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Rustic Fall Crate Makeover with Layered Sunflowers 🌻

Featuring Sharon Hankins

Rustic Wooden Crate with Layered Sunflowers

Fall decorating doesn't have to be complicated to make a big impact. In this project, Essential Stencil Ambassador Sharon Hankins of I Restore Stuff transforms a simple IKEA wooden crate into a charming farmhouse accent using just two stencil sets from our new Fall Collection. Layered sunflowers, rustic typography, and a soft weathered finish come together to create a piece that's perfect for displaying pumpkins, florals, or cozy blankets all season long.

Materials You'll Need

Wooden crate (IKEA or similar)
Fusion Mineral Paint – Woodwick
Fusion Mineral Paint – Victorian Lace
Warm yellow paint
Terracotta or brown paint for sunflower centers
Golden Harvest Co. Stencil Set
Harvest Perch Mini Stencil Set
Mini Stencil Brush Set (4 Pack)
Dome brush for color blending
Fine-grit sandpaper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create a Weathered Wood Finish

Begin by giving your wooden crate a light stain wash using Fusion Mineral Paint in Woodwick. Diluting the paint creates a soft, weathered appearance that highlights the wood grain while giving the crate the look of a natural stain.

Applying a Woodwick stain wash to a wooden crate

Step 2: Add the Golden Harvest Co. Design

Center the Golden Harvest Co. Stencil Set across the top plank of the crate. Using Victorian Lace and a stencil brush, offload most of your paint before applying it with light swirling motions.

Using very little paint is the key to crisp stencil lines.

Stenciling the Golden Harvest Co. design

Step 3: Stencil the Layered Sunflowers

Position the sunflower from the Harvest Perch Mini Stencil Set along the bottom plank. Stencil the first sunflower in white, then reposition the stencil beside it to create a matching pair.

Starting with a white base makes it much easier to layer colors later.

Step 4: Add Color

Once the white paint has dried, carefully line the stencil back up over each sunflower.

Using a dome brush, fill the petals with warm yellow and the centers with a rich brown or terracotta shade. For a softer farmhouse look, leave the leaves white.

Helpful Tips

Always offload excess paint before stenciling to reduce paint bleed.
If you notice a little paint seepage, don't worry. Allow everything to dry completely, then lightly sand the surface to soften the edges and enhance the rustic finish.
Try adding a few fall-themed rub-on transfers around the lettering for extra detail.
This crate makes a beautiful centerpiece filled with pumpkins, faux florals, pinecones, or cozy throw blankets.

Finished Project

The combination of the vintage-style Golden Harvest Co. lettering and layered sunflowers creates a timeless farmhouse look that's easy to customize for your own home. Whether you're decorating a porch, entryway, or living room, this crate is a beautiful way to welcome the fall season.

Finished rustic fall wooden crate with sunflowers

Shop the Supplies

Watch the Full Tutorial

Want to see the entire project from start to finish? Watch Essential Stencil Ambassador Sharon Hankins of I Restore Stuff create this beautiful rustic wooden crate with layered sunflowers. You'll see all of her painting, stenciling, and finishing techniques in action!

Ready to create your own rustic fall décor? Browse our latest seasonal stencil designs and start crafting beautiful farmhouse projects for your home.