The very reason I ever started creating rustic crafts was to enhance my home decor with some naturally chic elements. My husband and I love the look of birch and wanted to incorporate as much of it as possible into our home. We started with a few rustic craft ideas like birch lamps, candles and picture frames. At first we made these just for ourselves but quickly realized that other people liked them as much as we did. That is when we decided to start making them to sell. You can see all of the details on our birch lamps at my first blog post, DIY Lamps: How To Make A Birch Lamp.
Besides lamps, there are many other rustic crafts that can be incorporated into the home that are both rustic and chic. I did some searching for some new and unique ideas that would be easy to try. And I was happy with what I came up with. Here is a small collection of rustic craft ideas that I think you will like too.
Rustic Craft Ideas
One of the reasons that rustic crafts have become so popular for home decor is the sheer warmth and simplicity of what you can create. The use of salvaged wood, vintage pieces, and metals with good patina contribute to the nostalgic feel. I always equate rustic decor with an earlier time that was simpler and comfortable.
These projects range from easy to intermediate so there is something for everyone. Try one or more to give your home that laid back comfortable style.
1. Live Edge Rustic Shelving
SOURCE: Live Edge Rustic Shelving In A Small Kitchen
A great example of a more simple way to store kitchen goods is with open shelving instead of a cabinet. To make the shelving rustic, use thick chunky wood with a live edge. Then, instead of traditional shelf brackets, use industrial plumbers pipe to complete the rustic look.
2. Paint Anything To Look Like Birch Bark
SOURCE: How To Paint Anything To Look Like Birch Bark
Birch bark is huge in rustic decorating. If you can’t get a hold of or don’t want to use natural birch bark, you can always use paint. Using a real log for inspiration, I painted this vase to look like real birch bark. Although it is a little time consuming, the effort spent was well worth it.
3. Rustic Branch & Pompom Centerpiece Craft
SOURCE: How To Make Pompoms For A Rustic Centerpiece
Although you could simply place a bunch of birch twigs in a vase for a rustic centerpiece, there is another creative idea. Yarn pom poms are so easy to make and easily slide over the top of a thin branch. Adding pom poms to branches creates a whimsical look that is fun and cheerful. Just because something is rustic doesn’t mean it has to be boring!
4. Rustic Chalkboard Craft Idea
SOURCE: DIY Rustic Chalkboard
You may have seen a few DIY chalkboards floating around Pinterest. That is because they are so easy to make. With a little chalkboard paint, you can turn anything into a chalkboard. To make a chalkboard rustic, it’s all about the frame. I turned an old picture frame into a chalkboard and then decorated the frame with branches to make it rustic. A super fun and easy project!
5. DIY Branch Letters Sign
SOURCE: DIY Branch Letters Sign
A popular item in any home decor is signs. For rustic decorating, it’s easy to create your own sign with branches. Just use small sections of branches to form words and you are well on your way to some fun new home decor.
6. Rustic Magnetic Knife Rack Idea
SOURCE: Ehow
When I first saw the photo of this rustic knife rack, I wondered how in the world would these knives stick to a piece of wood! I love magnetic knife racks and this one is super cool. Usually the only option is a super industrial shiny strip of metal. This is something I want to try at our cabin, where storage space is limited and the decor is definitely rustic.
7. Rustic Wood Slice With Image
SOURCE: Sparkle Living Blog
Here is a rustic craft idea that is an image transfer on a rustic wood slab. The method used by Sparkle Living Blog was with a gel medium to transfer the image. Another method that you could use, which I have used in the past, is the freezer paper transfer technique. It is super easy! You can see how I used the technique for transferring an image onto an end table here – My End Table Makeover.
8. Rake Utensil Holder
SOURCE: The Gracious Wife
I have seen old rakes used for jewelry holders and wine glass display so it makes sense to also use a rake to hold kitchen utensils! The rake could be hung with or without the board in the back depending on how rustic you wanted to go or what surface you are hanging from.
9. Rustic Pallet Frame Craft Idea
SOURCE: Little House Of Four
This rustic frame made from a pallet is so cute! I love the sheet metal brackets to hold the photo in place. Imagine a whole gallery wall filled with this type of frame!
10. Rustic Chicken Wire Basket
by Rustic Crafts and Chic Decor
Baskets are always popular in home decor and it’s easy to make your own rustic basket with chicken wire. I made this one for storing lemons on my counter.
11. Fabric seat cushions for chairs or window seats.
It’s easy to update your rustic decor with fabric. Whether you want to do a window seat cushion or just a chair, new fabric can make a big difference.
For more rustic craft ideas, check out the following posts:
Craft Ideas For Rustic Home Decor
Rustic Home Decor That Is Easy To Make
Do you have any rustic craft ideas that you would like to share?
