How to Make Live Laugh Love Signs

One way to add some light-hearted, inspirational personality to your home is to hang a "Live, Laugh, Love" sign where it can be enjoyed by all residents and visitors. Many styles of these particular signs are available for purchase, but if you are a crafty person and like to create your own decorations, or you simply can't find them in the colors you want, you can try making one yourself. This project is simple and inexpensive but will make an impression on your home.

Things You'll Need

• Thin wood
• Nail
• Hammer
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Clear coat

Instructions

1. Cut a thin piece of wood or a piece of heavy poster board at 16 inches wide by 3.5 inches high. Pierce two holes in the middle of the top with a hammer and nail, about a quarter of an inch away from the top edge so that you can hang the sign. Make sure the two holes are in the middle so it won't hang crooked.

2. Paint the sign with acrylic paint in the colors you want that will match your decor. Make the background a simple solid color so that the lettering will stand out. Let the paint dry completely before you continue.

3. Measure and plan out the placement of your lettering with a ruler. Determine how high you want the letters to be and make a faint pencil line across the bottom of the sign to create the bottom margin. This helps even if you are using letter stencils because your words will come out straight.

4. Paint the letters for the words "Live, Laugh, Love" across the sign in a color that contrasts the background. For example, if you painted the background white, use a dark color for the lettering. Freehand it or use stencils to get the lettering you want. Add decorative shapes between the words (like small hearts, stars or flowers) and paint a border around the edge if you want. Let the paint dry completely and carefully erase the pencil marks. Brush on a glossy clear coat if desired.

5. Tie a piece of string or wrap a piece of wire securely around the edge of one hole and connect it over to the other hole. You're now ready to hang your homemade inspirational sign.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more rustic look, don't add a clear coat and carefully scrape the paint a little with fine-grit sandpaper.

• Make a three-piece sign by cutting the board into three equal pieces.