It’s rusty, full of patina, and perfect for an upcycle. I’m definitely not one to turn down things with such patina because they offer so much potential. Funny thing is, this isn’t my first rodeo with a reclaimed whiskey barrel ring.

Back a year or so ago, my neighbor set out two whiskey barrel planters on the curb for trash. I drove by because I had to be somewhere, but…my family is at home. I text a quick message and they willingly help to drag them over to our driveway. Gotta love family for pitching in where needed! Here is one of the planters before I disassembled it. See what I did with them in these past posts.

However, this time around, I have this ring left and intend to make some festive fall decor. Sound like fun? Let’s roll!

DIY TIME

First, I head to my stash and find this piece of bead-board that is the perfect size. I love when that happens, don’t you? A smart DIYer always has a stash of goodies to pull from.

TERMS OF USE: If you want to create a sign, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own. 

In order to get it cut to fit, I need to set my jigsaw at an angle because the barrel ring is not flat, but assembled in a taper. Many don’t realize that jigsaws can do this kind of cut, but it really opens up what you can do with this tool.

However, before I begin cutting, I trace the shape of the ring on my bead-board, then I am ready to cut.

Next, now that my bead-board is cut, I want to add a bit more whimsy and dimension by adding a sweet pumpkin using a scrap piece of luan. This stuff is so handy for many things! I’m aiming to make a pumpkin cut-out to layer on my reclaimed whiskey barrel art.

You can find oodles of pumpkin drawings HERE, so you can make (or color) one of your own. We use this same site for the button art by my kids. (video demo below)

Finally, cutting is complete and I have a lil’ punkin’ and my bead-board ready to go for the next steps. My bead-board stays in place mainly on its own, but I add another step to keep assure that it does.

THE FINISH LINE

Last, in no time my wall art is complete. Doin’ a happy dance!!

The rusty patina alone is wonderful to add to the uniqueness of this sign. Also, I hand-paint the pumpkin to bring it to life.

Also, if you look close, you can see I use a natural reactive stain to age the wood. Then, a light whitewash of paint to give it texture. Likewise, I use old rusty washers and twine to reinforce the sign to stay snug in the ring.

Of course, a sign isn’t much of a sign without typography…one of my favorite things! You can see how I create my signs in this past tutorial.

If you’d like to make this sign a part of your own home story, you can find it and more available in my online store. Sign up for my free email newsletter for instant discount on your first purchase.

In addition, do pin and share my reclaimed whiskey barrel ring sign to inspire others to upcycle their “junk”. It’s contagious, I tell ya!

UP NEXT

Up next, my little motley crew from random finds is about to get a dressing up (or down). See their transformations HERE!

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Also, more fall fun like my reclaimed whiskey barrel ring wall art: