Create a simple, yet classic VINTAGE LAVENDER SET with pine board, a drill bit, and stain. With several variations to choose from, you have the option to keep it simple or add charming flourish. No matter what you choose, the result is an adorable vintage piece to feature French lavender this spring season.

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon and Walmart Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This small compensation helps fund the projects and ideas found here at BoroughfareHome.

Giveaway on Instagram!

Increase your chances of winning one of these Vintage Lavender Sets by following me on Instagram. I will be giving away three (3!) sets. The rules for entering the random drawing will be outlined in the post.

The contest will begin on Thursday, February 25, 2021.

The winners will be anounced on February 28th. Good luck to you!

@boroughfare

Vintage Lavender Set for Spring

Hey, hey, hey! Spring is just around the corner! Mid-February is when I like to start transitioning the mood of my home. I don’t remove the wintery decor all at once, but slowly introduce lavender like it’s emerging from the frozen ground. Today, I’m sharing one of the ways that I love to display lavender in my home: a vintage lavender set. If you love spring, if you love vintage things, if you love lavender, then this project is for you.

Choose your ending

This vintage lavender set is very simple in concept. Because it’s so easy, you may find some extra time and energy to experiment with different variations. So that’s what I’m giving you today: lots of choices. I will be sharing five (5) different variations to choose from, should you opt to add some flourish. Or you can leave the wood stained, with a coat of wax and poly. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s simply beautiful.

Which Option Do You Choose?

Basic Material List (for all variations):

• 2×12″ Pine Board **(see notes)
• 2×10″ Pine Board **(see notes)
• 1/4″ Drill Bit
• Varathane Early American Wood Stain
• Varathane Water-based, Matte Finish Polyurethane
• Behr Dark Antique Wax (found at Home Depot) or Kilz Dark Wax
• Tape Measure
• Masking or Painter’s Tape
• Sander (or sandpaper)
• Dried Lavender

**These pine boards can be found at Lowes or Home Depot in 8 foot lengths. This is way more than you need for this project, so if you can find scrap pieces that would be best. However, you can cut several lavender sets out of an 8 foot length and give them out as gifts for a special occasion, like Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, birthdays, etc.. Or use them as center pieces. Or save the wood for another project.

Additional materials for options:

• Metallic Gold Paint (options #1-4)
• 1/2″ Wood Beads (option #3)
• Upholstery Tacks (option #2)
• Silicone molds for French Flourishes (option #4)
• Plaster or Epoxy Resin (option #4)
• Dremel Stylo with Bit 191 (option #3 and #5)
• Metal Number Decals (option #5)
• Gorilla Construction Glue, Wood Glue, or Hot Glue (**see note)  (option #2, #3, #4, #5)

(**Although it may seem like overkill, I prefer the construction glue because of its strong bond. You will need a gun to dispense the glue.)

Getting Started with your vintage lavender set

With a circular or miter saw cut a 4″ long piece from the 2″ x 12″ pine board. Then cut  a 3″ long piece from the 2″ x 10″ board. (Cut more pieces if making multiple sets). On the top of each piece draw a line down the center. Then mark at 1″ intervals. This is where you will be drilling holes.

Now mark the depth of your 1/4″ drill bit by wrapping it with tape. Measure approximately 2″ from the tip of the drill bit and then add the tape. The tape will be your guide for drilling holes into the wood. Drill each hole until you hit the edge of the tape. This will keep your holes uniform.

Make it Smooth

Using a sander or 220 grit sandpaper, round out the edges and give both pieces a smooth finish.

(**If you are opting for the antique gold button, then skip ahead to Option #3 NOW.)

(***If you are opting for the metal plaque insets, then skip ahead to Option #5 NOW.)

Now it’s time for a good coat of wood stain. I prefer to use Varathane Early American Wood Stain, but you can use whatever color stain you prefer. Let dry.

Once it’s dry, add a coat of dark antique wax for some added depth and texture.

Adding the the finish coat

Now it’s time to add a coat, or two, of Varathane Matte-Finish Polyurethane. This will keep your lavender stand set safe from wear and tear, but it also helps retain that deep color and beautiful glow from the antique wax. Make sure to use a matte finish to avoid giving your vintage home decor a “too new” sheen.

The Luscious Lavender

Once the poly finish is dry it is time to add the dried lavender. I usually add 3-4 stalks per hole, but it’s really a preference. Add the lavender until you are happy with the results. Then place your newly finished project where you can enjoy that lovely lavender on a daily basis. A touch of delicate color and scent; a reminder of spring and good things to come.

