how to make diy cross sign using dollar tree supplies

I spotted this cross and wooden tray while perusing my local Dollar Tree, and I instantly had a project in mind! While I’m out and about, my mind is constantly thinking of what something COULD be!

As a Christian, I love the cross and what it stands for. While many cross projects are for Easter, the cross is a symbol in the Christian faith year ’round, so I am not calling this an Easter craft, per se…although it can definitely be used as that too! As for a “theme”, I I am going for a colorful and whimsy look because THAT is my style! As always, feel free to use this as inspiration to match your taste!

SUPPLIES NEEDED: *ref links used

Wooden Cross from Dollar Tree
Wood shaped tray from Dollar Tree Plus section
Re-Fabbed Branded Hot Glue Gun
A-Frayed-Knot Paint in the following colors: Cotton, Midnight, Re-Fabulous, Carnation, Firehouse, Pineapple
Apple Barrel paint in Crisp Green

To see the ENTIRE process, be sure to watch my LIVE VIDEO on FACEBOOK!

First, I removed the price sticker from my wood shaped tray and painted it the color Cotton along with the sides of the tray.

After I sat the tray to the side to dry, I removed the twine from my wooden cross. I decided to paint the cross and the sides in the color Cotton also. I feel the paint goes on easier when it has a nice, even base!

Next, I grabbed a thick paint brush and began to paint stripes in the color Midnight around the edge of the tray. How fun is this looking???

I picked up my small paint brush and painted very whimsy strokes onto the bottom of the tray in the color Re-Fabulous as a base. I then made more whimsy strokes in the color Crisp Green to make it look like more realistic grass! TIP: don’t hold your brush down hard for this- super light strokes will help you achieve this look!

I moved my tray out of the way, and began to paint florals on the cross. I always enjoy painting florals, and love to look at photos for inspiration while painting. I actually looked over at this picture on my mantel for inspiration! SEE HERE—> https://www.re-fabbed.com/how-to-add-color-and-texture-to-your-mantel/

For my florals and greenery, I used the colors Re-Fabulous, Carnation, Firehouse, Pineapple by A-Frayed-Knot and Crisp Green by Apple Barrel.

Don’t think too much about the florals, y’all! Just look at a picture for inspiration if you need to and GO FOR IT! I always love to add what I call “highlights”, and I truly believe it makes ALL the difference!

I glued the cross to my tray using my Re-Fabbed Hot Glue Gun, of course!!!

There you have it, folks! Can you even believe this entire project only cost me $4 to make?!?! I love this to sit out to remember the TRUE meaning of Easter and what the cross means to me.