Hi Yard mom,
How about " tresspassers will be composted" I have that sign in my garden :-)
I think its rather apt and nearly everything goes in the compost in this house LOL

Gill

What a great garden sign, Gill! Sure got a hearty laugh from my husband.

Sandy

Cute idea. But what paint will hold up in the weather? Will I need to use a clear finish on top? Am I asking this 1question in the wrong forum? If so, what do you suggest?

no- though Garden Junk is a bit more active.

you can 'scratch' into slate, some of it can actually be carved with the small 'beginners' carving set that's pretty much useless for wood, anyway...

you can paint it, as well- I'd go for the interior/exterior craft paint, though i've also used ragular old house paint because it's what I had on hand, and seem to remember it going 8 or 10 years without a touchup.. and a clear coat's never a bad idea- though go for a matte finish, even if you've painted over the whole surface. it looks more 'natural' to my eyes.

i have a slate welcome sign that a friend gave me. It is painted with outdoor latex type paint and then coated with a matte sealer. has lasted for years with no flaking. Be sure the sealer is compatiable with whatever paint you use.

Patio paint in the craft section at Wal-Mart.