A rustic wooden tray is a great way to add a folksy touch to your home using a functional piece of decor. This article guides you through the simple process of decorating a rustic wooden tray using a stencil and twine.
1. Gather your supplies
- Rustic wood pallet sign
- Twine (heavier jute)
- Staple gun
- Stencil
- Scissors
- Painter’s tape
- Stencil sponge
- Acrylic craft paint
2. Set up your workspace
Prepare your working area to ensure it’s clean and free of obstacles. Your supplies should be within easy reach. Safety is paramount when using a staple gun, so always handle it with care and keep it out of reach of children.
3. Cut the twine
Measure and cut two pieces of twine, each approximately 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) in size. These pieces will serve as the handles for your tray. If you’re having trouble cutting the twine, sharpen your scissors to avoid fraying the ends.
4. Staple the handles
Flip the wooden pallet sign to the back. Staple one end of each twine piece to the tray, then staple the other ends, ensuring the handles are firm and sturdy.
5. Apply the stencil
Place your stencil on the front of the tray and use painter’s tape to secure its position. Dip the stencil sponge into paint and dab it over the design to apply the stencil design. Don’t overdo it, or you risk paint bleed-through. Once you’re done, remove the stencil and painter’s tape, and allow the paint to dry completely before moving on.
Your new rustic wooden tray is ready! To maintain its folksy charm, clean it gently with a damp cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. You can even apply a wood preservative once in a while to prolong its life.
If you loved this project, find out how to make a bathroom vanity tray.
Oooh I love it Debbie! So cute!
Looks great Debbie! laura
HI. GREAT idea !! Happy Spring !! –Linda of No.Cal.
Looks great. Fun idea.
Cool tray; good idea Debbie. Quick, easy, and something you will use over & over.
This is adorable Debbie!!
You could hang it from a cute hook when not in use as decoration. It wold be pretty with a large flower stencil or fruit.
Cute idea! And I love the stencil on it.
Easy & clever! Love it and plan to make one with horseshoe designs….perfect for my western theme patio area. The gather here is definitely keeper. Thanks for sharing!
That is so cute, Debbie! You just never know what you might find in Walmart!
Hugs, Carol
Really cute, Debbie! Great gift idea!
Hello ? Somehow I stumbled onto your site and watched your video on stenciling a small rug. I’ve been wanting to do that for some time now. Yayy! Now I know how! I think I’ll stick around and see what else I can learn! I like your site..thank you!