With my family, I never seem to have a perfect laundry day. That’s what my mom calls a laundry day that ends with all perfectly matched socks. My laundry day is more like laundry week, anyway! I saw this cute saying on a sign in a gift shop a while back and I thought it was funny, but the sign itself wasn’t really my style. So, I decided to make one myself! This was a scrap piece of wood I found at an estate sale. An estate sale? It’s true. The next time you happen upon one, check out the corners of the shed and the garage. You’ll probably find all kinds of leftover project goodness just waiting for someone to come give it a second chance. And, you’ll likely score it for free if you’re willing to ask about it. This started out like this (and it was free): I used one of my favorite patterns, the harlequin pattern. I used this method I shared in a previous post to get the diamonds spaced just right. After transferring my pattern, I taped it off using frog tape. Then I painted my diamonds in Annie Sloan’s Country Grey chalk paint. It’s more of a tan color… Then I gave it a quick sanding. Next I added my letters using the old school transfer method, and painted them in. Then I taped off the second line and used chalkboard paint to make it fun: I spray painted the clothes pins black and attached them with E6000 glue. To seal it, I taped over the chalkboard area and gave it a couple of coats of clear matte spray sealer. I love the touch of whimsy it adds to my laundry room. And I’ve actually been using it to keep track of stray socks! Perfect laundry days are a coming, I can feel it. 🙂 XO,
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Pam says
I have seen them on PINTEREST and loved them….you did a great job making that one.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Pam! I thought it was so funny when I first saw it that I had to ave one too! Now I’ve got one that matches me 🙂
At Rivercrest Cottage says
I laughed out loud when I saw the sign. Fantastic sign…you know it will be copied a million times tonight!
Christy K. James says
Thanks! It makes me laugh too! 🙂
Annet M says
I love it! I am going to be doing a laundry room (instead of a just a random basement space where the machines sit!) soon and will definitely keep this idea in mind!
Christy K. James says
Awesome, Annet, this will be the perfect touch of whimsy! 🙂
Cara @ Craftdictator says
This looks great! I think I”m going to have to make one of these! Come link up with us at Craft Frenzy Friday at http://www.craftdictator.com!!
Andi says
That is so cute! And I’ve forgotten what it’s like to have socks that little!!!
-andi
Christy K. James says
You can borrow mine ANY time 🙂
Luisa says
Super duper cute as always!!
Christy K. James says
Awe, thanks Luisa! 🙂
Carrie says
This sign is really funny! If I can find a spot in my crowded laundry room, I may make one myself. All my kids’ mismatched socks are currently residing on the dresser in my room and I’d love to get them out of there!
p.s. I just started following your blog and I’m finding all kinds of fun things to try. Thanks!
Christy K. James says
I’m so happy you stopped by and have found a bit of inspiration here! I end up putting single socks back in my kids’ drawers and they rarely get matched back up! As fun as this sign is, hopefully it will be helpful too! 🙂
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
Oh what a cute sign! Really like your blog!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Alicia…I’m so glad you stopped by! XO
Breighanne says
Awesome! I love this. So cute and funny. We are beginning a basement reno on Tuesday, which includes a new laundry room for me, so I will be remembering this project for my new room!
Christy K. James says
Wow, big project ahead! It will be so worth it, I’m sure. We are too close to sea level, so unfortunately we don’t have basements here! So glad you stopped by, good luck with your basement:)
JaneEllen says
Christy that is one of the cutest signs I’ve seen. I have a notebook full of sign ideas but that one is the best. Cute play on words.
Isn’t there always a lost sock? I used to get all crazy but now just wait and it usually shows up eventually. Not that important. Course it’s only hubs and me now so not so many loose ones any more. The stories I could tell about where I’d find my boys socks, giggle. The girls were more considerate.
Sure glad you share this sign idea. Love to make signs. Yours is great with the harlequin and chalk board. Hope you have a great holiday weekend.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, JaneEllen! This sign makes me smile every time I walk into the laundry room! And my boys always have single socks!! Hope you’re getting nice weather for your holiday weekend 🙂
Betty819 says
“I have a notebook of sign ideas”…is this something that you purchased or you started your own collection of ideas from blogs and pinterest? Great idea..want to share some of those sayings? I need lots of inspiration.
Leslie @ House on the Way says
Love it! So cute and clever! I’d love for you to share it at my Twirl & Take a Bow Party at http://www.houseontheway.com. Have a great weekend!
Christy K. James says
Thanks for the invite, Leslie! Just linked up 🙂
Maria says
What a CUTE sign!!! You did a great job with it, it looks absolutely beautiful!!! What a fun addition to a laundry room! Love it! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Maria! This sign makes me smile every time I walk into my laundry room! 🙂
Krista @ the happy housie says
This is so cute Christy – I have seen this idea on Pinterest but I think you topped all I have seen with your awesome design!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks! I did four loads of laundry yesterday and would you believe I didn’t have one mismatched sock?! I was looking forward to using my new laundry helper 🙂
MariaElena says
Love your sign! So pretty! I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/ Hugs, Maria
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Maria! I just linked up 🙂
antonella says
LOL! Too funny, what a great sign! I bet you chuckle every time you walk into your laundry room.
I linked over from the Inspiration Board Creative Party where I am participating too and would love it if you’d stop by.
Hugs, antonella 🙂
Christy K. James says
I really do, Antonella! Thanks 🙂
Julie Corbisiero says
Hi, this is so nice and I can’t believe that you made this! I love it! Will you make me one? LOL!
Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Julie! 🙂
Kim @ Curtain Queen says
Oh, that makes me laugh! What a great sign! I love the background – and clever to paint the chalkboard area for writing the tagline. You’ve got a winner there. 🙂
Blessings,
Kim
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Kim! It makes me smile every time I go into my laundry room! XO
Cristina@remodelandolacasa says
This is so cute and funny, I love it! I need to check how you spaced those diamonds, I always have a hard time with them.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Cristina! I struggled the first time measuring each diamond, then I discovered by folding paper, I could create a pattern…so much easier! Have a great week! 🙂
Sharon B. says
Saw this featured at Work it Wednesday – love the way you made the sign and the saying has me smiling. Cute idea! Sharon
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Sharon! I was bummed the first week I had it because all of my socks matched up on laundry day. That’s the first time I’ve ever been disappointed over that ha ha! But my boys didn’t fail me, that sign is now the temporary home to two mismatched socks 🙂
Betty819 says
Love your laundry room sign about Clean and single socks..you did a great job and Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Christy K. James says
Thanks again, Betty! I had seen this saying on a sign in a shop and made a sign with it in, but in my own own style. It’s a fun one, right? XO
Avis says
Now I am going to do my breakfast, once having my breakfast
coming over again to read other news.