A first day of school sign is a decorative board or poster used as a photo prop to document and celebrate the start of a new school year. For parents and students alike, these signs serve as a personalized keepsake, capturing the new student’s excitement and pride when starting on a new academic journey.
This year, you want to create a first day of school sign for your kids? You want it to be special and unique without going over budget? Look no further. In this blog post, let CustomAny to be your companion in discovering top 4 methods on how to make a first day of school sign easily and affordably!
1. Turn Free Printable Template into your sign
Creating a personalized first day of school sign doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a memorable sign is by using free first day of school printable templates available online. These templates provide a stylish and professional-looking template that you can customize to fit your child’s unique details.
To make first day of school sign, here’s a step-by-step guide:
What you’ll need
- Printer
- Cardstock paper
- Markers or colored pencils (optional)
- Picture frame (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Download and print
To add a free printable template into your first day of school sign, you need to first find a free printable template online. There are numerous websites offering a variety of design for free templates, include:
- Free printable online
- Canva
- Istock
Once you’ve selected your favorite design, download the template file and print it onto cardstock paper and move to the next step.
Step 2: Customize
After printing, it’s time to use markers or colored pencils to fill in the first day of school sign with
- Your child’s name
- Grade
- The date.
- Inspiring first day of school quotes (“Be curious”, “Dream big”,”Your journey starts now.”, …)
- Fun details such as favorite subjects or future aspirations
In this step, you can add your own style and creativity to the sign, making it truly unique.
Step 3: Frame it
To complete your first day of school sign, place it in a picture frame. This not only makes the sign look more polished but also protects it from wear and tear, ensuring its durability. You can choose any design but we recommend a simple, elegant frame so as not to overwhelm the sign’s design.
2. Wooden Board with Transfer Stickers
When making the wooden first day of school sign, we highly recommend you to combine it with our UV DTF transfer stickers.
Why?
Because our transfer stickers are an excellent choice for a durable, sturdy, and beautiful result. This method also ensures a high-quality sign that looks professional.
The transfer sticker layer is made by printing ink onto a special film and then the ink is dried immediately with UV light. This process results in a vibrant, full-colored, and glossy sticker with a raised surface. This sticker layer is also resistant to water and scratches.
Additionally, after applied, UV DTF transfer stickers don’t have a background, which makes them appear as if they are embossed printed directly onto the surface they are applied to.
These stickers adhere very strongly to smooth surfaces like wood, making them perfect for decorating wooden first day of school signs.
You may want to read: “The Superiority of UV DTF Transfer Stickers from CustomAny“
What you’ll need
- A smooth wooden board
- Transfer stickers: Customizable with various designs and texts
What you should print as stickers
- Sticker with phrase: “First Day of School”
- Your child’s name
- Grade level
- Date of the first day school
- Fun icons or graphics like: pencils, books, or school buses
…
These sticker designs are ideal to use on a wooden first day of school sign.
Instructions
Step 1: Remove the backing layer
The first step you need to do is peeling off the backing layer of the transfer sticker. This layer protects the adhesive side of the sticker.
Step 2: Apply the sticker to the wooden board
After that, position the sticker on the wooden board exactly where you want it. Once you’re satisfied with the placement, press the sticker firmly onto the board.
Step 3: Remove transfer tape
In this step, you need to slowly peel away the transfer tape. Do this gently to ensure the sticker adheres properly to the wood.
Once the transfer tape is removed, you’ll be left with a perfectly applied, glossy, and vibrant design on your wooden board.
Following all the steps, you can create a stunning first day of school that is both durable and attractive. The wooden board provides a solid foundation, while the transfer stickers offer a professional and beautiful finish.
For ordering custom transfer stickers, don’t hesitate to visit our website. Our website also gives you the opportunity to design your own UV DTF transfer stickers with the specific text and images you want. That will make your sign personalized and unique.
3. Cardboard First Day of School Sign
Creating a First Day of School sign from cardboard is a fantastic option for those who enjoy crafting and want a hands-on project. This method allows you to get creative and customize the sign exactly how you want it. Not only is it affordable, but it also offers a durable and charming keepsake to commemorate this special day.
What you’ll need
- Cardboard
- Paint or markers
- Scissors
- Ruler
Instructions
Cut out shape
To begin, cut a rectangle like any ordinary first day of school sign; or you can cut any fun shape out of the cardboard, such as:
- Circles
- Stars,
- Hearts
- Apples
- Or even speech bubbles.
You can use a ruler to measure and mark your desired dimensions. Once you’ve marked your shape, carefully cut it out using scissors. Also, you need to ensure the edges are smooth to avoid any uneven lines.
Decorate
Now, let’s decorate your first day of school sign with paint or markers that you had prepared. You can add:
- Your child’s name
- Grade
- The date of their first day of school (ex: first day of school 2024)
- First day of school activities
- Child’s dream career
- The teachers’ name
- School name
- …
Note
- To make the sign vibrant and eye-catching, you can get creative with fonts and colors. Here’s where you can put your own unique mark.
- If you’re using paint, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Add details
To make your sign even more special, use markers to add extra designs like:
- Borders
- Small illustrations that represent your child’s interests: books, musical notes, video game controller, animals,…
- Custom die-cut stickers or custom face photo stickers of your kid
- Glitter
These details will make the sign stand out and give it a unique, personalized feel.
4. Drawing on Blackboard with Colored Chalks
Drawing a first day of school sign on a blackboard with colored chalks is a wonderful option, isn’t it? This method allows you to express your artistic skills and customize the sign with vibrant, colorful designs.
However, it’s important to note that while this option is visually appealing, it is not as durable as other methods since chalk can easily be erased or wiped away.
What you’ll need to make this First day of school sign
- Small blackboard
- Colored chalk
- Damp cloth
Instructions
Step 1: Clean surface
Make sure the blackboard is clean and dry before you begin making your first day of school sign. It is recommended that you use a damp cloth to wipe away any previous markings or dust. Then, wait until it is completely dry to draw on it.
Step 2: Write message
The next step is to use colored chalk to write your child’s name, grade, and the date of their first day of school. You can use different colors for each element to make the sign more vibrant. Consider using different fonts and styles to give it a unique look.
Step 3: Add decorations
Now, let’s enhance your first day of school sign with fun and playful designs. You can draw:
- Balloons
- Apples
- Stars
- Any other designs that you think your child will love
These decorations can be as simple or intricate as you like. Adding them, you will definitely make your sign more vibrant and attractive.
Wrap it up
In conclusion, creating a first day of school sign is a delightful way to welcome the start of a new academic year. This captures precious memories and adds a personal touch to the celebration.
Hopefully, these DIY methods offer easy and affordable options for you to craft the perfect sign for the beginning of your school year.
