Reclaimed Wood Heart (Weathered Fence Boards)

There is something about reclaimed wood that already feels as if it has a story to tell, and this simple wooden heart is no exception. Made from scraps that might otherwise be tossed, this project is an easy way to add handmade charm to Valentine’s Day decor with little time or money. It is rustic, imperfect, and full of character, which makes it one of those projects that still works long after the holiday has passed.

Can you believe I’ve never made a reclaimed wood heart? I LOVE how they look, and I’ve long admired the work my friend Joan (Scavenger Chic) does. As I was looking for an easy project for today, I came across a bunch of rustic heart projects on Pinterest. But Joan’s is right up there with my favorites.

I hope you love my rustic, reclaimed-wood heart as much as I do!

Easy Valentine’s Day Decor

Because the weather is cold and rainy, I’m back in the basement shop. Luckily, I have a stash of picture frames there and in the garage shop.

Do you save that brown paper from Amazon shipments? I do. You can see that this paper had already been used for painting when I grabbed it to cut out a paper heart. Imagine my surprise when it fit perfectly in this reclaimed wooden frame!

Add Reclaimed Wood to fit the Frame

Now, you could use pallet wood for this project, but I didn’t have any in the basement. But I did have reclaimed fencing handy. I cut the pieces to fit the wooden frame, then had to rip the last piece on the table saw.

Design-Trace Heart

Impatient, I cleared only one corner of my workbench to create this reclaimed-wood heart. As I work on more projects in the coming weeks, I hope to organize the basement shop as I go.

You can see that the scrap pieces of thin fencing would be perfect to make a heart shape.

I think we all learned in school that you simply fold a piece of paper and cut it to make a heart. Hearts can be of any size—wide, narrow, tall, or short. Mine was sort of a general heart shape.

I chose a Sharpie to trace my paper heart pattern. I felt it would give me a better line for cutting. The pattern was traced onto the backs of the reclaimed fence boards.

Cut Reclaimed Wood Heart

Most of my tools are kept in the garage. I do have a corded jigsaw in the basement, but I chose to bring my Ryobi in from the garage for this project. Cutting the boards separately is how Joan did it, and I found it worked best!

I had to make another trip to the garage to get my quick clamps. Usually I keep some in the basement, but I had borrowed them recently. Can you see how much easier it will be to cut the wooden heart individually?

Quickly, the lower portion of the wooden heart was already finished.

Each board was so easy to cut individually. The curved part of the heart was the most challenging, only because I had to get creative with the clamping.

It all fits perfectly!

Paint Wood Heart Pieces

I chose some pinks and reds from my DIY Paint Shelf to paint the reclaimed wooden pieces.

So, start with your lightest color. That way, you can add darker colors to your palette as you go. Of course, I used my favorite chip brush to create a dry-brush effect on the wood’s patina. In addition, it works best dampen your brush bristles to thin the paint a little.

Finally, I added a little red, stippling the brush and keeping a light hand while painting the top portion.

In the end, I added a little white paint here and there to give some definition. The white paint was added to the tub I had been using all along. I don’t do this kind of painting very often, but I have to say that I was loving how it was turning out!

Paint Picture Frame

To tone down the frame, I chose a shade of gray craft paint. I painted two light coats over the entire frame.

How to Hold Fence Boards in Frame

Scrap wood was stapled in place on the back side of the frame to hold fence boards in the frame.

Sand Wood Heart Pieces

Can you see which part of the wooden heart has been sanded? The lower 2 sections. I did this to just smooth it all out a little.

Attach Wood Heart to Background Boards

I used original Gorilla Glue—you know the kind you have to damp & clamp?

If your project is difficult to clamp, use a heavy object, such as a paint bucket, to hold your pieces in place while the glue sets.

Embellish Frame and Reclaimed Wood Heart

This old chip brush is my absolute favorite for adding highlights or a dry-brushed effect. Do you see those feathery bristles? I used it to add white highlights to the gray frame.

Do you think I should have whitewashed the background boards?

All You Need is Love

I used a Chalk Couture transfer to add some LOVE!

Lastly, I added some paper flowers to embellish the reclaimed wooden heart!

Reclaimed Wood Heart Valentine’s Project

I think this reclaimed wood heart is perfect for Valentine’s Day, or just to show someone how much you love them. Don’t you agree we all could use a little more LOVE?

If you love quick projects that use what you already have on hand, this reclaimed-wood heart is a good one to keep in your back pocket. It works as seasonal decor, a small handmade gift, or a sweet accent tucked onto a shelf or in a vignette. Be sure to save this idea so you can come back to it whenever a little rustic charm feels like just the thing.

This technique isn’t just for Valentine’s Day, check out my Rustic Fall Pumpkin article.

Sharing with Donna’s New Upcycle Ideas — so many great ideas!

I would LOVE for you to save and share this project on Pinterest.

Have you made a reclaimed wood heart?

gail

Beyond The Picket Fence Valentine Heart