How to make a Farmhouse Sign From a $1 Piece of Foam Board (w/Free Valentine SVG)

Can You Believe This Modern Farmhouse Sign is Made From Foam Board? Also, Snag the Valentine SVG for Free!

Modern home decor doesn’t have to be expensive! Learn how to make this $1 foam board sign with the free valentine SVG file included!

A couple of months ago I was scrolling through Pinterest, and I came across some photos of beautiful unframed canvases with a favorite quote or saying featured on it.

It was very minimal, yet very “modern farmhouse” at the same time.

Now this minimal word art was also upwards of of $50+…which is way too rich for my blood!

I considered making my own by just purchasing my own blank canvas, but canvases can run kind of expensive too.

Then I had a genius idea!

Why not create a similar minimal sign with something as simple as a piece of foam board?

It was one of my crazier ideas…and one that needed to be finished to completion to see if I loved it or not.

But I do have to say….I love how it turned out!

diy foam board sign with free valentine svg

It’s the perfect blend of minimal “meets” modern farmhouse.

There are few variations on how you can make a sign similar to this (or this exact sign since I’m including the free valentine SVG file!) depending on the materials you have available.

Let me show you how!

Check out these other “sign worthy” holiday SVG files:
–“Oh Holy Night” Christmas SVG
–“Farm Fresh Pumpkins” Fall SVG

DIY Foam Board Sign w/Free Valentine SVG File

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Before we get started, I want to cover a few quick things about this DIY foam board sign.

Here’s what this post is:

a budget-friendly alternative to expensive canvas signs
a step-by-step guide
a short and EASY DIY

Here’s what this post is not:

a time consuming DIY
an expensive DIY project
limited to just this wording

DIY Farmhouse Foam Board Sign Supplies & Costs

First I’m going to let you know the materials I used to make this sign.

Then I will show you some variations based on what kind of supplies you may or may not have.

Supplies Needed if You DO Have a Cricut

White Foam Board
- These can be found at any craft store, but you can grab one for only $1 at Dollar Tree! Dollar Tree also carries them in black.
Free Valentine SVG File
- If you want to use the wording that I used for my foam board sign, you can grab the valentine svg file for free!
Cricut Explore Air 2
- *If you don’t have a Cricut, hop on down to the next section where I list a few variations on how you can make this without a die-cutting machine.
Black Vinyl
- I like to buy my vinyl in bulk on Amazon. They have a great selection that’s great quality!
- *Again, for my non-Cricut peeps, hop on down to see how you can still make this beautiful sign!

Total Cost: $1 (not counting the cost of the Cricut, or the vinyl…which I always have plenty of on-hand)

**Variations if You Don’t Have a Cricut**

I’m a big believer in using what you have on-hand. So please do not go out and purchase a high-priced item if you only intend on using it for one project. 😊

If you don’t have a Cricut, or other die-cutting machine, don’t worry! Here are some ways you can still create this sign using foam board and the free valentine svg file.

Sharpie
- Some people are gifted with beautiful hand-lettering skills! I am not one of those people…which is why I use my Cricut as a crutch anytime I want to create beautiful hand lettered signs.
- Since the font that I used is very flowy and “scripty”, I think it would look beautiful written with a Sharpie in your best cursive handwriting.
Projector
- A recent trend I’ve seen on Instagram for those that don’t have a Cricut is getting an affordable projector from Amazon, projecting the wording onto their surface (foam board in this case) and just tracing over the letters. Again, this could also be done with a Sharpie!
Ink Transfer
- Another method that has been popular is the “ink transfer” method. I’ve never tried this method myself, but I know there are a variety of ways to do it! The common thing you must have: a printed copy of your wording that is printed in reverse….or mirror image.
- There’s ink transfer paper you can purchase, or even methods of tracing the printed wording onto your surface and then filling it in with a Sharpie.
- I can’t recommend one method over another since I’ve never tried, but if you just Google “how to make a sign using ink transfer”, you’ll be able to find tons of tutorials!

No matter which way you choose to make this farmhouse inspired Valentine sign, you’ll spend a lot less than if you were to buy a similar version of the same size online!

How to Make a Foam Board Sign

Hopefully you’ve decided on a method that fits your needs! Since I used my Cricut to cut my wording, that is what I’ll cover in this tutorial.

Step 1: Measure (and possibly cut) Your Foam Board

Depending on where you plan on placing your sign, you may decide to cut your foam board to make it fit to your desired space. The foam board from Dollar Tree measures about 20″x30″.

I knew I wanted mine to add some height to the shelves I was placing it on, so I chose to leave mine large and not cut it.

Related: $2 Dollar Tree Doily Table Runner

Step 2: Download Your Free Valentine SVG File

If you plan to make this exact sign, you can download the wording that I used here!

I originally made this sign to be part of my Valentine’s Day decor. But since I’ve always loved this scripture, I plan on leaving it up long after Valentine’s Day is over.

*Instructions for how to download and use the wording in your design space are included in the email that your free valentine svg will be sent in.

Snag your FREE Valentine SVG file here!

Step 3: Resize the Wording in Your Design Space

Once you download and open the SVG file into whatever design space you use, you’ll need to resize it to the exact size you want for your foam board sign.

I wanted my wording the kind of flow off of the foam board, so I kept that in mind when adjusting the size of the words.

Step 4: Cut, Weed, and Transfer Your Vinyl

I’m guessing if you’re using your Cricut to make this foam board sign, you probably know the basics of cutting and transferring vinyl. So I’ll just give a quick overview rather than bore you with the details!

Cut the vinyl on your Cricut. Depending on how large you are making your sign, you’ll most likely need to use a couple different mats.
Use your weeder to remove the extra vinyl from the words. I love this part…yet hate it at the same time. Anyone else??
Use transfer tape to transfer the vinyl onto the foam board.
- I often get questions from my $1 paper scroll tutorials on what transfer tape I use (since the kind that I use doesn’t rip the Kraft paper). I use the Duck Tape brand of transfer tape. I stumbled upon it at Walmart when I was needing transfer tape for a last minute project last year….and I didn’t want to make an extra trip to another store.
- This particular brand has worked well for me, but what has really made it stand out in my mind is that is doesn’t rip the Kraft paper (in my paper scroll tutorials) when others tell me that they have trouble with other brands of transfer tape.

How Easy Was This DIY Farmhouse Foam Board Sign?

I have to say, I was a little hesitant on how this sign would turn out. I mean…it’s foam board. But I absolutely LOVE it!

Also, I certainly didn’t plan on putting it in our bathroom. LOL!

I had originally made this sign for our entryway table, but once it was finished I just could find an arrangement that I loved on our table.

I played around with the placement in a few places around the house, but ultimately it ended up in our water closet…and I’m not sad about it!

These signs are so affordable to make and would make the perfect addition to so many rooms, places, or events.

Entryway Table
Nursery
Wedding
Bridal Shower
Baby Shower

Are you planning on making this foam board sign?? Whether you use this free Valentine svg or not, I’d love to see your creations!

You can always leave me a comment, email me, or find me on Instagram!

Happy crafting!