How to Make DIY Custom-Stained Spoons

With a few items, including wood stain, painter’s tape and food-safe oil, you can give each spoon handle a unique design or pattern.

Here's what else you'll need:

• Fine grit sanding block
• Set of wooden spoons or wooden utensil set
• Tack cloth
• Measuring tape
• Painter’s tape
• Scissors
• Stain sponges
• Fast-drying interior wood stain
• Food-safe oil
• Twine

• Using a fine-grit sanding block or sandpaper, start by gently sanding the lower two thirds of the spoon handles.
• Wipe the spoons with tack cloth or a rag to remove any leftover sawdust.

Next, it’s time to plan the design.

• Use measuring tape to determine which section(s) of each handle will be stained.
• Now, with painter’s tape, evenly and securely mask the areas on the handle that need to be protected from the stain.
• Try the dipped look on the very ends or create small stripes of stain up and down the lower part of the handle. The whole set can carry the same design or you can mix it up with unique layouts and different stain colors for each spoon.

• Dip a stain sponge or rag in a small amount of wood stain – a little goes a long way.
• Start at the edges of the tape and softly dab the stain onto the spoon in that area. It’s important that the stain isn’t brushed or pushed up by the tape, otherwise it will bleed under. The rest of the handle can be treated a little more freely with the stain.
• Let dry. Add additional coats, if needed, and let dry.

Remove the painter’s tape and wipe down handles to remove any residue.

• Use a clean stain sponge or rag to lightly apply food-safe oil to the handle wherever it was sanded. This will help finish the wood.
• Let cure according to the package instructions.

• Bundle the spoons like a bouquet and tie together with a piece of twine or narrow ribbon to complete the gift.
• If using in your own kitchen, consider placing utensils in a clear canister to show off your artistic designs.