Mini Charcuterie Boards: A Thrift Flip Transformation (2024)

Craft a rustic charm with a DIY mini charcuterie boards from reclaimed wood.

Are you ready to turn ordinary thrift store finds into charming mini charcuterie boards that will impress your guests? I guess this would be a perfect combo with another Thrift Flip for Valentine’s Day project I did – Wine Rack Upcycle.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll take you through the process of transforming a basic cutting board into a set of stylish and functional mini boards perfect for serving appetizers. Inspired by a thrift flip challenge, we’ll show you how to unleash the creativity and breathe new life into old items.

Tools & Supplies

• Oscillating sander
• Ryobi Blower
• Scroll Saw
• Torch
• Cutting Board Wax

Steps to make a Mini Charcuterie Board from a Scratched Up Wood Pieces

Step 1: Thrift Store Hunt

The journey begins with a visit to our local thrift store, where I scoured the shelves for hidden gems. Russ and I always keep an open mind and let our imaginations run wild as we search for a suitable candidate—a simple, well-used cutting board will serve as the perfect starting point for this project, just make sure it’s solid wood!

Step 2: Planning and Preparation

Once you’ve found your cutting board, it’s time to envision its transformation. In this case, I aim to create multiple mini charcuterie boards from a single larger board. I think the mini charcuterie boards are super cute for serving appetizers or snacks when you are hosting a dinner party or an event with friends or family or colleagues.

I sketched out my ideas and gather the necessary materials, including frog tape, cardboard for creating templates, sandpaper (starting from a lower grit and gradually moving up), and a scroll saw for cutting.

Step 3: Sanding and Shaping

Begin by thoroughly sanding the cutting board to remove any imperfections and create a smooth surface using an oscillating sander. Pay close attention to knife marks and rough edges, working your way up to finer grit sandpaper for a flawless finish.

This step is essential for achieving professional-looking results. I started with 80 grit, and then 120, and finally 150.

Step 4: Template Creation

Using cardboard, I created a template for the mini charcuterie boards. Measure and mark the desired size and shape, ensuring they fit neatly onto the cutting board. Precision is key here, as accurate templates will guide your cutting process and result in uniform boards.

I traced a circle using a roll of frog tape, and then hand drew the handle – you can see exactly how I did this in the video linked below.

Step 5: Cutting and Tracing

With your templates in hand, use frog tape to outline the shapes onto the cutting board. Position the tape as close to the edges as possible for clean, defined lines. Once traced, carefully cut out the shapes using a scroll saw, following the taped outlines for accuracy.

Step 6: Sanding Again

After cutting, your pieces may have sharp or rough edges that require further sanding. While sandpaper can be used for this task, an oscillating sander will expedite the process, smoothing out any remaining imperfections for a polished look.

Finally, you can use sand paper to knock down the edges slightly by hand so that there are no sharp edges or corners.

Step 7: Optional Torch Treatment

For added flair, consider using a torch to blacken the edges of your mini boards. This step is purely aesthetic but can enhance the overall appearance, especially when combined with a contrasting stain. Proceed with caution and test on a scrap piece before applying to your boards.

I personally really wanted a darkened edge against the dark stain, and I love how these turned out.

Step 8: Staining and Finishing

Now it’s time to bring my mini charcuterie boards to life with stain. I applied my preferred shade, which was dark walnut, evenly across the surface, allowing it to penetrate and enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Once dry, I finished with a coat of cutting board wax to seal and protect the boards for future use.

Step 9: Admire Your Handiwork

Step back and admire the transformation—a humble cutting board has been reborn as a set of stylish mini charcuterie boards ready to elevate my entertaining game. Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these handmade creations are sure to impress.

I am excited to show off my new DIY and newfound treasures with friends and family!

Display your own DIY mini charcuterie boards proudly, knowing that they were crafted with care and creativity. And don’t forget to share your experience on social media or in crafting communities—inspire others to embark on their own thrift flip adventures!

Pairing these charming DIY mini charcuterie boards with the elegant DIY charger plates (that I also did before) creates a delightful ensemble our dining experience, for sure.

Thrift flipping offers endless possibilities for creativity and resourcefulness. With some imagination and basic crafting skills, you can transform ordinary items into extraordinary treasures. By following these simple steps, you too can embark on a journey of thrift store exploration and DIY delight. So why wait? Start flipping and unleash your inner artisan today!

Be sure to check out the video below to see the full process!

Let me know what you think – what would you have turned this board into if you found it?