Today I Choose Joy Sign – A Rustic DIY That Inspires Every Day
There’s something truly special about handmade décor—especially when it carries a meaningful message. In a world that often feels rushed and overwhelming, surrounding yourself with reminders to slow down, breathe, and choose positivity can make a powerful difference. That’s exactly what this “Today I Choose Joy” rustic wood sign is all about.
This project blends simple materials with charming primitive farmhouse-inspired details to create a piece that feels warm, personal, and inspiring. Whether you’re decorating your home, crafting for a gift, or just carving out some peaceful creative time, this DIY sign offers both beauty and purpose. Best of all, it uses affordable supplies, many of which you can easily find at places like Dollar Tree.
This project isn’t just about creating décor—it’s about creating intention.
Let’s walk through how to bring this joyful piece to life!
Supplies
- Puppy pad or newspaper (for protecting your workspace)
- Dollar Tree wood plank boards (11″ x 5.5″ and 2″ x 12″ or 2″ x 18″)
- Sanding blocks or a hand sander (optional)
- Hand saw or miter saw (optional)
- Wood stain (Minwax Dark Walnut recommended)
- Gloves (optional)
- Rag and foam brush
- Acrylic paint – white
- Chalk Paint (your choice of color)
- Chip Paint Brush for dry brushing
- Clear sealant or Polycrylic (matte finish)
- Paint brushes
- 20mm Wood beads (3)
- Jute twine
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Silicone finger protectors (options but highly recommended – ask me how I know!)
- Pip berries
- Small rusty star
- Homespun fabric
- Wood Glue & Clamps
Step 1: Prepare the Wood
Start by preparing your base:
Sand the back of the 11” x 5.5” plank until smooth.
Measure the smaller plank to match the width of your larger board.
- Cut it using a miter saw or hand saw
- Sand any rough edges, especially where you cut.
Step 2: Apply the Stain
Next, bring warmth to the wood:
- Use a foam brush to apply your stain evenly across both boards.
- Wipe off the excess with a rag for a natural woodgrain effect.
- Be sure to stain all sides for a complete look.
- Allow the boards to fully dry.
The dark walnut stain creates a rich, rustic base that pairs beautifully with lighter paint accents.
Step 3: Create a Distressed Finish
This is where the farmhouse charm comes to life:
- Use acrylic paint and a chip paint brush to dry brush over the larger plank.
- Focus lightly on the surface—less paint creates a more authentic, weathered look.
- Let it dry completely.
Once dry, lightly sand the surface and edges again. This softens the paint and creates a naturally aged appearance, giving your sign that cozy, lived-in feel.
Step 4: Add Your Phrase
Now it’s time for the heart of your design:
Cut your phrase “Today I Choose Joy” using a Cricut and permanent vinyl, OR
Use a stencil and black paint to apply the wording manually
Carefully place or paint your phrase onto the board’s surface, making sure it’s centered and straight.
This step transforms your project from a simple wood piece into a meaningful statement.
Step 5: Seal the Design
Protect your work and ensure durability:
- Apply a coat of Polycrylic Clear Matte over the entire board
- Allow it to dry completely
This step preserves the design and gives your sign a smooth, finished look without adding shine.
Step 6: Attach the Support Board
To give your sign dimension and stability:
- Glue the smaller 2” plank to the back of the sign
- Clamp it in place while drying (if possible)
Step 7: Paint and Add the Wood Beads
Before adding them to your sign:
- Paint the wood beads with your chosen color
- Let dry completely
- Seal with Polycrylic matte finish
Step 8: Create the Twine Accent
Now for a charming farmhouse detail:
- Secure jute twine in the back with hot glue
- Start wrapping twine around the top of the sign
- Wrap it around three times, securing at the back and sides of board using hot glue
- Thread the three wood beads onto the twine
- Wrap once more and secure it in the back
- Trim pip berries and glue them onto the sign
- Tear a strip of homespun fabric about an inch wide
- Tie it into a bow
- Glue the bow over the pip berries
- Attach a small rusty star to the center of the bow
These details adds texture and visual interest while enhancing the rustic feel.
Styling Tips for Your Finished Sign
Once your sign is complete, decide where to place it! Here are a few ideas:
- Entryway – Set a positive tone as soon as you walk in
- Kitchen shelf – Add warmth to your daily gathering space
- Bedroom dresser – A gentle morning reminder
- Gallery wall – Pair with other rustic or inspirational décor
Ways to Make It Your Own
This DIY is incredibly versatile. Consider customizing it with:
- Different phrases like “Choose Happiness” or “Be Grateful Today”
- Seasonal colors (pastels for spring, warm tones for fall)
- Alternative embellishments like greenery, lace, or mini wreaths
- Painted instead of stained backgrounds
This project can easily evolve into a signature piece for your home or even a handmade gift.
Troubleshooting & Helpful Tips
A few extra pointers to make your crafting experience smoother:
- Go light with dry brushing – You can always add more paint, but removing excess is harder
- Let each layer dry fully – This prevents smudging and ensures a clean finish
- Use silicone finger protectors – Hot glue burns are no fun!
- Test placement first – Lay out embellishments before gluing
These small steps can make a big difference in your final result.
