DIY Farmhouse Gather Sign with Miniature House

My friend just bought one of those expensive farmhouse signs from a boutique, and honestly, I knew I could make something just as cute for way less. So I grabbed some supplies and whipped up this adorable Rustic Charm: Buffalo Check Gather Sign with Miniature House! It’s perfect Home Decor for a cozy Farmhouse / Rustic vibe.

See also: Farmhouse Mirror Wall Decor Diy 7 Simple Steps

Theme: Farmhouse / Rustic

Materials Needed

• Rectangular Wooden Sign Frame (approx. 16×8 inches)
• Wooden ‘Gather’ Script Word
• Ornate Round Wooden Frame (approx. 12-14 inch diameter)
• Miniature Wooden Dollhouse Facade
• Buffalo Check Adhesive Vinyl or Fabric
• Assorted Acrylic Paints (e.g., mint green, white, brown, black)
• Jute Twine
• Strong Craft Adhesive (e.g., E6000 or hot glue)
• Basic Craft Tools (e.g., paintbrushes, craft knife, cutting mat, ruler)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Rustic Charm: Buffalo Check Gather Sign with Miniature House

Okay crafters, get ready to have some fun because this project is seriously easy and so rewarding! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, probably in under an hour once you have everything ready. It’s a fantastic project for beginners, and even older kids can help out with some parts. You’ll have a charming new piece of Farmhouse / Rustic Home Decor ready to show off in no time!

Step 1: Paint the Dollhouse Facade

Begin by cleaning your miniature wooden dollhouse facade to remove any dust or debris. Using small paintbrushes, carefully apply your chosen acrylic colors. Start with the main house color (like mint green), applying thin, even coats. Once dry, paint the trim, windows, and door in white, and detail the roof in brown. Allow each color to dry completely before applying the next to prevent smudging.

💡 Pro Tip: For crisp lines on windows and trim, use artist’s tape or a very fine-tipped brush. If your wood is porous, a thin coat of white gesso primer before painting can help your colors appear more vibrant and adhere better.

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Step 2: Prepare Frames and Backing

Clean both the rectangular ‘gather’ sign frame and the ornate round frame. If your frames have existing backings that don’t suit the buffalo check, carefully remove them. Measure the inner dimensions of both frames precisely. Cut your buffalo check adhesive vinyl (or fabric) to fit these dimensions, ensuring straight edges for a seamless look.

💡 Pro Tip: Measure twice, cut once! For adhesive vinyl, use a craft knife on a self-healing mat for clean, accurate cuts. If using fabric, consider using spray adhesive for application, but vinyl is generally easier for a smooth finish.

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Step 3: Apply Buffalo Check Backings

Carefully peel the backing from your buffalo check adhesive vinyl. Align one edge of the vinyl with the inside edge of the frame (start with the ‘gather’ sign). Slowly lay the vinyl down, smoothing it out with a squeegee, credit card, or your hand as you go to prevent air bubbles. Repeat this process for the ornate round frame.

💡 Pro Tip: If using adhesive vinyl, apply slowly and methodically. Should you get a stubborn bubble, you can gently lift a section and reapply, or use a tiny pin to poke a hole in the bubble and smooth it out.

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Step 4: Assemble the ‘Gather’ Sign

Once the buffalo check backing is securely in place on the rectangular frame, prepare to attach the wooden ‘gather’ script word. Apply a thin, even layer of strong craft adhesive to the back of the ‘gather’ word. Carefully center the word on the buffalo check background and press firmly. Hold in place until the adhesive begins to set.

💡 Pro Tip: Before applying glue, dry-fit the ‘gather’ word to find its perfect centered position. Use painter’s tape to mark the desired spot if needed. E6000 glue offers a strong bond, but hot glue provides an instant hold, though it can be bulkier.

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Step 5: Assemble the Dollhouse Sign

Now, take your beautifully painted miniature dollhouse facade. Apply a generous amount of strong craft adhesive to the back of the dollhouse. Carefully position it onto the center of the buffalo check backing within the ornate round frame. Press down firmly for several minutes to ensure a secure bond, allowing the glue to cure completely according to its instructions.

💡 Pro Tip: Ensure the dollhouse is perfectly level and centered before the glue sets. For extra security, you can use a few dabs of hot glue to instantly hold it in place while a slower-curing adhesive, like E6000, dries for a permanent bond.

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Step 6: Braid and Connect Frames

Cut three equal lengths of jute twine, each about 18-24 inches long (adjust based on desired hanging length between signs). Secure one end together with a knot and begin braiding the twine tightly and evenly. Once braided to your desired length, knot the other end. Create loops on each end of the braided twine. Attach one loop to the bottom of the ‘gather’ sign frame and the other loop to the top of the ornate round frame, ensuring they are securely fastened and balanced.

💡 Pro Tip: To make braiding easier, secure one end of the twine to a hook or tape it to a surface. You can reinforce the knots with a small dab of clear-drying craft glue for extra durability, preventing them from unraveling over time.

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Admire Your Rustic Charm Creation!

Isn’t your new Rustic Charm: Buffalo Check Gather Sign with Miniature House just the cutest thing? It looks absolutely perfect on a tiered tray, a mantel, or an entry table. Don’t forget to snap a picture and show me your version, or maybe try a different color house for a fresh look next time!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make this Rustic Charm: Buffalo Check Gather Sign?

This Farmhouse / Rustic craft is super quick, usually under an hour, especially once you have all your supplies ready to go.

Is this Rustic Charm craft difficult for beginners?

Not at all! This project is designed to be super easy and fun, even if you’re just starting out with DIY Home Decor.

What kind of glue should I use for my Buffalo Check Gather Sign?

I recommend using a good quality hot glue gun for quick drying, or E6000 for a super strong hold on your miniature house.

Can I change up the look of my Farmhouse / Rustic sign?

Definitely! Try different paint colors for the house, or swap out the buffalo check ribbon for a different pattern that fits your Home Decor style.

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Inspiration / Credit: Britany Mark Haueter