How To:

How I was able to #BuildThanks.
Lowe's Home Improvement put out a call for all DIYer's, crafters and makers to display a Thank You sign in front of your home starting on April 6, 2020. The hope is that neighborhoods all around the country will show the medical personnel, delivery drivers, grocery store workers, and all of the other essential workers their appreciation and gratitude for helping to keep people safe and the world turning.
I made my version out of some leftover 1/2" plywood cut down to 20"x30". I sanded and painted the plywood with paint from Lowe's "oops" section (every time I'm in the store I check out that area and pick up inexpensive paint to use later). The frame is made out of pre-primed 1x3 pine with a dado cut down the center then attached to the plywood with brad nails and glue.
Originally I tried to print out letters and trace them onto the board with a sharpie- which didn't work in my case, then I tried to trace the letters with a razor blade, but I don't have a very steady hand, so I resorted to using my X-Carve from Inventables to cut out some letters, painted them white, then attached them to the board with both wood and hot glue. If you don't have a CNC machine, there are a ton of ways to get the letters: printing them out and using mod podge or you can simply paint them on!
I had stocked up on lights after Christmas this past year so I just glued them into the pre-drilled holes around the border and attached the whole thing to a pair of stakes. Stick it in the ground and this project is wrapped up!
I can't speak for everyone, but this whole situation has been weird, but I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for everyone who has been working around the clock to make sure that stores have products on the shelves, that deliveries are being made, and that the people who need help the most, are getting it. I love that this project is a small way of showing how much we appreciate all of that essential, vital work.
If you want to join me in saying Thank You, snap a picture or video of your sign and use #BuildThanks in your post!