Painted Mini Pallets
Have you ever tried a Pinterest search for pallet projects? The popularity of pallet projects of all kinds can blow your mind. Just when I think I have seen them all, someone else comes up with a fabulous project that makes me want to go find another pallet as soon as possible and try it out.
Recently, I decided to make mini pallets out of craft sticks and dowel rods to use in wreath decorations and as mini Christmas ornaments.
For this project, I used:
- Square dowel rods in small sizes
- Mini craft sticks in 2-1/4″ length size
- Plastic wrap to cover the table
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Small saw
- Cutting board to project the table surface
- Tacky Glue
- Various acrylic paints
- Jute Twine
I made two different versions of the mini pallets, one with just the cut lengths of dowel rods and another using the mini craft sticks. I found that the cut dowel rods give the mini pallets a more rustic look, but are harder to paint because the wood soaks up the paint so much. The mini craft sticks were easier to fit together and much easier to paint. If you try this project, it depends on what style you like the best.
I first measured and cut the dowel rods into 2-inch lengths for the center sections of the mini pallets and a few pallet boards.
Next, I painted the dowel rods and craft sticks on all sides with two coats of acrylic paint in whatever base color I needed for each mini-pallet design. I then glued the mini pallets with Tacky glue and allowed them to dry overnight.
The designs I created on the mini pallets are mostly free-hand drawings and paintings, but for a few, I used some cut-out templates I found on Pinterest. I copied them down to size and traced them on the mini pallet boards with a pencil. I used coins to create the circles for the snowman.
My original idea was to make Christmas ornaments, but my daughter asked for a sunflower one, and the idea morphed into painted ornaments for other holidays as well, like autumn-themed ones and the Fourth of July.
Honestly, you can make these for any occasion and use them for just about any craft project. To make the mini pallets into ornaments, I wrapped the jute twine around the middle dowel rod and tied it in a knot. It was so very easy.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:8
More projects to enjoy:
Easy DIY Stenciled Mini Pallet Sign
Such a fun idea, pinning as I just never know when I’m going to need a mini pallet in my life.
I love how popsicle sticks can be used to create beautiful mini pallets. So cute. #HomeMattersParty
How cute are these?! I love the sunflowers, but you’re right, they a great for any occasion. Clever idea. #HomeMattersParty
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
So adorable. I made a farmhouse fireplace ornament with my craft sticks. So much to make with them. I can’t wait to try this!! #homemattersparty
Your mini pallets are so cute! I like how the idea started as holiday ornaments and has continued on to be whatever holiday/season/interest you want it to be. Thanks for sharing your DIY at the #HomeMattersParty
Thanks. I had making those.
What an original and adorable idea! They are so pretty! Thanks for sharing them! #HomeMattersParty
Jeannee
Thanks Jeannee
These are adorable! Not only do they make cute ornaments, but they would make cute gift tags as well.
Thanks Linda. I have already decided to start making them earlier this fall so I can use them fro gift tags. Just didn’t have the time this year. Thanks for visiting.
Now that is clever! They do look just like a pallet. 🙂 Thanks for sharing them with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
These turned out so cute! Great idea for Christmas presents!
Thank you so much for sharing your project over at Waste Not Wednesday! Can’t wait to see what you share with us this week! 🙂
Thanks Sahana. I plan to be there.
Love this mini pallet idea. They look so cute and pretty.Thank you for sharing with us at #HomeMattersParty. We would love to see you again next week.
these would be perfect for luggage tags..well done
Thanks. I hadn’t thought of that idea. I have thought of making them for gift tags too.
These are awesome!! Visiting from the Homematters Linky
I love this project. Thank you for sharing at SYC! xx Jo
Very cute and inspiring project. Shall do some with my kids too. Thank you
Thanks. I hope they have fun with them.