I got a little further with my autumn decorating this weekend. I was inspired by the temperatures dropping just a tad-just enough to make me actually believe it’s fall now! I wanted to create a very simple rustic centerpiece for my fall table so I made this super easy wood leaf centerpiece! Supplies White Wood panel-mine was 4′ by 16″ and cost $13 (I have plenty left over!) PreStain Wood Conditioner Wood Stain Jigsaw Sanding block To start I went online (of course) and found a leaf shape that I thought would be a good fit for my centerpiece. Here is the one I decided on (sorry for the funky computer screen lines!)
Using the image as my guideline I sketched a rough leaf shape on my wood panel in pencil, adjusting until i was happy with the size and shape. I tried to adjust my shape to avoid hard changes in direction because I knew that I’d be using my jigsaw to cut it out.
This was my first time using a jigsaw in a few years but you’ll definitely be seeing it in my projects more coming up-I forgot how fun they are! After I cut the leaf shape out I used a medium grit sanding block to smooth any rough edges. I bought a pre-sanded panel so it was smooth already on the surfaces.
At this point in the process I was on the fence about whether to make this a cutting board or stain it. I like darker wood and have an overflowing amount of cutting boards so I went ahead and decided to stain it. I conditioned the wood with Minwax PreStain-just rub it on with a cloth or paint brush, wipe off the excess and let it dry for 2 hours. Once the 2 hours are up you can go ahead and stain. I decided on a golden oak stain and used 2 coats 2 hours apart.
My stain had polyurethane included so I did not put an additional finish on the wood leaf. If your stain does not include poly you may wish to add a a coat or two to get that shine.
When my stain was dry I flipped the piece over and added some felt pads. We have laminate on our first floor and always keep a ton of these suckers on hand to ensure our furniture doesn’t scratch the floors! It might be a good idea to put these on BEFORE you stain as you can see the stain made a bit of the paper I had protecting my work station stick to the wood-boo! And voila! Add some pumpkins, a lantern and pretty flowers and we’ve got a vignette baby!
So now that it’s officially fall do you have your decor out? I’m ready to decorate the front porch-it might just happen this week!
Linking to:
Amanda
Very pretty!
Melissa Riker
Than you Amanda!!
Jodie
Another great post! Love this. I want to go buy a jigsaw now
Melissa Riker
Go get one Jodie!!! They are fun (and remarkably easy to use!)
Jessi @ Practically Functional
Oh wow, what an awesome centerpiece! I love how it turned out, pinning!
Jessi @ Practically Functional
By the way, I featured this on my blog today! Grab a Featured button if you don’t already have one! http://practicallyfunctional.com/10-simple-fall-decorations/
Melissa Riker
Thanks so much Jessi!!
Crystal
Love the leaf!! The centerpiece is beautiful!!
Melissa Riker
Thanks Crystal! I was surprised at how easy it was to make!
Vanessa
That is gorgeous! One of these days all you amazing home diy bloggers are going to convince me to pick up some power tools. 😀
Melissa Riker
Do it Vanessa!!!
sarah
Melissa,
Love your centerpiece. Its unique and so fitting for the fall. Have a great rest of the week.
Sarah
Melissa Riker
Thanks so much Sarah!!
Cheryl @ My Cup Runneth Over
I love this piece! So beautiful! Nice job with the jigsaw – especially for not using it for a long time! I hope to one day conquer my fear of using one. Have a great week!
Melissa Riker
Thanks Cheryl! The jigsaw was actually really easy to use, I hadn’t pulled it out in so long I was very pleasantly surprised!
Virginia @LiveLoveDIY
Melissa! This is SO cute! Love this! xo
Melissa Riker
Thanks so much Virginia!!! 🙂
Michele @ Neat Little Nest
Cute, cute, cute!! What a cute centerpiece! -Michele @ Neat Little Nest
Melissa Riker
Thanks so much Michele!!