DIY Cutting Board to Vintage-Inspired Sign
Hi there! I hope wherever you are today that you are snug and warm. As I write this post, it is 15° F outside; I just raised the heat and pulled up the hood on my sweatshirt. Brrr.
It’s a good day to stay inside and work on a project or two, like this vintage-inspired sign that I made out of an old cutting board recently. I picked up the board at a thrift store for a dollar and imagined turning it into a sign because of its perfect size and the presence of a “juice groove.” That groove provided the perfect outline for the message of the sign.
Of course, I could continue to use the board for its intended purpose, but it was not in the greatest shape, so I knew upcycling it into something brand new was the answer.
I gave it one coat of my favorite oops paint, filled in the juice groove with black paint, and applied a vintage-y stencil with that same black paint.
I purchased the stencil recently from Scrappin’ Along and found it great to work with. [I’m not an affiliate, just like the product.]
I made my own dark wax by mixing some dark stain in with a little clear wax. Using a wooden kraft stick, I sprinkled some stain over the wax, mixed well, and then added more stain until I achieved a good, dark color.
I then applied it evenly over the entire surface with a piece of cheese cloth.
This shows you a nice even layer of dark wax starting to dry and adhere to the paint. Wait about ten minutes or so and then wipe off any excess wax. I usually let it sit for a few minutes after that and then rub it with clean cheese cloth to bring out a hard, satin finish.
Here’s a look at the sign before I applied the dark wax.
And here it is after. It’s a subtle but noticeable difference that adds some age to the project.
It has strong vintage appeal that I hope buyers at my booth will respond to.
In keeping with the grocery store theme, I staged it with an antique malted milk jar and one of my favorites, an old postal scale. The jar is headed to the booth, much as I love it, but I’ll hang onto the scale for a while longer.
Both have that worn but still beautiful look about them that I just love. I know you do as well–that’s why you keep coming back, right?
I hope your weekend has some junkin’ or maybe DIY-ing in store, and that it’s filled with lots of love and blessings.
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I love this!!! I have been collecting cutting/bread boards for some time now…Hands down, the best use for one. Thanks for the inspiration. Still praying for you and your family. Love to you and yours
Great sign, Diana! The cutting board was perfect for it…nice size, too!
Great sign and now I know how to approach cutting boards with the groove in it! And I am having serious jar envy with that large square glass jar with the red lid. Your display is great!
Why didn’t I think of this!! What a great idea!
Diana, you are a true inspiration. Just when I think it’s all been done before, you create something new!! Thanks.
Great job on the sign. I’m loving the country kitchen look.
I love it! Your blog is my very favorite out of all that I subscribe to and read! I love when I open my email and there you are! Thank you for many hours of joy. Praying for your family.
Love the sign. I recently got a new, thrifted similar, smaller board.Put a Dollar Tree decal on it but don’t like the silver in with the black. I was considering putting on a hanging hook at the top so I could also do something on the other side….not a decision I need to make today. I have not had any luck with stenciling so far. I’ve decided that although I like a lot of farmhouse components, the lack of color is not me! Met a dealer yesterday while refreshing my booth who showed me pictures of his kitchen. Barn/ cranberry red cupboards with a military blue distressed island. With lots of roosters! Lovely!
Your note about adding stain to clear wax was welcomed – I thought I was the only one who ‘pinched pennies’ that way – you can vary the color so easily, don’t need much for one project and don’t have to buy dark wax separately! I’ve also added a bit of waterbased paint to wax for color and it turned out fine… even metallic paint to wax works for a subtle touch. Options are endless! Always test on a scrap first though to avoid ruining an otherwise great project!
Nice, nostalgic piece, Diana!
No thrifting for me this weekend. We just got about four inches of snow today! School was cancelled and the plows were busy. Still, I don’t want to brave the cold! SO tired of Winter!
Hope all is better and better.
I hear about the winter weather. We just got over a foot of snow and they’re calling for more tonight! Yikes. It was a nice day to stay home, though. This cutting board sign is fabulous! I have so many thrifted boards, but never thought of using that outer groove as a “frame” of sorts! looks great. Stay warm. xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Perfect reuse for this cutting board-love it!
I’ve made a lot of signs out of cupboard doors, but I never thought of using a cutting board. I guess I’ll be looking for them now when I’m out thrifting!
Love what you did to the cutting board Diana, it looks so authentic. All those cuts and grooves in the board make for the perfect canvas for the vintage sign, especially after you added the dark wax to accentuate the “imperfections”. It’s lovely
My last stenciling project was a failure; put the paint on too heavily. Will have to try your pouncing method. Great project!