How to Make a Sign from a Plate

Last week, I gave my she shed a little exterior refresh to get it ready for summer. My favorite part is the new sign I put on it. I’ve been wanting to give my she shed a name for awhile, so it was fun to finally cross that off the to do list. I thought I’d show you how to make a sign from a plate in case you want one for your house or she shed too!

I’ve been working hard on my kitchen remodel. We’re in the tricky part where it’s a lot of work, but doesn’t look like much progress. Demo started long ago and we won’t be done with it for awhile. To be honest, it’s a little discouraging.

So I took a day to give my she shed a little refresh. Sometimes you just want to see the fruit of your labor in one day- you know? Plus, I’d found a bunch of flea market vintage items that needed a home. So I rolled up my sleeves and got busy.

How to Make a Sign from a Plate

SUPPLIES

Above is the pretty plate I got from a vintage market. I’d been keeping my eye out for the perfect one and this felt right. Though, $12 was more than I wanted to spend. But I took it home anyway. It needed to be on my shed.

step 1

To hang a plate outside, the best way is to drill a hole in the center and then use a screw to attach it on the wall. This is the way the plate will stay up and weather best.

I’ve heard of people using construction adhesive on the back. But then having the plate fall and break a few years later.

To drill the hole, use a tile drill bit. It’ll go tight through the plate. Before adding my screw, I used a little rosette metal piece as a decoration around the screw.

This plate was a lucky find because it fits perfectly in the siding next to the door. Plus aren’t the details of the scalloped edges cute?!

Side note, you can see that I used an I-hook and a cord to hand my new outdoor tole chandelier. It’s another great vintage find. I’m excited to add candles and have a romantic dinner out here. You know, once the kitchen is done and we can breathe again.

step 2

Next, I got on my Cricut and designed the words for the sign. I decided to name my she shed The Petite Pink She Shed. Once it was designed, I used my Cricut to cut the vinyl.

step 3

And next, I used transfer tape to put the name sign on the plate. The tape keeps the spacing and shape on the words. The alternative to this is to place each letter. But this gives a better result.

I used permanent vinyl so I hope that that it wears well! I think it will.

after

Here is how the plate sign turned out. Isn’t it cute?! I also added two other vintage plates. They have colors that are on the rainbow fence and I really love that detail!

When I was at the (really amazing) vintage market, I also found a plastic piece of decorative molding. I bought it home and it matched a piece I already had! So I hung them both on my she shed. Isn’t the bot detail on them so fun?!

I really like how the decorative molding balances out the sign/plates and adds some interest. I ended up painting them to match the shed so they’re a little more subtle.

That striped tablecloth is actually a thrifted flat sheet. It’s perfect for out here! Do you also spy my vintage elephant planter?! I filled it with violas and I just love them.

Anyway, it was fun to create a pretty space after spending weeks on my kitchen and not getting to the pretty part yet. Sometimes you just need a quick win- you know?

Happy spring! My son graduates from preschool this week. Since we held him back from kindergarten, it feels like he’s been a preschooler forever. He’s so ready to be in school more. This summer he had some camps to attend so I think that’ll be so good for him.

I hope your weekend was nice! And let me know if you have any questions on how to make a sign from a plate.

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