22 Days 'til Halloween: A Sign Of The Monster


I started to decorate the yard this weekend and began with a warning sign on the tree for the neighbors. A detail to compliment the new Aurora model inspired gravestone and tease the monster's annual front porch appearance.

It was a simple Photoshop creation (11"x17") printed out in sections then spray glued to poster board. I cut it to size and curled the corners. I also cut out stylized torn edges giving it some character. It was aged with craft paint and black coffee. Once dry it was thickened and stiffened with several coats of clear acrylic (brush on).

The large hanging nail is made from foamcore and faux rust painted. It's not actually holding the sign up. It was glued to a another piece foamcore mounted on the back of the sign. Wire was then glued to the back and twisted around the tree trunk to hang.

Here's the original art if you want to print out and make your own sign (click to enlarge).



Here's a night shot. Everything on the lawn will lit in orange and amber this year as if illuminated by lanterns.

12 comments:

  1. Wow!!!!

    That is the coolest sign.. EVER!!

    I can't believe that is poster board, foam, and pages printed out from a computer!..

    May have to steal this method to make a couple of last minute Pirate signs for my yard! If they come out half as good I'm going to be pleased!

    Staring so hard at this picture to soak up all the details and it looks like there is a small tree troll in the knot in the tree to the left of frankies head! I can make out eyes a nose and a smile.. He's probably grinning in approval too! :)

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  2. No detail overlooked! Very cool!

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  3. I'm loving the colors! That's great that you're making it look like lantern-light!

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  4. Love the sign!
    I am impressed by the faux nail, I am alway amazed at how real some of your projects look.
    Great work!
    Thanks for the free printable!

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  5. Awesome! Thanks for the DIY instructions. A loyal follower.

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  6. Mr. Jim Jams10/10/2011 6:13 PM

    DOUBLE AWESOME!!!!! Can't wait for Halloween night!!!!!!

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  7. Dismal, steal away! Some extra paint and coating to cover seams will be needed.

    Cameron, actually a lot of details are overlooked LOL, I just try to hide them.

    Thanks Lisa, so far I'm really happy with. Hoping to wash the house in another color for contrast.

    Falling star, thanks. The nail was sort of a last minute idea. Glad you like.

    Anonymous, thanks and you're welcome.

    Mr. Jim Jams, thanks same here!

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  8. Thank you so much for the frankfabulous poster!! The nail is amazing... Not sure I can pull that one off. Wonder what DH would think if I used a real spike to stick this baby to the side of the front door?

    Where do I purchase tickets for the bus tour past your place on Halloween? :D

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  9. I'm scared to put anything out near my street for fear of thieves. your neighborhood must look out for you. great work as always.

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  10. This is super cool. My little guys are big into Halloween this year and they will love this hanging up!

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  11. Love this - thank you so much for sharing!

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  12. Your creations are AMAZING! I would like to try and create this sign for this years Halloween decor. Would you be so kind as to briefly explain how the craft paint and coffee were used to "age" the paper. I love how this looks to be old parchment. Is this technique difficult to achieve?
    Thank you!!!

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