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Double the Style! DIY Reversible Western "Howdy" Door Hanger Tutorial

Double the Style! DIY Reversible Western "Howdy" Door Hanger Tutorial

Howdy, friends! If you're looking for a fun way to add a little Western charm to your front door, this reversible project is a great weekend craft. In this tutorial, Essential Stencil ambassador Melissa Bradshaw of Junk and Craft Treasures shows how to create two completely different looks on one 16" round door hanger. One side features a bold black-and-gold design, while the other showcases a beautiful tooled leather effect with layered paint techniques.

Best of all, you only need to flip the sign over whenever you're ready for a fresh look!


Jump to Project


Classic Howdy Door Hanger

Materials

Step 1: Create a Weathered Wood Base

Weathered wood stain wash

Mix Burnt Umber paint with a small amount of water to create a stain wash. Brush it over the entire board, then wipe away the excess with a towel for a light weathered wood finish. Allow the board to dry completely.

Step 2: Mark the Center Section

Position stencil

Position the Howdy stencil in the center of the board. Place painter's tape along both sides of the stencil to mark the center section, then remove the stencil.

Step 3: Paint the Center

Paint center section

Paint the center section black. Let it dry completely before applying a second coat if needed.

Step 4: Add the Decorative Border

Stencil border

Stencil the coordinating border pattern across both the top and bottom sections using black paint.

Step 5: Stencil the Greeting

Stencil Howdy

Reposition the Howdy stencil and stencil the word using Antique Gold paint for a beautiful Western-inspired contrast.

Helpful Tips
  • Allow each layer to dry completely before repositioning your stencil.
  • Use very little paint on your stencil brush to achieve crisp edges.
  • A second coat of black creates a richer finish.

Tooled Leather Western Door Hanger

Materials

Step 1: Stain the Back

Back stain

Repeat the weathered stain technique on the reverse side and allow it to dry.

Step 2: Paint the Center Stripe

Tape center Turquoise center

Mark the center section with painter's tape and fill it with a light turquoise paint. Melissa mixed two blue shades together to create her custom color, so feel free to customize yours.

Step 3: Create the Tooled Leather Effect

Stencil leather pattern Layer brown

Position the Tooled Leather Pattern stencil and lightly stencil with turquoise. While the stencil remains in place, layer chocolate brown over portions of the design to build depth. Add touches of black and gold if desired to create an embossed leather appearance.

Step 4: Distress the Finish

Dry brush

Lightly dry brush brown paint over the center to soften the colors and create a rustic finish.

Step 5: Finish with the Greeting

Final stencil

Stencil the Howdy greeting using chocolate brown paint to tie the entire design together.

Helpful Tips
  • Layer colors lightly. Building several thin layers creates the most realistic leather effect.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with color combinations.
  • Dry brushing helps blend everything together for a naturally aged appearance.

Final Reveal

Finished reversible western door hanger

This reversible Western-inspired door hanger gives you two beautiful looks in one project. Display the bold black-and-gold side for a classic statement, or flip it over to show off the rich tooled leather finish whenever you're ready for a change.

Ready to make your own? Shop the Howdy 16" Door Hanger, the Tooled Leather Pattern Stencil, and the Mini Stencil Brush Set to get started!


Watch the Full Tutorial

Want to see both of these Western-inspired door hangers come to life? Watch Melissa create each side step by step in the full video tutorial below!

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