DIY Wood Shim Easter Cross -

Can’t wait to share the details of this special craft with you—a beautiful DIY Wood Shim Easter Cross! This project will bring a rustic, faith-filled touch to your Easter decor.

This project is inspired by Emily at Burlap Kitchen. You can check out her original tutorial HERE! Such a great idea & I really enjoyed creating one! Thanks Emily!

DIY wood shim Easter Cross by Hammons Nest

Okay, let’s get started!

You’ll see a list of SUPPLIES, Steps & a short Video on YouTube! It’s such an easy project & I hope you’ll be inspired to create your very own!

supplies to create a DIY Wood Shim Easter Cross

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Here are the List of SUPPLIES I used to create this DIY Wood Shim Easter Cross:

but feel free to use whatever you have in your stash!

Wood surface (Dollar Tree measures 11x.5.5in)
Decorative napkin (TJ Maxx, Homegoods or Marshalls)
Contractor wood shims (broken pieces 10×5.5in…find them at Lowes/Home Depot)
“Vintage White” Folk Art craft paint
Water-based Minwax stain “espresso” (I get mine mixed at Lowe’s)

This is my favorite stain because you can work indoors, no fumes….it’s water-based…..You get it tinted just like paint!
Lots of colors to choose from!

Mod Podge
Paintbrush
Scissors
Spanish Moss
Green Moss (Dollar Tree)
White baby’s breath flowers (Hobby Lobby)
Greenery Sprigs (Walmart & Hobby Lobby)
Clear Alphabet stamps (HERE are exact ones I used)
Acrylic Stamping Block (Find some HERE)
Stamping Ink (Get it HERE)
Kraft Paper Tag
Osnaburg muslin fabric for Bow
Gator Zip Sander (Grab one HERE)
Bow Maker (order one HERE from my friend)
Wood Buttons
Hot glue gun & glue sticks (And HERE you’ll find my glue gun stand)
Rubber Gloves
Baby wipes

The short video above is helpful, but below you can see all the steps too!

Step 1: Prepping the Wood Surface

Start by applying a coat of vintage white craft paint to your wood surface. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Applying the Decorative Napkin

Once the paint is dry, carefully separate your decorative napkin down to its single-ply layer. To make this easier, try using a small dab of Mod Podge on your fingertips to pull apart the layers.

Using Mod Podge, adhere the napkin to the painted wood surface. If the napkin doesn’t fully cover the surface, don’t worry! You can easily patch in any missing areas. Let this dry.

Step 3: Creating the Rustic Cross

Take your contractor wood shims and break them over the edge of a table to create a rustic, jagged edge. Arrange the shims into the shape of a cross.

Apply stain to the wood shims and let them dry. Lightly distress them by sanding or dry brushing additional stain for a rustic touch. I prefer wearing rubber gloves for this step.

Step 4: Distressing the Edges

Use the same stain from the cross to brush around the edges of the wood surface. Lightly feather your brush to give it a distressed frame effect. This helps tie everything together with a vintage, timeworn look.

Step 5: Adding Moss & Greenery

Now it’s time to bring in natural elements. Using hot glue, layer Spanish moss, green moss, greenery sprigs and white baby’s breath flowers at the bottom of the cross. The white flowers symbolize new life and resurrection, making this piece even more meaningful.

Step 6: Stamping the Message

Stamp the phrase “He Lives” onto a small tag using alphabet stamps and ink. Lightly distress the tag by crumbling, adding ink on edges or use sandpaper to give it an aged appearance.

Step 7: Crafting the Bow

Cut & rip a strip of osnaburg muslin fabric and apply some distressing wax for an aged look. Use a bow maker to create a simple loop bow. Attach the bow to the cross using hot glue and layer buttons in the center for an extra decorative touch.

Step 8: Display your Beautiful Work

This piece will look pretty displayed in any vignette! Perfect as a leaner or on an easel….even a great wreath attachment! You could also add hanging rope or hooks on the back for wall decor.

Let me know how else you would use this creation!

Please be sure to PIN this one!

finished look DIY wood shim Easter Cross

I sure hope you’re inspired to create your own version of this meaningful, rustic Easter cross to display in your home or gift to a loved one. This project is not only beautiful, but also a wonderful way to reflect on the true meaning of Easter.

If you are looking for another faith-filled Easter project, check out this Worthy is the Lamb project with a Free Printable!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16

Easter Blessings y’all! Thanks for visiting the blog!