Your Cart is Empty
🛻🐢 Two Fast DIY Projects That SELL! Rustic Truck & Turtle Transfer Ideas
Hey friends! Amanda Dillon of Mettle Modern Design is back with another fast, practical DIY tutorial created in partnership with Essential Stencil.
In this live project, Amanda shares two quick, high-impact rub-on transfer projects that are perfect for booth inventory, craft fairs, or last-minute handmade gifts. These designs are affordable, easy to reproduce, and look beautifully high-end when finished.
If you’re looking for projects that sell well without taking hours to create, these are great ones to keep in your rotation.
Jump to a Project
Rustic Vintage Truck Frame
This framed truck design is a great example of choosing the right transfer scale for your surface. Amanda shows how selecting a fuller design instantly elevates a simple frame.
Materials Used:
- Wooden frame or cradled panel
- Rustic Vintage Truck Rub-On Transfers
- Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool
- Sandpaper
- Clean cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start with a wooden frame and make sure it’s clean and completely dry. Lightly sand the surface if needed to smooth out any rough areas.
Choose and cut out a truck design from the transfer pack. Pay attention to scale — Amanda recommends selecting a design that fills the space instead of floating in the center.
Position the transfer carefully, then burnish using the transfer tool until the design is fully adhered.
Lightly sand over the surface to soften the edges of the transfer and create a smooth, seamless finish.
Helpful Tips:
- Always check hanger placement before applying your transfer to avoid upside-down designs.
- If part of the image lifts, lay the backing back down and continue burnishing.
- These truck designs work beautifully for both spring and fall decor.
Sea Turtle Plank Sign
This rustic turtle sign is simple, coastal, and always a strong seller. Amanda uses one of the Sea Turtle transfers to create a natural, painted-on look with minimal effort.
Materials Used:
- White wood plank with base
- Sea Turtles and Shells Rub-On Transfer
- Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool
- Sandpaper
- Clean cloth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sand the surface of the wood plank until smooth. Wipe away dust with a clean cloth before applying the transfer.
Cut out your turtle design and center it on the board. Burnish slowly and evenly until the design fully transfers.
Lightly sand over the design to blend it into the wood for a soft, hand-painted look.
Helpful Tips:
- Chalky or raw wood surfaces may need light sealing for best adhesion.
- These transfers work on wood, metal, canvas, and even fabric.
- Simple designs like this are perfect for batch-making inventory.
Final Reveal
Both projects come together quickly and have that painted-on, boutique finish that customers love. Keeping a variety of rub-on transfers on hand makes it easy to create professional-looking decor whenever inspiration (or a craft fair deadline) strikes.
Shop the featured transfers and tools and create your own best-selling designs today.
Watch the Full Tutorial
See both projects come together step by step as Amanda walks through her process live.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.