The Joy Behind the Craft
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something with your own hands. But beyond the crafting process, this sign serves a bigger purpose.
“Today I Choose Joy” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset.
Every time you see your sign, it gently reminds you that joy is often a choice we make, even in the smallest moments. Whether it’s enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, laughing with loved ones, or finding beauty in the everyday, this piece becomes part of that daily intention.
🌼Let Joy Take Center Stage
Crafting this rustic wooden sign is more than just a creative project—it’s an opportunity to slow down, unplug, and create something meaningful. From sanding and staining to adding those final heartfelt touches, every step invites you to be present.
And when it’s finished, you’re left with something truly special: a handcrafted reminder that joy is always within reach.
Display it proudly, gift it lovingly, or make more to share happiness with others. However you choose to use it, let this sign be a little beacon of positivity in your day.
✨ Create Your Joy & Share the Love!
Feeling inspired? Grab your supplies, put on your favorite music, and start crafting your own “Today I Choose Joy” sign!
Once you’ve finished, don’t keep that beauty to yourself—share your creation with friends, family, or on social media. You never know who might need that reminder to choose joy today. I’d absolutely love to hear about your project journey! Leave a comment below and share how yours turned out, what colors you chose, or any creative twists you added. Your ideas might inspire someone else to start their own joyful DIY journey!
If you enjoyed creating this “Today I Choose Joy” sign, there are so many other fun and easy DIY projects you can try next! From rustic farmhouse décor to seasonal crafts, these ideas will keep your creativity going!
Rustic Decor
Decorate you home with an Americana Rustic look!
Happy crafting! 💛
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Just So You Know
Craft Project Heads Up
The craft projects shared on my blog are intended to be both entertaining and informative. I do my best to make sure the supply list is complete and the instructions are correct. However, I cannot guarantee your success with the projects and I am not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses that may result from following the instructions.
Be aware that some of these craft projects may involve the use of sharp tools, hot glue guns, and other items that can pose a danger. It is important to exercise caution and good judgment when attempting any of the projects. If you make a mistake and injure yourself or damage something, I cannot be held responsible.
Please understand that by attempting these craft projects, you are assuming all risk. I am not making any promises or providing any warranties, so please do not expect me to offer assistance if something goes awry.
Ultimately, these craft projects are designed to be enjoyable and educational. However, it is crucial to always be careful and use your best judgement when attempting them. Remember, any consequences that arise from attempting these projects are your responsibility alone.
Today I Choose Joy Primitive/Farmhouse Sign
This rustic “Today I Choose Joy” wood sign is an easy and budget-friendly craft that combines stained wood, soft paint distressing, and charming farmhouse embellishments. It’s a simple DIY project that creates a meaningful, decorative reminder to focus on positivity and joy every day.
Materials
- Dollar Tree wood plank boards (11″ x 5.5″ and 2″ x 12″ or 2″ x 18″)
- Wood stain (Minwax Dark Walnut recommended)
- Acrylic paint – white
- Chalk Paint (your choice of color)
- Clear sealant or Polycrylic (matte finish)
- 20mm Wood beads (3)
- Jute twine
- Pip berries
- Small rusty star
- Homespun fabric
Tools
- Puppy pad or newspaper (for protecting your workspace)
- Sanding blocks or a hand sander (optional)
- Hand saw or miter saw (optional)
- Gloves (optional)
- Rag and foam brush
- Chip Paint Brush for dry brushing
- Paint brushes
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Silicone finger protectors (options but highly recommended – ask me how I know!)
- Wood Glue & Clamps
Instructions
- Sand the back of the 11” x 5.5” plank until smooth.
- Measure the smaller plank to match the width of your larger board.
- Cut it using a miter saw or hand saw. Sand any rough edges, especially where you cut.
- Use a foam brush to apply your stain evenly across both boards. Wipe off the excess with a rag for a natural woodgrain effect. Be sure to stain all sides for a complete look. Allow the boards to fully dry.
- Use acrylic paint and a chip paint brush to dry brush over the larger plank. Focus lightly on the surface—less paint creates a more authentic, weathered look. Let it dry completely.
- Once dry, lightly sand the surface and edges again. This softens the paint and creates a naturally aged appearance, giving your sign that cozy, lived-in feel.
- Cut your phrase “Today I Choose Joy” using a Cricut and permanent vinyl, OR use a stencil and black paint to apply the wording manually. Carefully place or paint your phrase onto the board’s surface, making sure it’s centered and straight.
- Apply a coat of Polycrylic Clear Matte over the entire board. Allow it to dry completely.
- Glue the smaller 2” plank to the back of the sign. Clamp it in place while drying (if possible).
- Paint the wood beads with your chosen color. Let dry completely and seal with Polycrylic matte finish.
- Secure jute twine in the back with hot glue. Start wrapping twine around the top of the sign. Wrap it around three times, securing at the back and sides of board using hot glue. Thread the three wood beads onto the twine. Wrap once more and secure it in the back.
- Trim pip berries and glue them onto the sign. Tear a strip of homespun fabric about an inch wide and tie it into a bow. Glue the bow over the pip berries and attach a small rusty star to the center of the bow.
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