DIY Timeworn Cottage Decor Craft with Spindle Birds & a Scalloped Interchangeable Frame
There’s something special about creating decor that feels like it has a story to tell. This DIY cottage decor craft brings together soft layers, timeworn finishes, and simple techniques to create pieces that feel collected rather than newly made.
Today I’m sharing two projects, a large scalloped interchangeable frame with a vintage botanical transfer and a pair of sweet spindle birds. Both projects use DIY kits from my shop.
Because they’re finished on both sides, these spindle birds can be styled in so many places — on a kitchen counter, a coffee table, or anywhere you’d like a little cottage character. The frame is just as flexible, with an optional easel back so it can sit on a surface, or a hanger if you prefer to display it on the wall.
A Cozy Cottage Vision with Timeworn Details
When I start a project like this, I’m always thinking about how it will live in a home. Cottage decor feels warm, intentional, and nostalgic. It has a relaxed, lived-in quality, with layered textures, natural materials, and pieces that carry a sense of history. Vintage finds, floral details, and timeworn finishes all come together to create a home that feels personal and well-loved.
Soft whites, worn edges, and layered finishes help create that timeworn look we love. By combining milk paint, waxes, and subtle gold touches, these pieces come together in a way that feels old, but still fresh.
DIY Timeworn Spindle Birds
These spindle birds have a simple shape, which really lets the paint and finish be the star of the project. The steps below are brief; you’ll find the full step-by-step process in the YouTube video below.
Supplies Used
- Spindle Bird Wood Kit from my shop
- Water-based stain by Saman in Dark Oak
- Fusion Milk Paint in Gustavian White
- Behr Wax in Clear, Antique, and White
- Rub ’n Buff in Gold Leaf
- Titebond Quick & Thick Wood Glue
- Small clamps
- Sandpaper
- Heat gun
- Paint brushes
- Fabric for bows
I began by staining the wood with Dark Oak. Once dry, Gustavian White milk paint was applied in 2 layers, with the heat gun used between layers to help it crackle.
Wax is where these birds really come to life. Clear wax seals everything in, while antique and white wax add softness and depth. A small touch of gold leaf Rub ’n Buff on the beak and wings finishes them off with just the right amount of cottage charm.
These birds are a sweet accent on their own, but they also pair beautifully with the Scallop Frame below.
Large Scalloped Interchangeable Frame with an IOD Botanical Transfer
The scalloped oval frame is one of those pieces that adds charming cottage character, and the interchangeable insert lets you change the look with the seasons.
Supplies Used
- Large Scalloped Oval Interchangeable Frame Kit from my shop
(includes 1 interchangeable insert) - IOD Rose Botanical Transfer
- Fusion Mineral Paint in Chocolate and Casement
- Pentart Fine Line Crackle
- Candle wax
- Scraper tool
- Sandpaper
- Titebond Quick & Thick Wood Glue
- Behr Wax in Clear and Dark
- Dixie Belle Clear Coat
- Pentart Antique Wax
- Pentart Gold Paste
- Pentart Clear Varnish Gloss (solvent-based)
- Paint brushes
I painted the frame using Chocolate then Casement, with candle wax in between so we can reveal the chocolate underneath, allowing the darker tone to peek through in worn areas.
Once the Rose Botanical transfer was applied and sealed with a clear coat, I added the Fine Line Crackle to bring in that aged look. To enhance the cracks, I finished it off with Pentart antique wax and a touch of gold paste.
The interchangeable insert makes this frame especially versatile. You can change out the artwork as the seasons change while keeping the same beautifully timeworn base.
Why I Love Interchangeable Cottage Decor
Interchangeable decor makes it easy to refresh your home without starting over each season. It’s practical and especially well-suited to a cottage-style home, where pieces are meant to be used and enjoyed year after year. This frame feels just as right in spring with florals as it does in fall or winter with seasonal artwork.
Ready to Try This DIY Cottage Decor Craft?
If you enjoyed this project, be sure to save it on Pinterest so you can come back to it later.
You can also find both DIY kits used in my shop, ready to be created in your own home.
And if you’d like more cozy home ideas, seasonal decorating inspiration, and DIY projects, I’d love for you to join my newsletter below. It’s the best way to stay connected and see what’s coming next.
With grace,
Kimberly
