How To Make the Cutest Fall Sign Out of a Thrift Store Cutting Board

Even though it is not quite apple orchard time yet, it hasn't stopped me from bringing that farm-fresh feeling into my home. A few weeks ago I found this peach (I think?) shaped cutting board at a thrift store for a dollar. It wasn't quite apple-shaped but it was pretty darn close.

I figured a little tweaking at the bottom of the cutting board with my small table saw would make it into an apple easy enough. I also grabbed a piece of scrap wood, cut it into an arrow and I had the makings of some rustic apple decor.

With the shapes ready, I gave each a coat of Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint in Curio. The brown paint, when mixed as a stain (3 parts water to one part mix) gave the pieces a more uniform and aged barn wood look.

To make the cutting board and arrow apple ready, they also got a coat of Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint in Tricycle. For added texture, I threw in a few scoops of Saltwash once the paint was mixed but before it was applied.

Once the paint was completely dry, I ran some sandpaper over it to give the paint a rustic, worn look.

When I was ready to add the script to the apple and arrow, I created a free pattern that I am happy to share with you here...

For a little adornment on the apple, I added some striped, vintage-inspired ribbon and a few burlap leaves. You can keep both in place with a dab of hot glue on the back of the sign.

To finish off the sign, I drilled 4 holes; two in the bottom of the apple and two in the top of the arrow. I looped some of the same striped ribbon through and was able to hang the arrow off of the apple.

How cute is that apple sign? It was the perfect find for a dollar and I love how it adds a country feel to my Fall decor.

If you loved this project, be sure to check out my new book Recreated Designs: Cottage Projects With a Vintage Flair.

You can also find the original Recreated Designs post for this project with additional photos, tips and tricks over on the blog at the link below.