Snow-Kissed Christmas Plaque with Rice Paper Charm

Have you ever wondered how to turn a simple live-edge plank into a Christmas showpiece that looks boutique-worthy?

If you love projects that mix texture, sparkle, and vintage charm, you’ll enjoy this tutorial from our very special affiliate, Donna at Mason Creations etc. She walks through sculpting ornaments, decoupaging candle images, and blending paint for a flawless finish—approachable for beginners and satisfying for seasoned makers. Watch the video below, then follow the steps to craft your own.

Step 1: Prepare and seal the wood

Brush Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish (Dead Flat Finish) over the live edge and face to secure bark while keeping the natural matte look. After it dries, give the surface a light sand to smooth any raised grain.

Step 2: Build a lush “tree” with greenery

Layer faux evergreen branches across the plank, trimming bulky wire ends. Hot-glue in tiers to form a full, tapered tree and fill any sparse spots with smaller sprigs.

Step 3: Cast the ornaments

Press DAS air-dry clay into the Redesign with Prima – Décor Mold (Blank Ornaments). Level with a palette knife, smooth with a touch of water, and freeze ~20 minutes. Demold while cold, set on butcher paper to dry (turn pieces periodically), and sand the edges smooth.

Step 4: Prime for crisp decoupage

Base-coat the ornament centers with Dixie Belle Chalk Paint – Cotton. This pure white background keeps rice-paper colors bright and provides a smooth surface.

Step 5: Tear images for invisible seams

Choose candle-themed rice papers. Wet around each motif with a water brush and tear (don’t cut) to create feathered edges that blend into paint.

Step 6: Adhere with a thin, clear medium

Use Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish (Satin) as your decoupage medium. Lay the image flat in thin coats that dry crystal clear.

Step 7: Seal edges before you blend

Brush a light glossy/satin coat over the paper edges. This barrier prevents paint from soaking into fibers—key to a seamless blend.

Step 8: Mix and sponge a soft background

Color-match the paper by mixing Pentart Acrylic – Hazelnut with Dixie Belle – Drop Cloth. Sponge the blend around the ornament and slightly over the paper so tones overlap. If your chalk paint feels thick, thin with a little water for a gentle ombré. Any over-paint on the sealed image wipes back with a damp cotton swab.

Step 9: Add details and metallic glow

Paint the bow and holly accents with coordinating shades (e.g., Pentart Metallic Gold and Pentart Pine Green). Keep strokes light; layer color to taste.

Step 10: Create a vintage “porcelain” finish

Apply Pentart Fineline Crackle Varnish (Part 1, then Part 2 in thin, even coats). After cracks appear, rub in Pentart Antique Paste and wipe back to reveal the lines. Seal with a compatible glossy clear such as Winsor & Newton Clear Gloss Varnish.

Step 11: Antique and highlight non-crackled areas

Over a gloss barrier, brush FolkArt Antiquing Medium – Wooden Bucket Brown onto the gold trim and the red bow; wipe back to leave depth in recesses. Tap on Redesign with Prima – Decor Wax (Eternal Gold) with your fingertip to catch raised edges.

Step 12: Bows and embellishments

Tie tiny red satin bows for each ornament and add short gold-cord “hangers.” Use a Mini Bowdabra to make a layered statement bow; add teardrop gems and a pearl center.

Step 13: Assemble and add snow

Arrange ornaments on your greenery “tree,” hot-glue in place, and skim on textured “snow” with a palette knife across branches and a touch on ribbon.

A warm thank-you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for sharing her creativity and clear instruction with our community. And don’t forget—subscribe to our newsletter for 10% off your next order and fresh project ideas all season long!