#BuildThanks: DIY a Thank-You at Home for Front-Line Heroes

Credit: Fresh Mommy Blog

Tools & Materials:

• Large Sheet of Plywood (Cut About 6 ft in Length)
• Sandpaper
• Clean Cloth or Tack Cloth
• Chalkboard Spray Paint
• Chalk Sticks
• Outdoor String Lights

Instructions

Step 1

Begin by sanding down the surface of what will be the writing side of your plywood board.

Step 2

Once complete, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the surface to remove all traces of sawdust.

Step 3

After sanding, begin to apply your first coat of chalkboard paint onto the board. Once you’ve covered the board in a first light coat, let it dry for one hour before applying the next coat. Apply a minimum of two coats to your board.

Step 4

After all layers of the chalkboard paint have dried for at least 24 hours, you will need to condition the surface before use. Using the edge of a chalk stick, rub the entire surface lightly.

Step 5

Finish by rubbing the chalk into the surface with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 6

Decorate your board by hanging outdoor string lights around it once you're finished.

Credit: DIY Playbook

Tools & Materials:

• Construction Paper (Multiple Colors)
• Styrofoam
• String Lights
• Tape
• Utility Knife
• Marker
• Clear String
• Extension Cord

Instructions

Step 1

To begin your paper chain, use a pair of scissors to cut out 2-inch strips. Each strip of paper makes one link in the chain.

Step 2

To make your first link, take the ends of one strip of construction paper and staple them together to create a loop. Repeat with remaining strips of construction paper until you’ve reached your desired length.

Step 3

Tape the paper chains to the top of your windowsill so that they hang down like curtains, leaving space for your message in the center.

Step 4

On a large block of foam, use a marker to write out your letters. Then cut out the letters using a utility knife.

Step 5

Wrap the letters in string lights.

Step 6

Attach a piece of clear string to the top of the letters, and tape the clear string to the top of your windowsill to allow the letters to hang.

Step 7

If needed, use an extension cord to plug in your string lights.

Credit: Grit + Polish

Tools & Materials:

• Acrylic or Craft Paint 
• Banner Material (Roll Paper, Printer Paper, Cotton Fabric, etc., Whatever Size You Want Your Banner to Be)
• Pencil 
• Paint Brushes
• Yarn or Strong Tape for Hanging

Instructions

Step 1

Lay down a drop cloth or old sheet to protect any underlying surfaces from being painted on. Determine where you want to hang your banner and the overall size to ensure it fits your desired location.

Step 2

Measure the banner material and cut as needed.

Step 3

Place the banner on a hard surface covered with a drop cloth or sheet.

Step 4

Using a pencil, create a stripe template by drawing parallel lines, spaced about 2 inches apart, down the material.

Step 5

Using brushes, paint each stripe an individual color. The example shown is a rainbow, but you can be creative and express yourself however you want.

Step 6

Once you’ve finished painting, allow the paint to dry until it is no longer sticky or tacky. Drying times vary depending on the material used.

Step 7

When the banner is completely dry, hang it using tape or by threading a string through the top of the banner with a needle. You’re now ready to showcase your banner of appreciation to passersby.

Credit: Beneath My Heart

Tools & Materials:

• Large Board
• White Paint
• Paint Brush or Paint Roller
• Utility Knife
• Shingle Underlayment (for Lettering)
• Outdoor String Lights
• Spotlight
• Small Nails
• Hammer
• Red Yarn
• Markers

Instructions

Step 1

Paint large wooden boards with white paint.

Step 2

Draw and cut out lettering and then place on the boards. Use small nails if needed to attach the letters.

Step 3

Trace a heart shape on a board with a pencil and hammer in small nails every 2 inches on the pencil line.

Step 4

Attach yarn to one nail on the heart shape and begin crisscrossing the yarn from nail to nail in random directions until the heart shape is filled in. Tie a knot on the last nail to secure the yarn.

Step 5

Use markers to write a message.

Step 6

Hammer a few small nails along the perimeter of the boards and attach outdoor string lights.

Step 7

Place the signs in your yard by propping them on trees, ladders or other heavy objects.

Step 8

Run outdoor extension cords to the signs to power the lights. If you have spotlights, place and point them at the front of the signs so they can be seen at night.

Alternatives

• If your sign will be on your porch and away from the elements, use a poster board or cardboard box for the sign.
• If you have an outdoor table, turn it on its side and use it as a board to decorate.
• For lettering, consider black or other colors of duct tape, electrical tape, paint or markers.
• If you don’t have white paint, consider using a white bed sheet or tablecloth.

Credit: Jenna Sue Design

Tools & Materials:

• Exterior Paint (2 Contrasting Colors)
• Plywood
• Trim Wood (Optional)
• Printer
• Outdoor String Lights
• Drill
• Circular Saw
• Painters Tape
• Wood Landscape Stakes (Optional)
• Outdoor Extension Cord
• Drop Cloth

Instructions

Step 1

Lay down a drop cloth or old sheet to protect any underlying surfaces from being painted on. If your piece of plywood is uneven, use a circular saw to create a square or rectangular shape.

Step 2

Paint the plywood using your base color and let dry.

Step 3

If using trim wood, cut it down to match the dimensions of your plywood. Using wood glue, attach trim pieces around the edges of the plywood to frame it out.

Step 4

If desired, attach wooden stakes to the bottom of your sign using nails or wood glue. This will allow you to secure the sign in the ground.

Step 5

Print out individual letters of the message you want to go on your sign as large as you can (roughly one to two letters per page of printer paper). Tape the letters to your dry piece of plywood with painters tape and spell out your full message. Trace through the paper with a pencil, ensuring that your marks are showing up on the plywood.

Step 6

Using your lighter paint color, fill in the letters that you outlined. Let the paint dry.

Step 7

Drill consecutive holes through the centers of each letter.

Step 8

From the back side of the plywood, poke individual string lights through the holes in your letters. Using an extension cord, plug your lights in and let your message shine.

Credit: Room for Tuesday

Tools & Materials:

• A Backer for the Sign (Such as Plywood or Scrap Wood)
• Handheld Saw
• 2 x 3 Scrap Lumber (for the Frame)
• Black Furniture Paint or Wood Paint
• Black and White Penny Tile
• Strong Adhesive (Like Super Glue to Adhere the Tile to the Backer)
• Hammer or Nail Gun (Optional)
• Nails

Instructions

Step 1

Cut 2-inch-by-3-inch scrap lumber (or whatever size you have) to desired dimensions to create a frame.

Step 2

Paint the scrap lumber black. Leave to dry completely for several hours until it is no longer sticky to the touch.

Step 3

Measure the desired dimensions on your wood backer and cut to size.

Step 4

Lay out the penny tile in the desired pattern on a flat surface before application.

Step 5

Use a strong adhesive to glue the tile to the backer material in the pattern you designed.

Step 6

Nail the dry 2-inch-by-3-inch black frame pieces to the sign.

Step 7

Let the adhesive dry overnight.