This DIY rustic woodburning keepsake gift idea is super simple to make even if you have never tried using a wood burning pen before.

If you can trace, you can do this project.

It makes a fun and easy gift idea for Valentine’s Day, weddings, and is perfect for the five-year wedding anniversary which is traditionally made of wood.

You may also like DIY Keepsake Gifts for Him or Her.

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DIY Rustic Woodburning Keepsake Gift Idea

I have provided a free printable template that you are welcome to burn on any piece of wood to use non-commercially.

DIY Rustic Woodburning Keepsake Gift Idea Materials

12X5 inch plaque or Basswood Round, Extra Large (This link leads to all sizes – medium would be large enough)
Light sandpaper or Sanding Foam Block
Pencil
Painter’s Tape
Graphite Paper
Woodburner Pen
Artist Paint Brushes
Red Acrylic Paint
Wood Polish or Mod Podge [to seal and protect]

DIY Rustic Woodburning Keepsake Gift Idea Directions

1. Lightly sand the piece of wood you will be using.

2. Print out the free template You+Me=Love

3. Cut out the “You+Me=Love” design making sure to leave 1/2 to 1 inch of paper around the design.

4. Tape graphite paper to wood about the same size as your printable cutout. (See process photo collage below.)

5. Tape design to wood on top of graphite paper–use a ruler to center it.

6. Trace the outline of the design onto the wood using a pencil by pressing hard enough to cause the graphite to transfer to the wood. Make sure to trace each part of the pattern. [Use a colored pencil if you have one to see where you have traced so you don’t have any blank spaces in the pattern once you take it off.] Because this in an engraved font, I traced the outline of each letter and lightly shaded in the dark areas to make it easier to know exactly what to burn.

7. Remove graphite paper and design. Double check that the entire pattern is transferred before you take off the design.

8. Burn pattern into the wood by tracing the design with a woodburning pen. [Practice first if you’ve never used one–they are pretty simple to get the hang of in a short time.]

9. Paint heart red. You can re-burn the pattern after you paint if you make any minor mistakes.

10. Seal, protect and beautify with beeswax wood polish or Mod Podge.

This DIY rustic woodburning keepsake gift idea is perfect for the special someone in your life.

It makes a lovely gift for Valentine’s day, weddings, and anniversaries. It would also be perfect for the five-year wedding anniversary which is traditionally made of wood.