Turn Your Cedar Board Into This Beautiful Fall Sign

Give Your Cedar Board a Double-Sided Fall Makeover

If you love getting the most out of your DIY projects, this simple technique is a great way to transform the back of an existing sign into a brand-new seasonal piece. In this tutorial, Melissa Miller of Miller's Rustic Sawmill shares how to create a beautiful framed fall design using the Pumpkin Harvest Pattern Stencil and the Pumpkin Patch Stencil Set. The finishing touch? A coat of Wood Honey that enhances the cedar grain while making the painted details pop.

Whether you're updating an old project or starting with a fresh cedar board, this easy stencil technique creates a warm, rustic sign that's perfect for autumn decorating.

Jump to Project

• Materials You'll Need
• Step 1 – Prepare Your Cedar Board
• Step 2 – Stencil the Background Pattern
• Step 3 – Create the Framed Center
• Step 4 – Add the Pumpkin Patch Phrase
• Step 5 – Finish with Wood Honey
• Helpful Tips

Double-Sided Cedar Pumpkin Patch Sign

Step 1 – Prepare Your Cedar Board

Start with a clean cedar board. Wipe away any dust or debris so the stencil sits flat against the surface. Cedar has beautiful natural grain, making it an excellent choice for rustic fall projects.

Tip: If you're curious how your wood will look with a finish, wipe it with a damp cloth first. This gives you a preview of the rich color the finish will bring out.

Step 2 – Stencil the Background Pattern

Position the Pumpkin Harvest Pattern Stencil on one side of the board and secure it with painter's tape.

Using a stencil brush and cream-colored paint, offload most of the paint before applying it with light circular motions. Allow the first coat to dry completely before adding a second light coat for full coverage.

Remember: Multiple thin coats always produce cleaner stencil results than one heavy coat.

Step 3 – Create a Framed Center

Reposition the stencil using the built-in registration marks so the repeating pattern lines up perfectly across the board.

Instead of covering the entire surface, place the black cardstock included with the Pumpkin Patch Stencil Set over the center area before continuing to stencil.

This simple masking technique creates a clean frame that's perfect for adding a seasonal phrase, monogram, family name, or even a photo clip.

Step 4 – Add the Pumpkin Patch Phrase

Center the "Meet Me at the Pumpkin Patch" design from the Pumpkin Patch Stencil Set inside the open space.

Using a mini stencil brush and light blue paint, stencil with light, even coats until you achieve solid coverage.

The soft blue creates beautiful contrast after the wood finish is applied while adding an unexpected pop of color to the fall palette.

Step 5 – Finish with Wood Honey

Once the paint has dried completely, wipe Wood Honey over the entire board using a lint-free cloth.

As the finish soaks into the cedar, the wood grain becomes richer while the painted stencil design stands out beautifully.

This finishing step completely transforms the project, giving it a warm, rustic appearance that's perfect for autumn decorating.

Ready to Create Your Own?

This framed stencil technique is easy to customize for every season, making it a great way to get even more use from your favorite wood signs. Simply swap out the center design while keeping the beautiful repeating background.

Shop the Pumpkin Harvest Pattern Stencil, the Pumpkin Patch Stencil Set, and the Stencil Brush Set to create your own cozy fall décor.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Follow along with Melissa Miller of Miller's Rustic Sawmill as she transforms a cedar board into a beautiful double-sided fall sign using the Pumpkin Harvest Pattern Stencil and Pumpkin Patch Stencil Set. Watch the full step-by-step video below!