Supply List:

• Clear Scraps 6×6 Wood Square 
• Simplicity – Country Chic Paint
• Mod Podge Matte 
• Stickles
• Glossy Accents
• Christmas Napkins of your choice
• Embellishments: Ribbon, Pom Poms,
• Pitt Pens – Black
• Plastic Wrap
• Sandpaper
• Frixion Pen 
• Clothes Pins – optional

Add a touch of handmade charm to your holiday decor with this  DIY “Merry and Bright” wooden shiplap sign! Combining vibrant napkin art, playful doodles, and a touch of sparkle, this project is both simple and satisfying. I’m sharing lots of basic napkin art techniques, making this a perfect project for both beginner crafters and experts. Use your creativity and make this festive holiday sign uniquely yours! 

Applying Napkin Art to the Shiplap Sign

Start by painting the wooden shiplap sign with Country Chic Paint in the shade Simplicity. Use a brush to ensure the paint reaches into the valleys of the shiplap and along the edges for full coverage. Once painted, dry the sign using a heat tool for a quick, smooth finish.

Next, prepare the multicolored Christmas tree napkin by cutting it to fit the sign. Make sure the tree pattern is aligned in the same direction for a cohesive look. Carefully separate the napkin layers until you’re left with just the top layer featuring the printed design.

Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge Matte evenly over the painted surface. Gently lay the napkin art on top and smooth it out using a piece of plastic wrap to eliminate wrinkles. Press into the grooves of the shiplap with your fingernail to ensure the napkin adheres to the textured surface. Once secure, dry it thoroughly with a heat tool.

Finally, use a small piece of sandpaper to gently remove any excess napkin from the edges, leaving the design clean and seamless. 

I have a napkin featuring the phrase “Merry and Bright” surrounded by a circular dot design, which will add a charming focal point to our background. Begin by using scissors to carefully fussy cut around the design for a clean and precise edge.

When layering napkins, it’s important to paint between the layers to ensure the background doesn’t show through. Position the “Merry and Bright” napkin on your sign and trace around the design using a Frixion Pen, which conveniently erases with heat. Paint the traced area with Country Chic Paint in Simplicity. You may need to apply two coats for full coverage. Use a heat tool to dry the paint between coats.

Once the area is prepped, apply a coat of Mod Podge Matte. Carefully place the napkin design on top, smoothing it down with a piece of plastic wrap to eliminate wrinkles. Dry it with a heat tool, then seal the design with another layer of Mod Podge Matte for a polished, finished look.

Adding Details and Embellishments to Your Christmas Sign

Use a black Pitt Pen to outline each circular dot in the design, aiming for a playful, doodle-like effect rather than perfect precision. To enhance the festive feel, transform each dot into a Christmas ornament by adding a simple ornament top to each one.

Add a touch of sparkle with Diamond Stickles, applying it to each ornament and the letters in “Merry and Bright.” Dry the design with a heat tool, then apply Glossy Accents to the ornament tops and letters for a shiny, raised effect that adds dimension and charm.

For this project, I will make an easel back with two clothespins. You’ll take your clothespin and slide one half of the clothespin back to create a stand. Hot glue the clothespin to the back of your sign about an inch above the bottom. I love this because you can flatten the clothespin again for storage! 

If you’d prefer to hang the sign, simply hot glue a ribbon to the back as a hanger. For extra embellishment, use ribbon to tie a bow and attach it to the bottom of the sign with hot glue. Add festive details like snowflakes or pompoms to the bow’s center for a personalized, seasonal touch.

With a few simple materials and creative touches, you can transform a plain sign into a sparkling Christmas decoration that’s sure to spread cheer. Whether you choose to hang it or display it with a homemade easel, this project will make your space feel extra special this holiday season!

If you’re interested in learning more about creative gift-making techniques, consider signing up for my Little Somethings Online Christmas Workshop Event. This virtual workshop will be held on December 7th from 1 PM to 4 PM CST. You’ll learn various techniques for creating unique and thoughtful gifts, including personalized tags, decorative packaging, and more.