I love using my wood chargers on my table settings, especially during the fall holidays.  They are so versatile, easy to use and easy to make.

I first learned about wood chargers from The Shanty Sisters – these gals are my mentors in so many ways (and they don’t even know it!).  Here is a link to their blog post on where I learned how to make them:

Shanty2Chic Wood Chargers

At the time I made these, a Kreg Jig was way out of my wheel house (I was too nervous to use it!).  So I glued my strips together with wood glue and clamped until dry.  If you want to use a Kreg Jig, see my post below for instructions – I love mine now once I tried it!  Additionally, I have a link for more chargers and used stencils to decoration them below.

The Kreg Jig – You Can Do It!

Do It Yourself Stenciled Chargers

You can watch my 60 second video tutorial here and then follow along for all the details!

Supplies Needed:

• Wood Chargers
• Stamps
• Ink
• Cleaner
• Polyurethane

Here is my end product:

 

Step One – Prep Your Charger

Make sure your base is clean and ready to be used.  I painted mine white beforehand.  The best part is with this style, you can turn it over and use the other side if you don’t want the stamp to show!

 

Step Two – Prep Your Stamp

I used stamps from Iron Orchid Designs that you can find here (this is not an affiliate link, but I was sent these amazing stamps from the Iron Orchid Design team to try out and I love them!).

There is directions on how to prep a new stamp (with a light scrub from sand paper), it’s super easy.

I cut mine out, leaving the plastic layers in tact for storage later.  I left the front side on to hold easier.

 

Step Three – Ink and Apply

The Stone Gray Iron Orchid Designs Decor Ink was the perfect color for my project.  They do have others to choose from as well.  This bottle will last me FOREVER.  I added a few drops to a throw away bowl and grabbed my finger sponge.  You can grab these here from Amazon.

I like to practice first.  So I dabbed my finger sponge into the ink and then blotted it onto the back of the stamp.  I tried it on paper and loved how it turned out.  You don’t want too much ink.  Just enough ink to cover the stamp well.

Apply the ink to the stamp again and gently place onto the wood, taking great care not to move it when it is down, it will smear.  Push firmly all over the stamp and then left off directly up.

 

Step Four – Clean and Store

I always clean and store my stamps properly.  You can grab an ink cleaner pad and spray here  and here if you don’t have one.  You can also wash with soap – but make sure it is completely dry before you store.  I added my stamp back onto the main sheet and placed it in a 12×12 sheet protector.

 

Step Five – Protect It

Always use a clear coat for your stamp project if you think you will need to wash it – and since these are food chargers, you most likely will.  If your color is a light stain I would use a Polycrylic so it won’t yellow.  Otherwise any clear coat will do, you can see some of my favorites below.  Excuse my bad lighting for the group shot!

Here is the finished project!

Let me know if you any questions and good luck!

Love,

Kelly