Your Cart is Empty
Double-Sided "Home Is Where the Heart Is" Board — Stain, Stencil & Rub-On Transfer
Melissa Bradshaw of Junk n Craft Treasures walks us through a cozy, rustic double-sided board using a dark walnut stain, the Primitive Words Stencil, and the Chinoiserie Valentine Rub-On Transfer Set. Short steps, simple supplies, and a beautiful farmhouse finish.
Home Is Where the Heart Is — Double-Sided Board
This single-board project uses stain + stencil + rub-on transfer for a quick, pro-looking farmhouse sign. The tutorial keeps things straightforward so you can recreate it at home or adapt it for other holidays or seasons.
Materials
- Round wooden board or blank (prepped and sanded)
- 1 in Primitive Words Stencil Set — (use the "Home is where the Heart is" phrase)
- Chinoiserie Valentine Rub-On Transfer Set — birds & florals
- Stencil Brush Set | Pure Natural Bristle Brushes
- Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool
- Water-based dark walnut stain (BEHR or similar)
- White craft/latex paint for lettering
- Matte dead-flat varnish sealer (Modern Masters or similar)
- Paper towels, sandpaper (600 grit), small scissors, tape
Step-by-step Instructions
-
Stain the board.
Use a flat brush to apply a water-based dark walnut stain evenly across the board. Work with the grain and cover the entire face you'll be decorating. -
Remove excess stain and speed drying.
While the stain is still damp, wipe off the excess with a dry towel to get the finish you like. If you're in a hurry, blow-dry briefly to ensure the surface is dry before stenciling. Transfers and stencils need a dry surface to adhere properly.
-
Stencil the phrase.
Position the "Home is where the Heart is" stencil from the Primitive Words set at the bottom of the board. Tape the stencil down to prevent slipping. Using a stencil brush and white paint, apply in a gentle circular/pouncing motion — offload the brush until it's dry-to-the-touch to avoid paint bleeding under the stencil.
-
Cut and apply the rub-on transfer.
Trim the birds and floral elements from the Chinoiserie Valentine Rub-On Transfer sheet. Position the transfer on the top portion of the board. Using the Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool, burnish the design until it releases and looks fully adhered.
-
Remove any transfer glue residue.
If there's a little glue around the transfer edges, lightly sand with 600-grit or use a soft wax rub to remove residue. Work gently so you don't abrade the transfer. -
Seal the project.
Apply a coat (or two for pieces you plan to sell) of matte dead-flat varnish across the entire board. Melissa uses a varnish that dries flat and doesn't show brush strokes — perfect for stained surfaces.
-
Final reveal & styling.
Let the sealer dry fully, then enjoy or style the sign in your kitchen or entry. Consider a small metal washer or bow if you want extra embellishment, but Melissa left this one rustic and simple — and it looks lovely.