Transform Scrap Wood into a Gorgeous Rustic Christmas Tree Sign

Hello, my lovely DIYers! 🎄 With Halloween behind us, it’s officially time to shift gears into Christmas mode! If you’re craving a quick and charming project that doesn’t require hours of work, this one is right up your alley. I stumbled upon this idea on Pinterest (though there was no tutorial!), so I took it as inspiration and ran with it. 

It’s not exactly the same, but that’s the fun of DIY, right? The result is absolutely stunning, with all the rustic charm we love. Grab some scrap or reclaimed wood—it’s ideal for that vintage, cozy look—and let’s dive into this simple, affordable project!

And here’s a little teaser: I’ll be sharing more Christmas and winter centerpieces in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for fresh, festive inspiration!

Note: My original plan for this project was to use a DIY wood-burning medium in a felt-tip pen for the words/phrases. It’s a super simple way to get that wood-burned look without needing an actual wood-burning tool—just a heat gun! I tested it on a raw piece of wood, and it worked beautifully, but I hit a slight hiccup. The homemade stain I used for this project doesn’t work well with that burning medium.

So, here’s a quick workaround: if you want to use this DIY wood-burning medium, do it before staining! Or try regular store-bought stain. Lesson learned, right? 😊 Always test, test, test. For this project, I went with acrylic paint markers instead, and it turned out just as fabulous.

Step-by-Step Guide to make pretty wooden christmas tree sign

Step 1: Prepare the Board

First, let’s get that wood smooth and ready! If you’re using pallet wood, thoroughly sand it. (Check out my post on sanding pallet wood for tips!) Once smooth, you’re ready to stain.

I used a homemade stain made from steel wool and vinegar—it’s easy to make and gives a gorgeous rustic hue. All you need is a glass jar, some spirit vinegar, and a few pieces of steel wool. Let it sit for 24 hours (you can use it then, but the resulting color will be grayer/silver.) or longer if you want a deeper brown/rusty shade. For an extra speed boost, add some hydrogen peroxide and leave the jar in the sun to speed up the process.

Check my post on how to age wood for more tips!

Once that’s ready, steep a strong batch of black tea and let it cool. Then, brush the stain onto the wood, followed by the tea to deepen the color. Let it dry completely, then give it a light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge to bring out the color of the stained wood. Wipe away any dust, and voilà—your board is ready for its festive makeover!

Step 2: Add Your Message

Now for the fun part—adding those heartfelt words or festive phrases! Grab your stencils and pencil, and trace the words onto the board to space them just right. Then, go over them with your black acrylic paint marker for a bold, defined look.

Step 3: Arrange the Snowflakes

Lay out the wooden snowflakes in a design you love. Here’s a tip: take a quick photo of your arrangement! This way, if anything gets bumped, you have a reference to put them back in place. Once you’re happy with the layout, use glue dots to secure each snowflake to the board. I opted for glue dots over hot glue because they’re a bit cleaner and quicker to work with, but feel free to use hot glue if you prefer.

Step 4: Create the Tree Trunk with Twigs

For a natural touch, let’s make a tree trunk from twigs! Cut them to size, secure them together with a dab of hot glue at the top, then glue them onto the board. This rustic detail gives the piece a lovely outdoorsy feel, perfect for the season.

Step 5: Add a Burlap Bow

Last but not least, add a simple burlap bow to tie the whole look together. Just make a small bow with your burlap ribbon and hot glue it in place. It adds a cozy, handmade touch that perfectly complements the wood and snowflakes.

And there you have it! A beautiful, rustic Christmas decor piece that’s perfect for your mantel, shelf, or any little nook that needs some festive flair. This project is easy, budget-friendly, and packed with wintery charm. Happy crafting, and may your holidays be merry and bright! 🎅✨