Some of the links shared in this blog post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission when you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. All opinions and reviews shown are honest and my own. Thank you for supporting my small business!

The number one objection I hear as someone who teaches others how to craft and make door hangers?  

“I can’t even draw a stick figure! How could I possibly paint a door hanger?”  

I think many people feel intimidated by painting door hangers, especially if they’ve never pursued a creative hobby in their life. It’s understandable! But if you feel the same way, I have good news.  

There’s a tool that can help: door hanger templates!  

Using door hanger templates is the best way to get started with your door hanger projects. In fact, I’d say it’s the most important tool you can have on hand!

Curious to see what all the fuss is about? In this post, I’ll show you how to choose the right door hanger templates, how to use them, and some creative ways to craft with them!

How Do I Use a Door Hanger Template?

A door hanger template is a pre-designed pattern or outline, printed out on paper, that acts as a guide for your door hanger design.  

With these templates, you don’t need to freehand your designs or worry about perfectly replicating a pattern as you trace it onto wood.  

Door hanger templates are perfect for painters of all levels:  

• For beginners: Templates eliminate the need for drawing skills. Just trace the design onto your surface and start painting!  
• For paint party hosts: Templates keep everyone on the same page with a consistent design to follow, especially for tricky lettering or intricate details.  
• For experienced painters: If you have a laser-cutting machine, our templates include not only printable PDFs but also SVG and laser-cutting files compatible with machines like Glowforge, Thunder Laser, and more!  

How Do I Choose the Right Door Hanger Template?

Now that you know why door hanger templates are so helpful, how do you pick the right one for your next project?  

Here are a few things to consider:  

• File types: Does the template come with multiple file types? You’ll need a PDF to print and trace, but laser-cutting requires SVG, DXF, or EPS files. (Pssst…all of our door hanger templates come with these files AND MORE!).  
• Skill level: Are you ready to tackle intricate designs, or do you want to start simple? Beginners should opt for templates with fewer lines and details, while experienced painters might prefer designs with hand lettering or accents.  
• Style: Match the template to your personal taste or home decor. Whether whimsical, traditional, or modern, there’s a design out there for you!  

How Do I Customize My Door Hanger Template? 

Now comes the fun part! Did you know you can customize your door hanger templates? They’re not just guidelines for painting — they’re also great tools for sparking creativity.  

Here’s how to make your designs uniquely yours:  

• Skip details you don’t love: Adjust phrases, skip lettering, or change up the color palette to suit your style.  
• Add personal touches: Use tools like Canva to print custom lettering, trace it onto your template, and paint it in.  
• Use Procreate: Import templates into the Procreate app to tweak designs, then export your customized version as a new template.  

What Materials Do I Need to Use a Door Hanger Template?  

Ready to use your door hanger template? Here’s what you need:  

• A printer  
• 8.5″ x 11″ paper 
• Graphite paper
• A ball point pen or pencil 

That’s it! Templates can be printed on standard paper and pieced together for larger designs. Tape the pieces together to hold them in place while you work.  

To transfer the design onto wood, use graphite paper. Simply trace the design, and the graphite will leave an outline on your wood surface, giving you the perfect base for painting!  

BONUS: Creative Ways to Use Door Hanger Templates  

Door hanger templates aren’t just for porch decor! Get extra creative with these ideas: 

• Murals and banners: Use a projector to enlarge templates for bigger projects.  
• Window art: Trace onto glass for seasonal displays or decorative windows.  
• Fabric projects: Paint tote bags, t-shirts, or pillow covers.  
• Upcycled items: Transform thrifted finds like cutting boards, trays, or buckets into one-of-a-kind designs. 

Before You Go…  

We’re right in the middle of our 12 Days of Door Hanger Deals! Since December 6th, we’ve been dropping a new surprise each day — and the fun continues until December 17th!  

Here are a few things on sale:

• Ornament kits  
• Mystery door hanger boxes  
• T-shirts  
• Paint supplies  
• And more!  

Each daily deal is available from the day it’s launched until December 17th, so take your time planning all the goodies you want to grab.  

Shop the 12 Days of Door Hanger Deals here!