Build and Etched Sign and Frame

*This post is sponsored by Dremel and Gorilla Glue. All opinions are my own.
Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

The simplicity of this rustic barnboard frame and etched sign make this a great beginner project! This project was originally created as a class project at Haven (a DIY/designer blogger conference), but I couldn’t resist the chance to share the tutorial with everyone once I got home!

What makes this project even easier is the amazing tools we used (provided by Dremel and Gorilla Glue). If you haven’t tried out Dremel’s new Stylo+, it’s a rotary tool game-changer. It’s their most lightweight and compact design, and really allows you to hold and use the tool just like you would use a pen. We also used the Dremel SawMax to cut the frame pieces. Since the class, I’ve found this tool to be a new go-to for small cuts like this, and especially flush-cutting and specialty cuts in other projects.

And to bring all the pieces together, we used Gorilla’s new duel-temp hot glue gun—arriving in stores September 2018—and their hot glue sticks, which are 4X stronger than the competition. I have to say, I was extremely impressed by how well the glue held to the uneven surfaces of the barnboard wood. Also, since it’s weather-resistant, I don’t have to worry about humidity weakening the connection.

For more information on this project or the tools we used in class, leave me a note at the bottom on the post! I’d be happy to share my experience.

SCROLL DOWN TO WATCH THE VIDEO

And if you’d like to know more about Haven, or to read about our class, (or if you were in the class and want to see some fun pictures!) Click HERE to read my blog post!

TIP: Click the image above to reveal the free building plans. Click the tabs below to see the tools, materials and cut list.

NOTE: This tutorial may contain affiliate links. To see our full disclosure policy, click HERE

Steps

1. Size the Parts

Using the cut list above, mark the 1×2 Frame Pieces and 1/8” Hardboard.

2. Cut the Pieces

Clamp the pieces securely to the work surface with the first cut line overhanging the edge of the table. Using the Dremel Saw Max fitted with the SM500 Cutting Wheel, or a miter saw, cut the part. Continue clamping, and making cuts until all the parts are sized.

3. Assemble the Frame

Working on a top of a piece of wax paper, arrange the boards face down in alternating lengths, end-to-end. Using a hot glue gun, apply a bead of hot glue to one end of each board, and then press it against the edge of the adjoining board.

4. Etch the Sign

It’s now time to engrave the sign. For this we’re using the Dremel Stylo+ fitted with a High Speed cutting bit 191 designed for use on wood, plastics, and soft metals. Touch the tip of the tool to the portions of the painted surface you’d like to remove. Using the Stylo+ feels a bit like coloring. Avoid pressing the tip into the surface—let the rotation of the bit do the work.

5. Prep the Frame

Using a hot glue gun, apply a bead of hot glue to the backside of the frame, along its inner edge.

6. Attach the Sign

Place the etched sign facedown centered on the frame. Press the sign in place, and then allow the glue to dry for several minutes.

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