One of my favorite craft supplies is the humble paint stir stick. They're inexpensive, easy to work with, and incredibly versatile. With just a few supplies, you can transform them into beautiful seasonal home décor for every holiday and season.
For today's project in my Simple Fall & Halloween DIY Decor Series, I'm sharing how I created this rustic Fall Gather Sign using paint stir sticks, scrapbook paper, lace, and decorative acorn cutouts. This project combines some of my favorite crafting techniques and makes a charming addition to any fall decorating display.
As a bonus, I'll also share several other paint stir stick projects I've created to hopefully inspire your next DIY adventure.
Supplies Needed
- Four 5-gallon paint stir sticks
- Four craft sticks (popsicle sticks)
- Six acorn-shaped wood cutouts
- Scrapbook paper
- Lace scraps
- Paint or stain
- Floral accents
- Wood letters (½ to ¾ inch)
- Twine rope
- Titebond Quick & Thick Glue or wood glue
- Mod Podge
Step 1: Cut the Paint Stir Sticks
Measure and mark each paint stir stick at 17 inches. Cut off the handles using a miter saw, miter box, or your preferred cutting tool.
Lightly sand the cut ends for a smooth finish.
Step 2: Build the Sign Base
Arrange the paint stir sticks side by side with the ruler markings facing up.
Once the boards are aligned:
- Glue the sticks together.
- Use clamps, painter's tape, or a weighted object to hold them in place while drying.
- After the front is secure, glue four craft sticks across the back for additional support.
Allow everything to dry completely before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Paint and Finish the Frame
For this sign, I painted both the front and back with Waverly Antique Wax. After the paint dried, I applied a light whitewash using FolkArt White Acrylic Paint.
This created the rustic farmhouse look I wanted for my fall decor.
Before decorating the front, attach a twine hanger to the back of the sign.
Step 4: Decorate the Acorns
This is where the project starts to come to life.
Prepare the Scrapbook Paper
Trace the lower portion of an acorn shape onto the back of scrapbook paper.
Cut six pieces slightly larger than the traced shapes.
Paint the Acorn Tops
Paint the acorn caps and upper portions of the acorns. I used a mixture of brown and gold paint for a warm autumn look.
Apply the Paper
Apply Mod Podge to the lower portion of each acorn and allow it to dry.
Using the iron-on decoupage method, adhere the scrapbook paper to each acorn. Once cooled, trim the excess paper and sand the edges smooth.
Add Lace and Embellishments
Glue lace trim where the painted area meets the scrapbook paper.
Cover the hanging holes with sunflower embellishments.
Step 5: Assemble the Sign
Arrange the finished acorns across the sign base, staggering them for visual interest.
Glue each acorn into place.
Add the wood letters to spell:
G A T H E R
Once everything is secure, your sign is ready to display.
Finished Project
I love how this Gather Sign turned out. The combination of paint, vintage-inspired scrapbook paper, lace, and sunflowers creates a cozy fall look that works beautifully with farmhouse-style decorating.
More Fall Paint Stir Stick Project Ideas
One reason I love crafting with paint stir sticks is their versatility. Over the years, I've created several different seasonal projects using the same basic formula:
Cut. Glue. Decorate.
Some of my favorites include:
- Halloween Mini Signs
- Bee Your Own Sunshine Sign
- Pallet Pumpkins
- Rolling Pin Decor
- Thankful Pumpkins
- Wall Planter Sconces
Final Thoughts
Paint stir sticks are one of the most affordable and versatile craft supplies in my workshop. Whether you're creating signs, seasonal décor, or decorative accents, they provide endless opportunities for creativity.
Have you ever crafted with paint stir sticks? I'd love to hear what you've made! Leave a comment below and tell me about your favorite paint stick project or a fall craft you're working on this season.
Happy Crafting,
Karla