Craft a Two-Sided Serving Board That’s Both Pretty and Practical

Have you ever wanted to turn an ordinary cutting board into something truly unforgettable?

In today’s fun and creative tutorial, Donna from Mason Creations etc. shows how to transform a simple round cutting board into a two-faced treasure: a reversible charcuterie board that’s food-safe on one side and stunningly decorative on the other. This beginner-friendly project walks you through each step of decoupaging and embellishing a board you’ll be proud to show off at your next gathering.

📺 Watch the full video tutorial below and follow along!

Step 1: Prep the Board for a Smooth Start

Donna begins by removing any store stickers with a heat gun and giving the board a quick sanding with medium grit paper, especially along the edges. After dusting it clean, she paints the back side (the decorative side) with Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton, a bright white that helps decoupage images pop with vibrancy. Two coats are applied with 30 minutes drying time in between.

Step 2: Choose and Prepare Your Rice Paper

From the adorable pig wearing a strawberry garland, Donna selects a circular image from one of our charming rice paper designs. She uses a water brush to gently tear around the image rather than cutting it. This soft edge blends seamlessly into the painted surface.

Step 3: Adhere the Image with Polyvine

Using Polyvine Decorators Varnish, Donna adheres the rice paper to the painted board. This varnish doubles as both adhesive and sealer and dries crystal clear—perfect for decoupage. She places plastic wrap over the image, mists it lightly with water, and smooths out wrinkles with a towel for a flawless finish.

Step 4: Seal and Blend with Custom Color

Once dry, she seals the image with Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in Satin, paying close attention to the edges. Donna then blends a custom peachy-pink paint using Pentart Compact Powder and other shades to match the rice paper background. The ombre blend from pink to white is sponged on for a soft, artistic fade.

Step 5: Embellish with Appliqués and Clay

To add dimension, Donna uses heated wood appliqués (which can bend when warm) and adheres them after painting with matching shades. She also molds strawberries, leaves, and flowers using air-dry clay and paints them with Pentart Paints in colors like Vintage Green and Butter.

Step 6: Antique and Highlight for Depth

Donna uses a light antiquing medium (watered down) to shade the embellishments and board edges, wiping it off gently to allow just enough detail to remain in crevices. This subtle step brings out the 3D effect of the details.

Step 7: Protect with Food-Safe Varnish

The entire decorative side receives several coats of Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish—drying and lightly sanding between coats—to ensure a high-shine, durable, and food-safe finish. This is especially important if the board might come into contact with snacks during entertaining.

Step 8: Final Touches

To enhance the raised elements, Donna uses a touch of Redesign with Prima Decor Wax in Eternal (gold), applied with her fingertip for a radiant finish. The functional side of the board is conditioned with food-grade mineral oil to prevent cracking and maintain hygiene.

✨ What a transformation! This project combines practical use with artisan charm—a true conversation piece for your next gathering.

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🙏 A special thank you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for her expert guidance and beautifully creative spirit. We’re proud to have her as part of our crafting family.