I always have to check out the selection of cabinet doors whenever I’m in a Habitat ReStore. I can typically resist grabbing anything from the pile of usually-plain doors. But on this particular day, there was a bevy of intriguing blue and white doors for the taking. They had a very nautical look and I decided to transform one into a pirate sign to use as nautical wall decor.
In the end, I selected two of the cabinet doors for future projects.
For now, though, I’m focusing on the wider/larger door for the pirate sign that I had in my mind.
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Making a Pirate Sign with a Cabinet Door
To transform the cabinet door into a pub sign, I just needed the right stencil. I found a pirate stencil that I really liked but the size wasn’t exactly right.
This was my fault, though – when I measured the cabinet door, I measured the ENTIRE door and not the interior white surface. Oh, well…
So, that just meant I had to be a little creative with my stencil placement.
Thankfully, the “pub name” fit (just barely) along one of the slats. So, I taped down the pirate stencil and gathered some paint and my stencil brushes.
I *did* have to trim some of the pirate stencil to make it fit flat against the cabinet door.
Next, I shifted the stencil over to use a portion of the remaining words/images.
I wasn’t going to be able to include the entire stencil for the pirate decor. Clearly I didn’t “measure twice”…
Finally, I was done with the stenciling portion of my pirate decor!
Finishing the Tavern Sign with Nautical Rope
When the paint dried and I put the pirate stencil away, this is how the pirate sign looked.
I really liked it, but I felt compelled to fill in the gaping white spot over the name.
I debated numerous options to fill in that last spot on the cabinet door. Ultimately, I decided that a touch of craft rope that looked like sailing rope would have the right nautical feel.
Plus, I thought it would add some nice texture to the pirate sign, as well.
First, I cut off a length of the sailing rope, tied a simple knot in the middle, and used a whip knot on the ends to keep them from unraveling.
I used jute twine for the whip knots, so that it matched the craft rope.
Next, I glued the rope and knot to the pirate sign with my hot glue gun. And that was it!
Pirate Sign as Nautical Wall Decor
It’s funny; the pirate sign didn’t turn out QUITE as I had imagined. But I absolutely love it, so maybe I can say it turned out even BETTER than I had imagined, right?
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And guess what? It’s Thrift Store Decor Team day, so make sure you check out what my blogging pals have been up to.
1. Cabinet Door Chalkboard Project – My Repurposed Life
2. Fabric Art Makeover – Our Southern Home
3. Adirondack Chair Makeover Tutorial – My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
4. Trophy Makeover– Refresh Restyle
5. Nautical Pub Sign on a Cabinet Door – Sadie Seasongoods
6. Thrift Store Basket Makeover – House of Hawthornes
7. Bathroom Counter Organizer – Petticoat Junktion
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Maybe I’ll add some bits of chain to the hinges that I left on the cabinet door – what do you think? If you listen closely, you can almost hear my pirate decor creaking on chains from the sea breeze, can’t you?
And if you enjoyed my upcycling idea for nautical wall decor, then you’ll love how I made these nautical bottles for some beach cottage decor, too!
And for even more ideas for upcycling cabinet doors, check out this collection which is FULL of inspiration!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
While I can’t quite imagine those cupboard doors in a kitchen, they sure do make a charming sign.
It blows my mind that there was once a kitchen with these cabinets – they’re SO MUCH BETTER suited for projects, LOL.
This turned out so great, Sarah! Fun project!
Thanks, Linda!!
Sarah,
I love this! It reminds me of something I would see in one of the St. Augustine, Florida pubs!
TOTALLY, 100% perfect for St. Augustine – I agree!!
Sadie, the sign is really cute and it was good to see how to deal with a stencil that isn’t a perfect fit. I really like watching the video for the whip knot, it’s a really good thing to know if you use/like working with sisal!
Did have an issue with some of the other projects though….that first plain cabinet project I couldn’t get to it because the “talz” commercial kept looping and I could not get out of it!. Also, I have NEVER had so many ads pop up in most all the other projects. I know they are good for you guys but never forget they can be really really super annoying.
I’m sorry that happened to you, Mary, it was fine on my end. I know they are annoying sometimes, but it’s the only way I’m able to keep a roof over our head. Unless, of course, I quit the blog and delete everything!
FUN! You do come up with the best ideas, and yes, cabinet doors are amazing. I have 4-5 beckoning me, I don’t sell anymore and shipping on those would be nasty.
Oh yeah, shipping would be a NIGHTMARE for these!! Thanks, Sandi!
adding the rope knot made it! great inspiration piece.
Thank you so much, Sharon!
Sarah,
Adding the rope really stepped this project up to a new level! I wouldn’t have thought of that. You’re so smart!
I haven’t been to the restore in soooo long!
pinned!
gail
Thanks, Gail!
This turned out so cute, love it!
Thanks!
What a super cute project! I really like the pirate stencil quote.
Thanks, Wendy!
What a great sign, I love the stencil and that knotted rope is the perfect embellishment for this sign!!!
Thanks, Kaycee!
What a fabulous sign! You really lucked up on the fabulous colors already on the cabinet doors!
They’re so much better for projects than an actual kitchen, right?? I mean, can you imagine??
arr matey, cute sign
LOL, thank you!!
That is super cute! I think the rope really make it!
The silver lining of not measuring my cabinet door correctly! Making lemonade from lemons, right??
I love this!! You’re so creative!!
Thanks, Debbie!
OMG!!! These are so stinkin” cute!!! You’re creative process never ceases to amaze me.
Thanks, Jenni!!