Easy Sharpie DIY Sign You Can Make in One Afternoon

A step-by-step tutorial on how to make a homemade Sharpie DIY sign using Sharpie markers.

Looking for a thrifty project to embellish your home decor? Welcome to the world of DIY projects with Sharpies, where creativity, simplicity, and affordability combine to create stunning home decor pieces.

In this article, we will explore the art of creating one-of-a-kind signs using Sharpie pens and a few simple materials. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and elevate your home decor game with these easy and budget-friendly Sharpie crafts.

Why to Choose DIY Crafts With Sharpies

Easy to create your own designs and Sharpie drawings
Low cost - you can find them on Amazon, at a local craft store or even a dollar store
They come in a variety of colors and styles - oil-based Sharpies, regular Sharpies, Sharpie paint pen, metallic Sharpies, etc.
Makes it easy to swap out your art

Supplies Needed for Sharpies DIY Signs

Black Sharpie
¾" thick MDF or plywood
White paint
Paint brush
220 grit sandpaper
Wood for frame (optional)
Pencil
Tape measure
Level or straight edge

How to Make a Sharpie DIY Sign

Follow along with these simple steps for the best results, but feel free to get creative and customize along the way!

Cut MDF

Before gathering all of your supplies, you will first want to measure out how tall you want your sign to be for your space. This will give you an idea of how much plywood or MDF to buy, as well as extra if you end up wanting to make multiple. When choosing your plywood or MDF, be sure to thoroughly examine to make sure it is flat and not bowed, otherwise your marker design may not turn out evenly.

Cut your wood down to size (at home or at your hardware store). My sign is 29" tall x 24" wide.

Add Paint to Your Sharpie DIY

Next, paint your MDF or plywood. I chose to paint this with a white finish because I am using a traditional black permanent marker to pop against the white. You can also use different colors for your design inspiration, especially if using for a child or teen bedroom.

Paint one coat of white. Allow time to dry and then add a second coat. The paint will dry pretty quickly, but make sure your coat of paint is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Sand the Wood

Allow a bit of time for drying before you move to the next part. Take a piece of 220-grit sandpaper or a sand block and lightly sand the wood to remove any brush strokes.

Create Your Lines

Now take a pencil and a yard stick or whatever you have to create long horizontal lines across your board. I ended up using a 2" thick piece of wood so I didn't have to do a ton of measuring and could trace around it. Do not press hard with your pencil because you will erase most of the lines when finished.

Then you will add in your vertical lines going the other direction. This is an easy way to make all of the squares.

Your wood should resemble a checker board when you are done.

Add Your Design

For my design, I decided to keep it pretty simple and add a small plus sign or a little "t" at the intersection between alternating boxes. I started with a "t" on every other line on the first row with the black Sharpie.

For the next row, put a "t" on every other line intersection as shown below.

Continue alternating this pattern all the way down the Sharpie DIY sign until you reach the bottom.

Erase the Lines

Once you have made all your "t's" you can erase your pencil lines.

Frame Sharpie DIY Sign

After you have finished with your Sharpie drawing, you can go ahead and frame your sign if desired. I think framing a sign makes it look a little bit more finished and elegant. You could also opt for a scroll-look option too.

A great way to style this DIY project is by layering frames or using in a collage or gallery wall.

Shop the post here

Other Sharpie DIY Design Patterns

Here are a few other patterns I found that would be so much fun to try out on a sign too!

Other DIY Crafts With Sharpies

You can make lots of different craft projects with a pack of Sharpies. Here are just a few options for what you can do.

Sharpie pumpkins
DIY tie-dye shirts with Sharpies
Learning how to draw on a coffee cup with DIY Sharpie mugs (you'll need an oil-based Sharpie marker for this one)
DIY tie-dye shoes with sharpies and rubbing alcohol
DIY Sharpie wallpaper
Sharpie art bowls
Decorate your Easter eggs with Sharpies

Love my signs? Change up your artwork with a few more DIY signs that you can easily make. View my napkin signs here.

Or try out this DIY wallpaper sign here.

Sharpie DIY Signs

Creating a DIY sign using Sharpies is a fun, creative and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to any space. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can turn a simple blank canvas into a unique and eye-catching sign that reflects your personality and style. Remember, the key to a successful Sharpie DIY sign is to start with a plan, use the right materials, and have fun with it!

Happy Creating!

Brooke