A Faith-Filled Cross Made with Heart
Have you ever created something that feels meaningful from the very first brushstroke?
This wooden cross project is a quiet, reflective craft that blends faith, creativity, and thoughtful details. Using delicate Easter lily rice paper, molded clay embellishments, layered finishes, and soft metallic highlights, this tutorial walks through how to turn a simple MDF cross into a keepsake filled with depth and symbolism.
Be sure to watch the full video tutorial below before starting.
Step 1: Preparing the Cross for Decoupage
The project begins with an MDF wooden cross that includes the word faith attached along the side. Since rice paper will be applied, the entire surface is painted white using Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton. A sponge is used instead of a brush to lay down an even, opaque coat quickly—especially helpful on larger surfaces.
Painting white is an important step whenever decoupaging rice paper, as darker base colors can dull or muddy the design. Once painted, the cross is left to dry for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing and Placing the Rice Paper
A beautiful Easter lily rice paper is prepared by removing the white borders using a water brush. Tearing the paper instead of cutting creates soft edges that blend seamlessly into the background.
The paper is positioned so the lilies sit slightly left of center, avoiding overlap with the word faith. Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish (Satin) is used as the decoupage adhesive, brushed onto the surface and over the paper. A lightly misted piece of plastic is placed on top to gently smooth out bubbles and wrinkles.
The piece is left to dry for a couple of hours.
Step 3: Trimming and Filling In the Design
Once dry, excess paper is removed by sanding downward along the edges. A Dremel is used in tighter areas around the lettering, though sandpaper works just as well.
Because the cross is larger than a single sheet of rice paper, additional pieces are carefully blended in. To prevent transparency issues, the backs of the filler pieces are sealed with varnish, painted white, and allowed to dry before being attached. This extra step ensures the added pieces blend seamlessly with the original design without showing through.
Step 4: Sealing and Building a Smooth Finish
After all rice paper pieces are in place, the cross is sealed with Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish. To achieve a flawless finish, the varnish is lightly sanded between coats using fine-grit sandpaper, wiping away dust before applying the next layer. Each coat is allowed to dry for a full hour. This layering process builds clarity and depth while protecting the surface.
Brown ink is lightly applied around the edges to add soft shadowing and dimension. Pentart paint in the color gold is painted around the edges of the lettering and the cross.
Step 5: Adding Dimension with Clay Embellishments
Dimensional detail is added using air-dry clay, pressed into molds and briefly placed in the freezer so the pieces release cleanly. While still damp, the clay embellishments are attached using Aleene’s Tacky Glue, allowing them to conform naturally to the surface as they dry.
Any excess glue is removed immediately, and the piece is left to dry thoroughly.
Step 6: Painting and Antiquing
The lettering and clay embellishments are painted using a mix of soft gray and platinum tones, leaving a subtle gold edge for a mixed-metal look. Once dry, the entire piece is sealed again to prepare for antiquing.
A diluted antiquing medium is brushed on and wiped back right away. The antique settles into cracks and crevices, bringing out texture and giving the piece depth without overpowering the design. The lettering is given the same treatment.
Step 7: Metallic Highlights and Final Details
To finish, gold wax is applied to the clay embellishments and edges of the cross, adding warmth and gentle shine. A chrome marker is lightly used on raised clay details to create the look of aged silver—an effect that adds contrast and elegance while still feeling understated.
The result is a faith-filled cross with layered texture, subtle shimmer, and a timeless Easter presence.
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