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✨ DIY Vintage Soul Chalkboard Sign πŸ–€ | Easy Farmhouse Decor with Stencils & Transfers

✨ DIY Vintage Soul Chalkboard Sign πŸ–€ | Easy Farmhouse Decor with Stencils & Transfers

Create a Vintage Soul Chalkboard Sign with Stencils & Transfers

There’s something so charming about vintage-inspired decor, especially when you can create it with a few simple supplies and a little creativity. In this live tutorial, Sharon Hankins from I Restore Stuff shared how to turn an old chalkboard into a beautiful β€œI’m Just a Vintage Soul” decor piece using stencils and rub-on transfers.

This project is perfect for farmhouse, cottage, or vintage-style spaces and is an easy way to combine stenciling with layered transfer elements for extra character.


Jump to Project


Materials Needed


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chalkboard

Start with a chalkboard that has the back side already painted white. Make sure the surface is fully dry before beginning your design.

Prepared chalkboard painted white

Step 2: Create a Soft Stain-Wash Frame

Paint the frame using Wood Wick paint mixed with a little water. This creates a soft stain-wash effect that gives the frame a naturally aged vintage look.

Allow the frame to dry completely before moving on to the stencil design.

Applying stain wash to chalkboard frame

Step 3: Stencil the Vintage Soul Design

Position the β€œI’m Just a Vintage Soul” phrase near the top portion of the board using the Country Roads & Vintage Soul Mini Stencil Set.

Using a mini stencil brush, lightly apply the same Wood Wick color over the stencil design.

Light layers work best when stenciling to prevent paint bleed and keep lettering crisp.

Stenciling vintage soul phrase onto chalkboard

Step 4: Add Vintage Transfers

Cut out the vintage sewing machine and dress form designs from the Vintage Heirloom Treasures transfer set.

Arrange them underneath the phrase until you find a layout you love. Once positioned, use the Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool to burnish the transfers onto the surface.

The layered vintage imagery adds so much character and perfectly complements the farmhouse-inspired stencil design.

Applying vintage sewing machine and dress form transfers

Helpful Tips

  • Mix paint with water for a softer stained wood appearance.
  • Use minimal paint on your stencil brush to avoid bleeding under the stencil.
  • Test transfer placement before burnishing for the best composition.
  • Combining stencils and transfers creates layered, professional-looking decor with very little effort.
  • This design works beautifully on thrifted frames, cabinet doors, trays, and signs.

Final Reveal

The finished sign has the perfect blend of rustic charm and vintage style. The soft stained frame, classic typography, and antique-inspired transfers all come together for a timeless handmade piece.

Finished vintage soul chalkboard sign

A big thank you to Sharon Hankins from I Restore Stuff for sharing this beautiful vintage-inspired project live with Essential Stencil.

Ready to create your own vintage-style decor? Browse the full collection of rub-on transfers and stencil designs here .


Watch the Full Video Tutorial

Want to see this tropical coastal sign come together step-by-step? Watch Amanda’s full tutorial below:

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