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DIY Faux Wood Platter

faux wood platter
I may or may not be completely obsessed with the faux bois trend that has been going on for the last year or two. Whenever I see a vase or candle or anything that looks like wood, I make a beeline for it! So it just figures that I also have craft supplies in my stash to make my own fun projects with the wood grain look.
Today I want to show you how my made this faux wood platter. Its simpler than you may think!

smooth finish floracraft
The main supplies you need for this project are a piece of Styrofoam, Smooth Finish, and a faux bois embossing folder.

smooth finish
Spread the Smooth Finish over the top and sides of the Styrofoam with a plastic knife following the directions on the can. Its kind of like frosting cake. It does just what the title says and creates a smooth finish over the Styrofoam. I applied one coat and allowed it to dry. Once dry, I applied a second coat and immediately laid the embossing folder on top of the Smooth Finish and press firmly. Gently lift the folder off of the Styrofoam and press the folder around the rest of it to complete the wood grain look. Repeat with the edges.
Note: You may need to wipe off the embossing folder between applications with a wet paper towel.

smooth finish faux bois
If the embossing folder pulls off too much of the Smooth Finish for your taste, simply apply more and smooth it out then emboss again. Personally, I think the places where some of the Smooth Finish came off gives the wood more character.

paint smooth finish
The other great thing about Smooth Finish? Once its dry you can paint on it!
The color scheme is totally up to you. I started with a coat metallic copper. You can see how adding color is already starting to bring out the faux bois pattern. Since the copper is my base color I applied it with a bristle brush to be sure to get the paint into all the little nooks and crannies.
I followed up with very light coat of gold metallic paint that I applied with a wide foam brush. Keep very little paint on the brush to prevent it from going into the grooves of the wood. Also, be sure to paint with the grain.

faux wood initials
One last little trick that makes this fun to give as a gift… personalize it!
Use something pointed (I’m using the tip of an embossing pen) to carve out initials.
Fill it in with a marker that will allow the initials to be seen.

diy faux wood platter
Our new platter looks perfect up on a shelf! 

faux wood centerpiece
And also looks great as the base of a centerpiece. And no one will believe that is really Styrofoam!
Until they pick it up. 😉
My Repurposed Life, 30 Days, Tatertots & Jello, Serenity Now, and other great parties found on my party page.


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Morgan

Friday 24th of January 2014

This is such a cool idea! I love that you used styrofoam for this project! I found you at the Serenity Now blog hop!

Percolator of Life

Friday 17th of January 2014

I see this as a cake board. What a great idea. Where do you find the smooth finish? I don't think I have ever come across that in the hardware store. I love your blog so glad I found it. You inspire me.

Michele {The Scrap Shoppe}

Monday 20th of January 2014

Thank you so much! I actually received the Smooth Finish at a conference I attended last year, but I think you should be able to find it in your local craft store. Probably around the Styrofoam.

Gail Wilson

Monday 13th of January 2014

that IS amazing Michele! :)

gail

Pauline Molinari

Saturday 11th of January 2014

That is amazing!!

malia

Friday 10th of January 2014

This is super cool Michele. I would never have thought it was styrofoam!

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