Thereβs something so special about spring projectsβsoft colors, florals, and that perfect mix of fresh and rustic charm. In this tutorial, weβre featuring a beautiful round board design inspired by Melissa Miller of Millers Rustic Sawmill, one of our longtime Essential Stencil ambassadors known for her warm, creative style.
This project layers texture, color, and stencil techniques to create a vintage-style spring sign thatβs perfect for your home or to sell at markets.

Start by painting your round board with white paint, making sure to fully cover the surface. Apply a second coat if needed to hide the wood grain completely. Let it dry thoroughly before moving on.

Once dry, position your Chicken and Floral Pattern stencil onto the board. Using a stencil brush, carefully apply blue paint to fill in the design.
Tip: Use a light amount of paint and build coverage gradually to prevent bleeding under the stencil.

Apply a gel stain over the entire board to achieve a soft, aged look. This step helps tone down the brightness of the paint and blends everything into a cohesive background.
You can control the final look: Use a lighter hand for a subtle antique finish, or layer more stain for a deeper rustic effect.

Center the βHello Springβ stencil on your board and use white paint to fill in the lettering.
This step creates contrast and brings the whole design together, making the message stand out against the softened background.

This project is a perfect example of how layering techniques can completely transform a design. Whether you love a bold stencil or a soft vintage finish, this method lets you customize your final look.
Ready to create your own? Explore more designs and supplies here:
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