How to Create a Light Up Christmas Sign
Christmas lights aren’t just for the yard or tree anymore. Think the mantle, think a centerpiece on your table, or think anywhere you want to add a little holiday spirit. Learn how to create a light up Christmas sign in this video by The Home Depot:
You will need the following tools and materials:
- One 1/2-inch 2′ x 2′ piece of plywood
- One 8-foot 1″ x 3″
- One pack of #18-gauge 2″ brad nails
- One 22′ holiday light string set
- Circular saw
- Drill and 7/16-inch drill bit
- Brad nailer
- Heavy duty stapler
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter’s Square
- Clamps
- Pencil
- Sanding block
- Safety goggles
- Paint or stain (optional)
- Paintbrush (optional)
- Safety gloves (optional)
1. Measure and mark the pieces you will need using the 1/2-inch plywood. Measure out a 24-inch by 18-inch piece. Using the 8-foot common board, make marks at 24, 48, 64-1/2 and 81 inches. This will create two pieces that are 24 inches long and two pieces that are 16-1/2 inches long.
2. Use a circular saw to make the cuts on the plywood and common board. Make sure to line the blade up to the right of your measurement to keep the length accurate.
3. Create the design of the tree on the plywood. Using a pencil, make 15 marks at each of the points using the diagram shown in the video. Draw straight lines to connect them all Make more marks every inch along the lines.
4. Drill holes through each of the marks you made. To help keep the back of the board from splintering, put some scrap wood underneath your plywood as you’re drilling the holes.
5. Give all of the pieces a good sanding, then paint or stain.
6. Take your two 16-1/2 inch pieces and stand them on their end. Take one of the 24-inch pieces and place it on top, then attach with brad nails. Flip the assembled piece over and attach the remaining 24-inch piece to the other end, creating a rectangle. Place the plywood with the stain side facing down on top of the frame and attach with brad nails. If you painted or stained your project, you may need to touch up the sides of the plywood to match the color of the walls. Take your light string and push each of the bulbs through the holes, and using your staple gun, staple the wire to the back of the plywood to keep it in place.