Option #1

ADDING AN ANTIQUE GOLD STRIPE

Make sure you have stained your wood pieces with the Varathane Early American Wood Stain and let dry.

Then tape off a 1/4″ strip about a half inch down from the top with painters tape. Firmly press the tape down to avoid any pooling or leaks when painting. Using a small art brush, apply a coat of Metallic Gold Paint. Let dry and repeat, until you have the desired coverage. I did three coats.

(TIP: The Art Minds Metallic Gold paint I have pictured here wasn’t the greatest product I’ve used. I linked to a product above that should perform better. But, I did manage to get some decent results from the Art Minds gold paint, so it’s up to you which direction you want to go. You should be able to find it at Michaels.)

Finishing Steps

• Once the metallic gold paint is dry, remove the painter’s tape and lightly sand the rough edges of the paint lines.

(If you would like to add some antique gold upholstery tacks then skip ahead to Option #2 NOW.)

• Rub or brush on a coat of dark antique wax. Wipe off any excess wax.
• Next, add a coat or two of a matte polyurethane varnish. Let thoroughly dry.
• Finally, fill each hole with 3-4 stalks of dried lavender. More or less depending on your taste.

Vintage Lavender Set with Antique Gold Stripe Reveal

It’s done! Now it’s time to find the perfect spot to feature that beautiful lavender in your home. 

OPTION #2:

ANTIQUE GOLD STRIPE with GOLD UPHOLSTERY TACKS

• Follow instructions in Option #1 for painting a Metallic Gold Paint stripe onto each stand.
• With a ruler, make a mark at the very center of the gold painted stripe on each stand.
• Then mark at 1.5″ intervals from the center mark. This is where you will hammer the upholstery tacks in.
• Using a small hammer, gently tap each upholstery tack in at the marks.
• With a small art brush, give each tack a few coats of metallic gold paint. Let dry.

Finishing Touches

• Apply a coat of dark antique wax, working the wax into the crevices of the gold tacks. Use a lint-free cloth to remove excess wax and let the gold color shine through.
• Brush on a coat or two of a matte-finish polyurethane. Let dry.
• Add 3-4 stalks of dried lavender to each hole on each stand. Use more or less according to your taste.
• Now it’s time for the reveal!

Vintage Lavender Set with Antique Gold Stripe and Tacks Reveal

OPTION #3:

ADDING AN ANTIQUE GOLD BUTTON

For this variation you have the option of simply painting a gold stripe or using a Dremel (with Bit #191) to carve out a line before painting with gold.

If you look closely at my photos you will see that I struggled to carve out a clean line because of the variations in the wood. Maybe if I wasn’t in such a hurry to finish I could have polished it up a little. However, I do believe that a little imperfection makes it more beautiful. Just know that if you are new to wood carving that it probably won’t turn out perfectly and that’s really okay.

PAINTED GOLD LINE ONLY:

• If you opt for the painted line only, then start by applying the Varathane Early American Wood Stain. Let Dry.
• Follow the instructions in Option#1 for painting an antique gold stripe, let dry, then lightly sand.
• Scroll down below for instructions for “adding the button and finishing”.

CARVING THE GOLD LINE:

• It’s best if your wood is raw and unstained for carving.
• If you are using the Dremel (and Bit #191) then mark out a line in pencil about 1/2″ down from the top of the stands.
• Take the 1/2″ wood button and place it in the center of the gold line. Trace the button with a pencil, then remove the button.
• Carve out the line and the circle with the dremel.
• Sand all the carvings very smooth with a 120-220 grit sandpaper.
• Apply the Varathane Early American Wood Stain

ADDING THE BUTTON and FINISHING:

• With a small art brush, apply a few coats of metallic gold paint to the button. Let dry.
• (For carving option: Apply a few coats of metallic paint to the carved line (or leave alone, it’s up to you))
• Add glue to the button (gorilla construction glue is my preference, or use hot glue or wood glue)
• Place button carefully on the center of the line, or into the carved circle, and let dry.
• Apply dark antique wax, working it into all of the crevices and grooves caused by the carving. Wipe away any excess with a lint-free cloth.
• Brush on 1-2 coats of a matte-finish polyurethane. Let dry.
• Add 3-4 stalks of dried lavender to each hole. Add more or less according to your taste.
• Now it’s time for the reveal!

Vintage Lavender Set with Antique Gold Button Reveal

OPTION #4:

ADDING ANTIQUE GOLD FRENCH FLOURISH

This option requires silicone molds and ceramic plaster, or epoxy resin. I’m linking to very similar silicone molds to what I used but you can use whatever design you want.

