A Crow, a Plaque & Plenty of Rustic Character! 🖤🐦‍⬛

Give a simple wood plaque a rustic makeover with a few coats of paint, a beautiful rub-on transfer, and some finishing wax. Melissa Bradshaw of Junk and Craft Treasures shows us how to turn an octagon-shaped wood plaque into a statement piece featuring the crow from the Black Rose Garden Transfer Set.

This project is simple enough for a quick craft session, but the finished piece has plenty of rustic character. It would look right at home on a shelf, small wall display, or craft show table.

Jump to Project

• Materials
• Prepare the Plaque
• Apply the Crow Transfer
• Seal and Add Rustic Detail
• Helpful Tips
• Final Reveal

Rustic Crow Plaque: Materials

1. Prepare the Wood Plaque

Start with an 8.9" x 12" octagon-shaped wood plaque. Make sure the surface is clean and completely dry before beginning.

Brush Walnut Water-Based Stain around the outside edges of the plaque. Wipe some of the stain back with a shop towel to create a soft, distressed effect.

Let the stain dry completely. Don't worry if a little stain gets onto the center of the plaque. The painted surface will cover it.

Next, brush an off-white paint over the main surface. Melissa uses Cashmere for its soft, grayish-white appearance. Allow the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat for more even coverage.

Once the paint is completely dry, lightly sand the surface to smooth it out. Wipe away all sanding residue with a clean cloth.

2. Apply the Crow Transfer

Now it's time for the detail that makes this project stand out. Cut out the crow design from the Black Rose Garden Transfer Set.

Position the transfer in the center of the plaque. Take a moment to make sure you're happy with the placement before burnishing.

Using the Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool, work from the top and sides toward the center. Pay close attention to the smaller details and make sure the entire design has been firmly burnished.

Slowly peel away the transfer backing, checking the design as you go. If any portion hasn't released, lay the backing back down and burnish that area again.

Once the backing is completely removed, gently press over the design with your hand to make sure everything is securely adhered.

3. Seal and Add Rustic Detail

Protect the finished transfer with a layer of clear wax or sealer. Spread it evenly across the surface, then buff it with a clean shop towel.

For the final touch, lightly apply dark wax around the edges and over the surface. This adds depth and gives the plaque an aged, rustic finish.

Start light with dark wax. You can always add more, but removing too much once it's applied can be difficult.

Final Reveal

And that's it! A simple wood plaque has been transformed into a rustic crow accent with just a few easy steps.

The stained edges, soft off-white background, and detailed crow create plenty of visual impact without making the project complicated. This would be a great piece for a shelf, small wall display, craft show, or handmade gift.

Ready to create your own? Browse the Black Rose Garden Transfer Set and see where your next transfer takes you!

Watch the Full Tutorial

Follow along with Melissa Bradshaw of Junk and Craft Treasures as she creates this rustic crow plaque step by step!