DIY Fall Welcome Sign from an Old Rake!

Hi! I’m Tiffany from The House Down the Lane, and I’m thrilled to be guest blogging  at Old House to New Home! Today I’m sharing this DIY Welcoming Fall Rake.

I’ve been wanting to add a rake to my fall decor for several years, but I couldn’t find one that had the right feel: a little bit vintage but not completely trashed.

A couple of weeks ago, I was perusing my local flea market and found a perfect rake for a mere $4.00. I snagged that baby up faster than you can say, “Score!” :0)

Then I rushed back to the house to start planning!

I wanted to add a few fall-inspired details to this rake, so I picked up a berry garland and a small grouping of fall-colored leaves from Michaels. I arranged them on the top of the rake, tweaking the layout until I was happy with it.

Once it was laid out the way I wanted, I secured the berry garland and leaves together then to the rake with wire. I also added some hot glue to help keep everything in place.

To hide the stems and the wire, I wrapped them with ribbon, secured it with hot glue, then added a bow.

You may have noticed that the ribbon that’s on the rake isn’t the one in the layout picture. The burlap ribbon I originally planned on using was too bulky and wouldn’t lay flat and neatly when tied, so I switched gears. And I’m actually really glad I did. I love the white and dark brown striped ribbon on this project!

And I love the leaves and berries, too!

Eventually I want to put this rake out on my front porch {when I get around to fall-ifying it}, so I wanted to add “Welcome” to the handle. And it was the perfect excuse to use my brand-new tool: a Walnut Hollow Creative Versa Tool!

I’m terrible at freehand drawing and writing. Seriously, my two-year-old nephew is better at it than I am! So, I printed a template and got out my trusty graphite transfer paper {love that stuff}.

Graphite transfer paper is super easy to use and very affordable!

I cut a piece of transfer paper approximately the same width and length as the “Welcome” I’d printed and taped it to my template. I positioned it on the rake handle, with the transfer side against the handle, and taped it down.

Then I just traced over the template. See? Super easy!

The next part was a little trickier.

I’ve never actually used my wood-burning tool before, so I practiced on a piece of pallet wood until I felt comfortable. Then it was onto the real thing!

The wood-burner worked beautifully, and I’m already thinking of lots of other wood-burning projects!

Here’s the DIY Fall Welcome Rake next to the buffet in the my dining room.

I really love it here, so there’s a chance it may never make it out onto the front porch!

Here´s the pinnable image!

What holiday decor items have you been hunting for?

If you liked today’s post, you might also enjoy my Fall Tablescape & DIY Favors and Rustic Tin Can Candle Holders! And, hey, I love connecting with craft, DIY, and home decor-obsessed peeps on social media, too!

A huge thank you to Amanda for having me!

Happy fall!