DIY Rustic Wood Tray & Crockery Stamping Techniques: A Farmhouse Flip

Updated at: 09/05/2025

Transform ordinary wood into a charming farmhouse centerpiece with this DIY rustic wood tray project! We'll guide you through creating a beautiful, functional tray perfect for showcasing your favorite crockery or displaying seasonal décor. This project is perfect for adding a touch of rustic elegance to your home, whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting out. The satisfying process of repurposing and customizing will leave you with a piece that reflects your personal style and adds warmth to any space. The aged wood coupled with the unique character of hand-stamped crockery creates a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Forget expensive store-bought trays – unleash your inner artisan and create something truly special! This step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage of the process, from selecting the right wood and preparing it for stamping, to applying the unique designs and finishing touches. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and experience the joy of crafting your own farmhouse-style treasure – a stunning rustic wood tray, perfectly complemented by charming hand-stamped crockery.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Wood
  • Planer
  • Saw
  • Grinder with sanding bit
  • Nail gun
  • Cutting board oil
  • Spray gun
  • White chalk paint
  • Rustoleum clear coat
  • Sandpaper
  • Painter's paint pen
  • Transfer paper
  • Wood glue
  • Finishing nails
  • Crockery stamps
  • Waverly chalk paint
  • Waverly white wax
  • Chip brush
Safety Guidelines
  • Always wear safety glasses when using hammers, chisels, or other tools that could cause flying debris.
  • Use caution when working with wood stains and paints. Ensure adequate ventilation and wear appropriate protective gloves and masks to avoid inhalation or skin contact.
  • When using a stamping tool, apply firm, even pressure to avoid damaging the wood or crockery. Use a protective surface underneath to prevent scratching your work area.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Tray Construction

    • Planing to remove the top layer, cutting to desired length (11 inches x 20 inches recommended), cutting edges at a 45-degree angle for rounded corners.
    • Using a grinder with a sanding bit to create a hand-carved look and soften the edges.
    • Attaching cut-down crib spindles as feet using wood glue and a nail gun.
    • Applying cutting board oil using a piece of fabric to seal and enhance the wood's appearance.
    Seal and finish: Applying cutting board oil using a piece of fabric to seal and enhance the wood's appearance.Seal and finish: Applying cutting board oil using a piece of fabric to seal and enhance the wood's appearance.Seal and finish: Applying cutting board oil using a piece of fabric to seal and enhance the wood's appearance.Seal and finish: Applying cutting board oil using a piece of fabric to seal and enhance the wood's appearance.
    Tray Construction

  2. Breadbox Preparation and Painting

    • Sanding down to remove paint brush strokes and create a smooth surface.
    • Spraying with white chalk paint using a spray gun for even coverage. Addressing bleed-through with a clear coat and additional paint layers.
    • Using an orbital sander to stress the edges and create a vintage look.
    Distress the breadbox: Using an orbital sander to stress the edges and create a vintage look.Distress the breadbox: Using an orbital sander to stress the edges and create a vintage look.Distress the breadbox: Using an orbital sander to stress the edges and create a vintage look.
    Breadbox Preparation and Painting

  3. Breadbox Detailing

    • Printing the word "Bread" on transfer paper and applying it to the breadbox. Outlining and filling in letters using a painter's paint pen.
    • Gluing and nailing on a braid label to the breadbox.
    Attach label: Gluing and nailing on a braid label to the breadbox.Attach label: Gluing and nailing on a braid label to the breadbox.
    Breadbox Detailing

  4. Cup Preparation and Painting

    • Sanding cups to remove any residue and improve paint adhesion.
    • Applying Waverly chalk paint in Mineral gray color and adding texture using a chip brush.
    • Applying Waverly white wax and wiping it off with a dry cloth to create a textured, cement-like look.
    Wax the cups: Applying Waverly white wax and wiping it off with a dry cloth to create a textured, cement-like look.Wax the cups: Applying Waverly white wax and wiping it off with a dry cloth to create a textured, cement-like look.
    Cup Preparation and Painting

  5. Stamping and Sealing

    • Applying crockery stamps using ink or chalk paint. Positioning the stamp in a corner for better grip and control; pushing down firmly and holding still.
    • Applying Rustoleum clear coat to seal the stamped design.
    Seal the cups: Applying Rustoleum clear coat to seal the stamped design.Seal the cups: Applying Rustoleum clear coat to seal the stamped design.
    Stamping and Sealing

Read more: DIY Wooden Bread Box: Simple Plywood Project

Tips

  • For a hand-carved look on wood trays, use a grinder with a sanding bit to soften the edges.
  • When painting slick surfaces, apply multiple thin coats to ensure proper adhesion and prevent bleed-through.
  • To create a textured cement look, apply white wax and then wipe off the excess with a dry cloth, leaving the wax in the crevices for added texture.
  • For better control when using crockery stamps, position the stamp in a corner for better grip and ensure firm pressure.
  • Chalk paint may work better than ink for crockery stamping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Wood Stain Application

Reason: Applying too much stain in one area or not distributing it evenly leads to blotchy results and an unprofessional look.
Solution: Use a lint-free cloth or brush to apply thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

2. Stamping Too Hard or Incorrectly Aligning Stamps

Reason: Applying excessive pressure during stamping can cause the wood to dent or the ink to bleed, while misalignment ruins the pattern.
Solution: Practice stamping on scrap wood to find the right pressure and alignment before working on the tray and use a ruler or template to ensure accuracy.

FAQs

What kind of wood is best for this project?
Reclaimed wood offers a beautiful rustic look, but any sturdy wood like pine or fir will work. Look for pieces with interesting knots and texture for added character. Ensure the wood is properly dried to prevent warping.
Creating this rustic wood tray is a fantastic way to add farmhouse charm to your kitchen. Once you've made it, you'll want to fill it with beautiful, organized items. If you're looking for clever storage solutions to keep your kitchen clutter-free, you might find inspiration in my previous guide on space-saving breadbox designs. These stackable boxes are perfect for keeping your baked goods fresh and readily accessible – a great complement to your newly crafted, stylish serving tray!