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Wild & Free Highland Cow Door Hanger ๐Ÿฎ๐ŸŒธ A Color-Packed Stencil & Transfer Makeover!

Wild & Free Highland Cow Door Hanger ๐Ÿฎ๐ŸŒธ A Color-Packed Stencil & Transfer Makeover!

DIY Wild and Free Highland Cow Door Hanger

Looking for a fun way to combine stencils, rub-on transfers, and bold color? This colorful Highland Cow door hanger is the perfect project for adding personality to your front door, gallery wall, or seasonal dรฉcor. In this tutorial, we'll create a layered design featuring a charming cow portrait, soft pink cow print, beautiful florals, and a bold "Wild and Free" sentiment.

Whether you're new to transfers or love experimenting with layered designs, this project is a great example of how stencils and transfers can work together beautifully.


Jump to Project


Materials Needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Background

Start with a 16" round wood board that has been pre-painted in a mustard color. Make sure the paint is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Mustard painted wood round

Step 2: Add the Cow Print Background

Position the Cow Print Pattern Stencil on the board. Using a stencil brush and pastel pink paint, stencil the cow print design around the board while leaving the center area unpainted for the cow portrait transfer.

Applying cow print stencil

Step 3: Smooth the Surface

Allow the paint to dry completely, then lightly sand the surface to create a smooth finish. This simple step helps remove any raised paint edges and gives your project a polished look.

Sanding the stenciled surface

Step 4: Apply the Cow Portrait Transfer

Place the Cow Portrait Transfer in the unpainted center section of the board. Using the Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool, carefully burnish the design until it fully adheres to the surface.

Applying cow portrait transfer

Step 5: Create a Floral Crown

Cut out several floral elements from the Burgundy & Rust Floral Transfer Set. Apply a cluster of flowers to the cow's head to create a beautiful floral crown. Then add a single floral accent to one side of the board for balance and visual interest.

One of the best things about rub-on transfers is that they can be layered directly over other transfers to create a completely custom design.

Adding floral transfer crown

Step 6: Add the Wild and Free Sentiment

Position the "Wild and Free" stencil from the Wild & Free Horses Stencil Set near the upper portion of the board. Using a stencil brush and black paint, stencil the phrase onto the surface.

Adding Wild and Free stencil wording

Step 7: Add a Decorative Floral Border

Take the floral stencil from the Amazing Grace Stencil Set and position it beside the floral accent on the side of the board. Stencil the design using black paint to create a beautiful semi-floral border that complements the transfer and ties the entire design together.

Floral border stencil application

Step 8: Finish and Protect

Allow all paint and transfers to dry completely. Finish the project with a clear wax to protect the design and add a soft sheen that enhances the colors and details.

Final Reveal

Finished Wild and Free Highland Cow Door Hanger

This colorful project combines playful patterns, layered transfers, bold lettering, and floral details to create a one-of-a-kind door hanger. The soft pink cow print paired with the mustard background gives this design a fun farmhouse-inspired look, while the floral crown adds a beautiful touch of personality.

Helpful Tips

  • Lightly sand between layers for a smoother, more professional finish.
  • Trace around large transfers before stenciling so important design areas remain visible.
  • Use minimal paint on your stencil brush to reduce bleed-through.
  • Layer transfers to create unique, customized artwork.
  • Seal finished projects to help protect them from wear and handling.

Shop the Products Used

Ready to create your own version? Mix and match your favorite Essential Stencil transfers and stencils to create a personalized Highland Cow design that's uniquely yours.


Watch the Full Tutorial

Prefer to follow along step-by-step? Watch the complete video tutorial below and see exactly how this Wild and Free Highland Cow Door Hanger comes together!

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