How to Make Winter Tabletop Decor Out of Baseboard Molding

We certainly enjoy birds all year long. But I think winter birds are special. Today I will show you how to make a tabletop decor piece out of wood baseboard molding. I also made one for the holidays.
These work great as Christmas centerpieces for your dining table. Let’s get started.
1. Source the wood
Here is the wood. I bought these pieces already cut at a salvage store. I also went to Lowe’s to see if I could find something similar. So be sure to check out any hardware and lumber store.
Here is how it looks from the side. The neat part is that it’s thick enough on the bottom to allow it to sit up by itself.
2. Paint
I painted the board black and after it dried I put on a crackle medium. After that dried I put on white paint being careful not to over-brush. Then the magic happens.
3. Place the transfers
I am using transfers from Iron Orchid Designs. I cut them out and tried to figure out how to place them.
4. Apply polycrylic
Don’t you just love this bird? Transfers are very easy to add to your project. Before adding them I added a coat of polycrylic. That will help the transfers adhere very nicely.
5. Stick the transfers
I peeled off the back sheet, positioned the designs where I wanted them, and then used the plastic stick to burnish them onto the wood. It’s always best to follow up with another coat of polycrylic.
6. Add a bow
I added a little bow to pretty it up.
Here is a close up. I just love how this looks on crackled wood.
Bonus: Christmas stencil design
This next one which I did before Christmas was a combination of transfer and stenciling.
I made my own stencils using an expensive shelf liner and designed them in my Silhouette program. Then I use my silhouette cutting machine to cut it out.
I decided not to crackle this piece and just painted it solid white. Again I put a top coat of polycrylic on. I used a holly/berry transfer on this one.
Add a little bow and there you have it.
I love working with transfers. You can find so many online.
DIY winter tabletop decor
What do you think of this tabletop decor piece? Let me know in the comments below.
DIY Christmas Decorations
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Wood moulding (Salvage store)
- Transfers (Iron Orchard Designs)
- Paint (Lowes Hardware)
- Polycrylic (Lowes Hardware)
- Crackle medium (Amazon)
- Ribbon (My stash)
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?