “The 8 Best Places to Buy Eco-Conscious Decor Online.”
What on earth is sustainable design? Learn all about this eco-focused design method and read the latest posts about green architecture, interior design and decor.
Sustainable living is more than just a thing treehuggers talk about. It’s about making conscious choices everyday. Read the latest posts on living with the planet’s wellbeing always in mind.
Visit the Of Houses and Trees sustainable product directory and support brands trying to make a difference in the world.
Find out more about our 40 acres of land in Parkland County, Alberta and the sustainable home we built amongst the trees.
Need help creating the home of your dreams? Care about the planet? You’ve come to the right place! check out my affordable, sustainable e-design services.
Having a had time choosing paint colours? I’ve got you – and your walls – covered with an interior paint palette sure to compliment your home.
Have questions about creating an eco-conscious home? Go ahead – ask me! Sign up for one of my free online interior design consultations and ask me anything you want.