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Want a fall project that can stay out long after the pumpkins are packed away? These reversible walnut blocks are a simple way to create seasonal decor with a meaningful twist.
Melissa Miller of Miller’s Rustic Sawmill, an Essential Stencil brand ambassador, created this set using three raw walnut blocks, a few Essential Stencil designs, one paint color, and Wood Honey. One side features fall designs, while the other side has faith-filled sayings and coordinating patterns.
The best part? Flip the blocks over and change your decor whenever you like!
Start with your first raw walnut block. Make sure the surface is clean and completely dry before stenciling.
Position the Fall for Jesus, He Never Leaves stencil on one side of the walnut block. Secure the edges with painter's tape so the stencil stays in place while you work.
Use an off-white acrylic craft paint with a stencil brush. Before applying paint, offload most of the paint from your brush onto a coffee filter. Then use a light hand and swirl the brush over the stencil.
Apply another light coat if you need more coverage. When you're finished, carefully remove the stencil and allow the paint to dry completely.
Once the first side is completely dry, flip the block over.
Position the But First Pray stencil on the opposite side. Secure it, then use the same off-white paint and light stenciling technique.
Allow the paint to dry completely before handling the block.
Now you have a block that works for both fall decorating and year-round faith-based decor.
Move on to the second walnut block. Position the Pumpkins, Praise & Prayer stencil from the Fall for Jesus Mini Stencil Set.
Tape down the edges and use the same off-white paint. Remember to offload your brush first and use light pressure as you swirl over the stencil.
Carefully lift the stencil and allow the design to dry completely.
After the fall design is dry, flip the block over and position the Be Still stencil from the But First Pray Bundle.
Stencil the design using the same off-white paint and light-pressure technique. Let the paint dry completely.
This gives your second block a beautiful seasonal side and a simple message that works throughout the year.
The third block is smaller, making it perfect for the mini patterns. These simple designs add a little extra texture and coordination to the finished set.
Position the pumpkin pattern from the Fall Mini Patterns set on one side of the smaller block.
Secure the stencil underneath the edge of the block with a little rolled-up tape. Apply the same off-white paint with your stencil brush.
For this design, you can use a softer touch and leave the pumpkins slightly faded rather than making them completely solid.
Tip: If you're short on time, you can use a blow dryer to help speed up the drying process.
Once the pumpkin design is dry, flip the block over and position the leaf pattern from the Fall Mini Patterns set.
Secure the stencil and apply the off-white paint. Allow the design to dry completely.
Once all of the paint is completely dry, it's time to bring out the natural beauty of the walnut.
Using a wipe, apply Wood Honey over the front, back, and sides of all three blocks. Make sure you cover the surfaces evenly.
The walnut will absorb the finish, especially along the end grain. You don't need to use a lot. Work the Wood Honey into the wood and wipe away any excess as needed.
This step makes a huge difference. The finish deepens the walnut's color and makes the natural wood grain stand out beautifully against the soft off-white paint.
These three walnut blocks are proof that a simple project can do double duty. Display the fall designs when the season arrives, then flip the blocks over for neutral faith-based messages and patterns you can enjoy all year.
The project uses just a few stencil sets, one paint color, a stencil brush, and Wood Honey. You can also change the colors or mix and match the stencil designs to create a set that fits your own style.
Ready to make your own? Start with the Fall for Jesus Mini Stencil Set and build your reversible set from there!
Want to see Melissa create these reversible walnut blocks from start to finish? Watch the full tutorial below and craft along with her!
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