TIP: the plaster is cheaper and will go farther than the resin. It also takes paint MUCH better than the resin; however, the resin is much more accurate and picks up every detail of the mold. Also, resin doesn’t break easily like the plaster does. It’s also pliable, so you can use it on curvy shapes. Just be aware that if you choose the resin, then plan on applying several coats of metallic gold paint.

Making French Flourishes

• Place silicone molds on a flat surface. You may want to place some newspaper or wax paper under the molds for easy clean-up.
• Carefully follow the directions on the Epoxy Resin or Plaster packages for preparing your mixture.
• Fill molds, making sure the mixture gets into all the crevices. Be careful not to overfill. And, wipe off any excess to ensure you have a flat surface. Agigate the mold to release any bubbles.
• Let dry for 24 hours, then release from the molds.

Adding French Flourish to Wood Stands

• Give the pieces of flourish a few coats of metallic gold paint. (I forgot about painting until it was too late and it was already glued on. It wasn’t a huge deal—but don’t make my mistake.)
• Measure the center of the wood stands about 1/2″ down from the top.
• Apply glue to the flourishes (I prefer gorilla construction glue, but you can use hot glue)
• Place flourishes onto the wood stands. Let dry.

Antiqueing the Gold Flourishes

• Generously apply a coat of dark antique wax to the flourishes and the wood. Work a heavy amount into the crevices of the flourish designs. Gently wipe away excess wax from the more promiment points of the design but leave the wax in the recesses.

Finishing Touches

• Apply 1-2 coats of a Varathane Matte-Finish Polyurethane. Let dry.
• Add 3-4 stalks of dried lavender to each hole. Use more or less, to your taste.
• Now it’s time for the reveal!

Vintage Lavender Set with French Flourish Reveal

More French Flourish Reveal

OPTION #5:

ADDING NUMBER METAL PLAQUES

This option requires metal number plaques and a Dremel Stylo with Bit #191.

• It’s best to work with raw, unstained wood (so hopefully, you haven’t stained yet)
• Mark the center of your wood about 1/2″ down from the top.
• Place the metal plaque at the center mark and trace with a pencil. Remove the plaque.
• Start carving with the Dremel Stylo. Check to see that the metal decal with fit comfortably, but snugly into the carving. Keep working with the wood until you are satisfied with the appearance.
• Sand very smooth with a 120-220 grit sandpaper.

Finishing your Vintage Lavender Set

• Apply Varathane Early American Wood Stain, wiping off any excess. Let dry.
• Glue the metal decal into place with construction glue (or hot glue). Let dry.
• Rub on a generous coating of dark antique wax, especially in the crevices of the metal number carving. Wipe off excess.
• Apply 1-2 coats of Varathane Matte-Finish Polyurethane. Let dry.
• Add 3-4 stalks of dried lavender to each hole. Use more or less according to your taste.
• It’s time for the reveal!

More Metal Number Decal Reveal

So, that’s it folks

We’re at the end of the. longest. post. I’ve ever made. Congratulations! Hopefully youv’e seen something here that inspires you to create this project, or any project. I’m just thrilled to be part of this journey with you. Creativity is one of the biggest blessings in my life. This is why I can’t leave well enough alone. I couldn’t just make one lavender set, noooooo,  I had to make six different ones! I know I’m crazy! But the prospect just really excited me.

More fun things planned

Not to worry, the lavender fun is not over yet—another project is coming. And I didn’t forget about the other projects I promised in prior posts. So, here is a break down of what’s coming next:

• French-Inspired Antique Frame: using a cheap dollar frame purchased at Michaels, plaster molds, and antique gold paint.
• Scottish-Inspired Candle Posts: using a simple 4 x 4 post and a Dremel.
• Lavender Scented Heating Bags: using essential oil, rice, linen, and a bit of feminine lace.
• Mood Board for a French Garden: let’s explore moods, colors, textures, and tones that combine to create a breathtaking garden.

Other Vintage-Inspired Projects

If you enjoyed this post, then I invite you to check out these charming Vintage-inspired projects:

VINTAGE TIERED STAND
HOW TO MAKE AN ANTIQUE MIRROR

See ya next time!

I’m gonna be doing more giveaways in the future because I always make too much stuff—haha! (Dang that creativity addiction!) So don’t forget to check back in soon.

As always, take care and continue working on those projects. Enjoy the last of these cozy winter nights in front of a warm, glowing fire and I’ll see you on the other side. 🙂