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Coastal Christmas Magic: Create a Beachy Saltbox House Sign 🏖️🎄

Coastal Christmas Magic: Create a Beachy Saltbox House Sign 🏖️🎄

Coastal Christmas Round Sign with Saltbox Houses

Hi friends! Today we’re crafting a soft and beachy Christmas sign inspired by the beautiful work of Amanda Dillon of Mettle Modern Design. This project blends gentle coastal colors with the charm of Essential Stencil’s Saltbox Houses for a relaxed holiday look.

Table of Contents

Create the Coastal Background

Materials

  • Round wood board (approx. 15–18")
  • White, beige, and light blue water-based stains
  • Fine mist spray bottle
  • Stain sponges
  • Fine-grit sanding sponge
  • Heat tool or hair dryer (optional)

Step 1 — Apply a white base coat.

Spritz the board lightly with water so your stain glides smoothly.

Step 2 — Create the sandy base.

Blend beige stain across the bottom third of the sign to mimic warm coastal sand.

Step 3 — Add the sky.

Blend light blue stain into the top two-thirds. Mist with water for a soft, cloudy gradient.

Step 4 — Lightly sand.

Helpful Tip: Keeping the surface slightly damp while staining helps colors blend into that dreamy coastal fade.

Stencil “Christmas on the Coast”

Materials

  • “Christmas on the Coast” stencil (or your preferred phrase)
  • Stencil Brush Set
  • Raw umber + black paint blend
  • Painter’s tape

Use a dry-brush technique to prevent bleeding and keep your lettering crisp.

Helpful Tip: A warm brown-black blend keeps the lettering beachy instead of stark.

Saltbox House #1 (White + Gray + Pink Door)

Materials

Step 1 — Fill the first layer with white.

Step 2 — Add the gray roof and window details.

Step 3 — Finish with a light pink door.

Helpful Tip: Soft pastel doors give a classic coastal cottage feel. Try coral or seafoam, too!

Saltbox House #2 (Soft Pink)

Materials

  • Saltbox Houses Stencil
  • Pink and white acrylic paint
  • Stencil brush

Step 1 — Paint the first layer pink.

Step 2 — Add the white roof and trim.

Helpful Tip: Use very little paint on your brush. Two thin coats beat one thick coat every time.

Saltbox House #3 (Light Yellow)

Materials

  • Saltbox Houses Stencil
  • White + yellow ochre paint mix
  • Stencil brush

Step 1 — Paint the base layer light yellow.

Step 2 — Add crisp white details.

Helpful Tip: Mixing your own yellow tint keeps it soft and vintage—not too bright.

Finishing Touches

Add a light white dry brush over the sandy bottom to soften the darker tones and pull everything together.

Final Reveal

This project is the perfect coastal-meets-Christmas décor piece for mantels, entry tables, or covered porches.

Want to make your own? Grab the Saltbox Houses Stencil and our Stencil Brush Set and create your own seaside holiday moment!

Watch the Video Tutorial

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