Create Vintage Style Crates With Napkins

Create vintage style crates with napkins in minutes.

Just follow these simple steps, using stain and Mod Podge to makeover an unfinished crate.

This post is sponsored by Crates And Pallet

Two weeks ago, I received a few small unfinished wooden crates and spent an afternoon decorating them.

For a girl with a craft obsession, it was a dreamy day.

They came in a set of four, and while I could've given them all the same treatment, I thought it would be much more fun to accent them using different techniques.

I also didn't want to spend any money transforming them, so I decided to use only what I had in my craft cabinet.

All in all, it worked out well.

The first crate makeover was done with paint and a farm style transfer. Quick, easy and beautiful.

I briefly considered simply aging these crates with paint, but I was looking for more...

So I grabbed some delicate red and green floral paper napkins and decoupaged them to the front of two of the crates.

Since, my family room decorating plans are set and those are the featured colors, I thought they'd be cute stacked.

Or maybe separated and placed around the room for storage...a his and hers if you will.

Anyway, here's how I did it!

How To Decoupage Wood Crates

I started with a few simple supplies.

Step 1: Stain The Crates

I started by staining the unfinished crates, one at a time.

I used a brush to apply the stain in the same direction as the wood grain, making sure to get into every crack and cover every surface.


And since I wanted a rustic look and for the wood grain to show through a bit, I only gave the crates one coat of stain.

Then I set them aside to dry on plastic cups so the wet stain wouldn't stick and get marred or damaged in any way.

Step 2: Separate Napkin Layers

Decoupaging with napkins can be tricky business.

In all honesty, I have to say that decoupaging with rice paper is infinitely easier. 

As a matter of fact I used rice paper to makeover another crate.

It doesn't tear, it doesn't really wrinkle and it's literally made for the task. Of course, that doesn't stop me from buying napkins that catch my eye.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a pretty face.


You can use any kind of paper napkin for decoupage crafts. And you can add them to virtually anything.

I've even used them to makeover glass cutting boards.

However, napkins are usually two or three ply, which is great if you're actually going to wipe your face with them. Not so great when you're using them for decoupage.

You must separate the layers.

All of them, which could be tough to do since they are very thin.

I usually peel the apart one at a time, leaving the decorative top layer ready for glue.

Step 3: Attach The Napkins To The Wood

Ok, so right off the bat I have to say that I don't use Mod Podge anymore for anything.

I use Dixie Belle Clear Coat instead. It doesn't smell and it works so much better.

But most people associate decoupage with Mod Podge and if that's what you like, have at it. 

Either way, I just brushed on a generous amount of clear coat so the napkin would stick. 

Step 4: Smooth Out The Napkin Wrinkles 

Then I took the napkin and placed it on the crate over the clear coat.

I tried my best to center it and not wrinkle it. 

Of course, there were a few bubbled spots, so I used a gloved hand to smooth them out. 

You could also use a piece of plastic wrap or a zippy bag to smooth out the decoupage wrinkles. That tactic works equally as well.

One note...I did flip the second napkin so the patterns wouldn't be exactly the same. I wanted to add a bit of whimsy and interest and that did the trick. 

Step 5: Add Mod Podge On Top Of The Napkin

The last step in this process is to coat the top of the napkin with more decoupage gel with a bit of the green stain mixed in.

That extra drop of color added to the weathered look of the crates.

I simply brushed it on, gently, over the napkin to seal it in place. 

Then I coated the entire crate with the Clear Coat for good measure.

And because I like a bit of shine.

That's it, that's all it took to make two vintage styled custom crates that matched my decor.


And ready for my new cottage style family room.

Fabulous.

Now if that sofa would show up, I'd be in business. 😉

Which crafty crate makeover is your favorite so far?



This post is sponsored by Crates And Pallet. You can read my full disclosure here.