How to Make Decorative Stakes for a Garden (Americana Style)
That’s it! I’m finally putting a stake in the ground! Today, I’m sharing a quick tutorial on how to make decorative stakes for a garden with Americana style patterns.
These garden stakes will stand up to the elements under a covered porch or patio. They add just a touch of patriotic pride to your plants. (Try saying that five times fast!)
Since there’s only a bit of cutting and pasting involved, this craft is easy enough for kids to enjoy. It only takes about 30 minutes of active time with some pauses in between for the glue to dry.
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Supplies for Garden Stakes
The magic here involves using the “outdoor” formula for Mod Podge. For best results, you’ll still want your finished project in a covered area, like a patio or porch, but it should withstand the elements just fine.
Tip: If you have trouble locating a wooden heart on a stick, you can modify your project by gluing a wood heart onto a dowel or metal rod.
Steps for Making Decorative Garden Stakes
The instructions below will get you started, and I also created a quick video that walks through the whole shebang. Be sure to hit the button below so you won’t miss a thing on my YouTube channel!
I have many decoupage projects on this site, from beginner to intermediate, and this one is as easy as they come! If you’re a complete decoupage newbie, I highly recommend taking a quick peek at my Guide to Decoupage on Wood.
1. Paint the Stakes
Use any standard acrylic paint to cover the sides and sticks of your stakes. (Boy, I’m all about the tongue twisters today.)
Since we’ll seal the entire stake with Mod Podge Outdoor, you don’t need a special outdoor paint, though it’s helpful.
2. Trace and cut scrapbook paper
Trace each side of the garden stakes onto the back of your scrapbook paper. Make sure you trace each side separately, since the wooden shapes may not be perfectly symmetrical.
I usually load up on scrapbook paper bundles to use for multiple craft projects. (I’m a sucker for a pretty paper!) However, I found these sheets of Americana patterns on sale at Hobby Lobby.
3. Glue paper shapes to wooden stakes
Here comes the fun part! Apply a thin layer of regular Mod Podge Matte to one side of your stake and firmly press your paper shape onto the surface.
Wait about 15-20 minutes for the decoupage glue to dry before continuing to the next step.
4. Apply Outdoor Mod Podge
Once the glue has dried, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge Outdoor to the surface of each garden stake. Let dry about 15-20 minutes before applying a second coat.
You may wonder if you can just use the Outdoor version of Mod Podge to both glue the paper onto the wood and apply a protective top coat…
I’m here to tell you that the Outdoor product goes on muuuuuch thicker. You’ll definitely want to use the regular Matte product to glue the paper to the wood. Otherwise, you’ll have bumps and bubbles everywhere.
5. Apply additional protective layers, as needed
To finish off your DIY garden stakes, you’ll want to apply 1-2 coats of the outdoor Mod Podge onto the sticks, unless you used a metal rod or outdoor paint.
Let the entire stakes cure for 72 hours before placing outside.
I did notice the stakes remained a bit tacky after applying a few coats of the Mod Podge Outdoor, but the stickiness should subside after the project fully cures.
How do you like your stakes?
Well, what do you think of your stakes? I created mine with an Independence Day theme, but you can make decorative garden stakes for any time of year.
If you like this Americana style, check out my patriotic font collection, which includes 21 free fonts to download.
More Uses for Decorative Garden Stakes
As I completed this decoupage project, I realized that I could customize these decorated stakes in so many other ways, like…
- Wreath picks
- Floral picks in a bouquet
- Mason jar decor for holidays
- Inserts in gift baskets
- Baby shower or bridal shower decor (with different paper, of course)
- Table centerpiece
The possibilities are endless! Let me know what you plan to make in the comments below!
Pin it for later!
How to Make DIY Garden Stakes
Equipment
Instructions
- Paint edges of wooden stakes and dowels.
- Trace pattern onto the wrong side of scrapbook paper. Cut a shape for each side of the stake.
- Glue paper to the wooden stake using Mod Podge Matte. Let dry 20 minutes.
- After stakes are dry, apply a coat of Mod Podge Outdoor to all edges of stake. Let cure for 48-72 hours before using outdoors.
More Decoupage Projects
I know what you're thinking. "How am I going to use up all this Mod Podge?" Try some of these simple projects for starters!
How to Decoupage on Wood with Perfect Results
Get expert tips on using a decoupage (Mod Podge) technique on wood.
How to Decoupage Wooden Spoons the Easy Way
Learn how to make adorable decoupage wooden spoons to give as gifts.
How to Make Easy Decoupage Wood Signs
Learn how to make a simple personalized sign with decoupage and scrapbook paper.
Part 2: How to Decoupage Flower Pots with Napkins
Decorate plain terracotta pots using this special Mod Podge formula.
I love these, Crissy. And the different ideas you suggest on how to use the decorative wooden garden stakes are perfect! Love me some scrapbook paper, too! I have WAY too much! Pinned!
Thanks, my friend! Yes, I’m always looking for ways to use up my scrapbook paper inventory! I appreciate you pinning, as always.
So cool!
Thank you, Spela! 🙂 I always love hearing from you and hope you’re doing well.
Oh they’re darling Crissy! Thanks so much for the great idea – I can wait to try some out! ❤️
Thank you so much, Barbara! I hope you do try them out. They are so easy to customize and make great little gifts or decorative accents.
thanks Crissy for hosting… and I love your DIY please link up with us at Celebrate your story on monday’s at 8 p.m.
at http://www.meandmycaptain.com...
Thanks for stopping by, Kari! I would love to join you on Mondays! Thanks for letting me know.