I have done some posts in the past using this same technique on dollar store spoons, but this was the first time I did a large batch and did a variety of colors with the intent to sell them in groups.
They were easy and fun, but a bit time consuming. I started with a bunch of spoons from various dollar stores, all of which were 4 or 5 to a pack.
Instead of just sticking with black, I spray painted them in all different colors including this fun beachy blue-green. 🙂
Here are the exact brands/colors I used just incase anyone was wondering. I would highly recommend NOT using the American Accents Midnight Blue (the navy one) because it took a million coats to get it close to the cap color, and they just did not come out well. After distressing them, parts of the spoon had an “electric blue” look, and not really the Americana blue I was going for.
Let them dry thoroughly for a good couple days before sanding them. Sanding tacking paint is NOT fun!
Now time to “distress.” I used sanding block which are easier for all the little nooks and crannies. I would recommend a medium to coarse sanding block for a quicker sanding. All I had on hand was the fine grit, which worked well, just took a little longer. There is no way to mess up sanding, so just go for it! Imperfections don’t matter since you’re going for the primitive look anyway!
Once they were all sanded, I wanted to grubby them up, for a primitive, country look. I used this antiquing medium (the brand Folk Art) found in the paint section of the craft store. You also could use regular brown paint or stain, as you’re going to be rubbing it on and then rubbing it off again, to stain the exposed wood left from sanding.
Here’s my solution to keeping my table clean…I use rolled out brown kraft paper, also found at the dollar store, as a work station. It’s quick, easy, disposable! Great for the messy crafter, like me!
Simply rub a generous amount of antiquing gel all over the spoon, and then wipe off the excess. It will soak down into the unfinished edges left from sanding, to create an old, worn look. Paper towels or old rags work great. I used a soft car drying cloth (also found at the dollar store; can ya tell I love that place?!?!).
The difference is more noticeable on some colors than others. Obviously the lighter colors are going to show more on the light colors. Here are some examples of the difference – before and after using the antiquing gel.
And here is the “set” I plan to sell in my Etsy store. Tan, red, grayish-brown, minty green, yellow, and black. I love the end result and the color combo. Kinda glad the blue didn’t work out!
There are many ways to display these spoons. Throw them in an old can or mason jar…
Or add some pip berries, tin stars, or other fun accessories.
My friend Lisa over at Booth #555 did an awesome batch of spoons with a similar technique if you’d like to check them out! http://www.booth555.com/2012/11/primitive-kitchen-themed-wooden-spoons.html. Here is an example of Lisa’s kitchen themed spoons!
If you give these a try, email me a pic and I’ll be sure to post it here! I love seeing different interpretations on the same project! Happy 4th of July and hope everyone has a great weekend! 🙂
Jun 28, 2013 @ 12:36:22
SO cute! I love the colors you chose. 🙂
Jun 28, 2013 @ 12:42:23
Thanks Desiree! I’m really happy with them!! 🙂
Jun 28, 2013 @ 13:26:11
LOVE Umm !!! 😀
Jun 28, 2013 @ 16:45:40
Wow, I love them! And especially the bright blue you so bravely tried! lol. I would have never thought to give it a shot, but after seeing it, it’s now one of my favorite colors!!!
And extra thanks for the shout out to mine! 🙂
they are time consuming to make but so worth it in the end!
-lisa
Jun 28, 2013 @ 17:26:33
Awesome idea! Thank you for sharing with us! 🙂
Jun 28, 2013 @ 22:24:41
Great accents around the home! Love the color idea for wooden spoons-
Jun 28, 2013 @ 22:45:13
Love the idea and your finishes! It’s great to think outside the box!
Jun 30, 2013 @ 23:17:26
So cute! Pinterest brought me here and I’m going to try these ASAP!!
Jul 08, 2013 @ 08:00:20
You so inspire me. After seeing this post, I went to the Dollar Store and got me a supply of wooden utensils to prim up just like you did. thank you so much for your creative ideas.
Jul 09, 2013 @ 11:44:47
Thanks for your kind words Jeana. That is the exact reason I like to share my ideas. Hope your spoons turn out well – there’s really no way to mess them up! 🙂 Have fun!!! ~Maggie
Jul 12, 2013 @ 07:37:03
I love the tin star add ins you show in one of the pics. Can I ask where you found them? I like the fuller look. Thanks.
Jul 12, 2013 @ 18:20:50
Hi Jeana, to be honest I had had those little pip-berry star things forever and I couldn’t tell you exactly where I got them. I usually get them at co-op’s or country/primitive type stores though. I’ve also seen them online at craft outlet places. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help! ~maggie
Jul 12, 2013 @ 21:06:42
I will look online for these. Thanks. Jeana
Jan 01, 2014 @ 23:44:59
I stumbled upon this post. Love your work and excited to try out the spoons. I found an old rusted milk can and was looking for primitive ideas on painting it and you have given me some great ideas. You are very creative and on a budget too which is extra nice!!
Jan 03, 2014 @ 13:04:29
Thanks Kelly! I have always wanted to paint on an old milk can. I have seen some really cute winter ones with snowmen! Have fun! 🙂
Jan 03, 2014 @ 13:08:06
Thanks so much Kelly! I have always wanted to paint on an old milk can! I have seen some really cute winter scenes with snowmen and also salt box houses. Good luck and have fun! 🙂
Apr 22, 2014 @ 18:20:42
Just found you and wow, I love your crafts and your instructions seem so thorough even for a not-so-crafty-but-wannabe person such as myself. I think these spoons would also make great garden markers with the plant or herb names on them. I might just try that!
Apr 23, 2014 @ 08:28:00
Thanks for the kind words !!! I try to make my instructions easy to follow. I can’t wait to make more of those country spoons once I can get outside and do some spray painting. They are fun and soooo easy. Love the garden marker idea; send a pic if you end up trying them!! 🙂
Jan 02, 2017 @ 14:20:15
OMG ~ I LOVE LOVE LOVE these spoons and they seem easy enough to do [thanks to your step by step directions]. I am slowly turning my house Primitive & with cheap, simple DIY’s it makes it alot easier for me.