Christmas gift – DIY cheese board

Christmas gift - DIY Cheese board | Vin'yet Etc.

Christmas prep is in full swing around here and I must admit getting ready this early is one of the happy accidents of being a blogger! I’ve made my first Christmas gift this year, a DIY cheese board!

Yes, this gift is for myself but that doesn’t matter really, this simple little gift in any shape or any size I think would be a huge hit this holiday season! I know that I would LOVE to get something so thoughtful and personally made.

Christmas gift - DIY Cheese board | Vin'yet Etc. I have to start at the beginning of how this little piggy came to be… when I was growing up, my Mom had a cutting board that was in the shape of a pig. It was a laminated cutting board and was very well used…  This little pig has so many memories attached to him, all of the treasured times in the kitchen cooking with Mom, the fact that my Mother is no longer with us makes those memories that much sweeter. My Brother now lives in Mom and Dad’s home and when we were cleaning up, it didn’t seem right to take that little piggy out of “Mom’s kitchen”. Fast forward to this year… I asked my Brother to snap a photo for me, I wanted my very own piggy for my kitchen and thought what a wonderful gift this would make.

MomsCuttingBoard | Vin'yet Etc. Photo via : my brother, Johnny <3

 The things you will need to make your own cutting board/cheese board.

  • An old cutting board (I got mine at a yard sale for $2)
  • Tracing – tissue pager
  • Soft tipped felt maker
  • Wax free chalk tracing paper (or chalk)
  • Jig saw/scroll saw/band saw (what ever one you happen to have in your tool chest)
  • Sander and sandpaper (150 grit and 220 grit)
  • Butcher block sealing oil

Once I had the photo, Johnny sent me, I very simply traced the pig out…

TracingPiggy-VinyetETC

I wanted the exact shape of Mr. Pig and fiddling with printing it out and tracing, well that might include some math business and that just isn’t my thing. I wanted easy and fast so I just enlarged the photo on our computer (by dragging the corner of the photo until I had the desired size on my screen) taped some tracing paper over the screen and used a very soft tipped felt maker ( I didn’t want to leave an impression of the pig – even though I love him, on my computer forever).

Once your image is traced onto a piece of tracing paper it’s time to prep your surface… in this case I used an old cutting board I bought for $2 at a yard sale. I made sure the cutting board was disinfected and very clean by following some of these instructions.

 BeforeCuttingBoard-VinyetETCCleaned and ready for tracing.

Vintage ChalkTracingPaper | Vin'yet Etc.I happened to have some of this vintage tracing paper kicking around from my sewing basket… it worked perfectly for tracing Mr. Pig onto the cutting board.

ReadyToTraceI taped the pig’s tracing onto the top of the board and used some non-waxed chalk tracing paper sandwiched between the cutting board and the tracing paper, chalk side down. Then I  re-traced the pig with a harder pencil and a firm hand, just to make sure the image was transferred onto the board.

ReadyToCutOut |Vin'yet Etc.

And it’s ready to cut out… just make sure before you start cutting you can clearly see your image and of course always wear your safety goggles.

CuttingTheBoard-VinyetETCMr. Mans ended up cutting Mr. Pig out of the board… he has so much more practice with precise cutting than I do and I was way too nervous to ruin the board. I was not nervous of the tool, she goes pretty slowly, but I didn’t want to miss-cut and ruin the board. Yikes! He did an amazing job and I’m so glad he did that for me, yah TEAM! 😉

ReadyToSand | Vin'yet Etc.

Once he was all cut out I sanded him with 150 grit paper to start, this removed all of the old knife marks in the old board, then I finished it off with a 220 grit paper. I used a grippy pad under Mr. Pig, that just helps keep him still while sanding. Once he was all sanded and wiped down (to remove all of the sanding dust) I sealed the board with Watco butcher block oil, it’s a food safe oil that won’t change the colour of the wood but will deepen the tone and really bring out the grain, exactly what I wanted.

Christmas-gift-DIY-Cheese-board-VinyetETC

This gift can be given exactly as shown or it can be included in a gift basket filled with all of your favourite cheeses, crackers and yummy homemade goodies…

GiftBasketIdeas-VinyetETC

I’m pretty proud of this little pig… for the way he turned out and now, I have one just like Mom’s. I know she’d get a huge kick out of that. I hope I’ve inspired a little nugget of an idea for someone special on your Christmas list, even if it’s just for yourself.

Thank-you so much for stopping in for a visit, until next time.

Signature

I’m pretty thrilled to be joining these talented Canadian bloggers, we are sharing 10 awesome handmade Christmas gift ideas with you… please be sure to stop by and check out all of them, the unique ideas will surely inspire. I know they are inspiring me to make some more handmade Christmas presents for under the Christmas tree.

10-More-DIY-Christmas-Gift-Ideas | Vin'yet Etc.

 From the top, they are:

DIY Cheeseboard from Vin’yet Etc.

Christmas Ornament
from PMQ For Two

Sponge Toffee from Life Is A Party

Christmas Dog Bandana
& Reindeer Treat Pouch from DIY Passion

DIY Christmas Sachets from New House New Home

Easy Sew Christmas
Plaid Wine Gift Bag from Time With Thea

Movie Night in from The Inspired Home

Easy Infinity Scarf from The DIY Mommy

Homemade Orange Cream Milk Bath from Personally Andrea

Fabric Ball Christmas Decoration from Fresh Crush

Christmas gift - DIY Cheese board Message

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48 Comments

  • Reply AnnMarie Brown November 9, 2015 at 8:08 am

    This turned out beautifully! What a great idea.

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:21 am

      Thank-you, AnnMarie, I love how he turned out.

  • Reply Heather @ New House New Home November 9, 2015 at 8:22 am

    You should be proud of this project!! It’s awesome, Laurie. I have an old tabletop in the garage just waiting to be made into cutting boards – each of my siblings is getting one this year as a gift. You’ve inspired me. Heading off to check out that butcher block oil.

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:24 am

      Oh how cool is that? I’m so happy that you are inspired, that makes me so happy. I am very proud of this little pig and he perfectly fits into my farmhouse style. It was so easy… I can see me hunting for old cutting boards now.

  • Reply Karen November 9, 2015 at 8:27 am

    Well, you know now all of your friends and family may expect one of these beauties for Xmas this year! 😉 What a smart diy!!

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:26 am

      Haha, thanks Karen! It is a great gift idea and you can get elaborate and put him in a beautiful basket with all kinds of goodies or as is, either way this gift idea is a keeper for me… I may or may not start buying all of the old cutting boards in Kingston now… the possibilities!!!!

  • Reply Jane @SustainMyCraftHabit November 9, 2015 at 8:29 am

    Oh my goodness I love this! I would love a gift like this. And you have such a lovely memory every day of your mother. Thank you for sharing! Pinned and tweeted.

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:28 am

      Thanks so much, Jane! this little guy is very special indeed, the memories he evokes are beyond precious. thanks for sharing! xoxo

  • Reply Sheila Zeller November 9, 2015 at 11:57 am

    Awww, Lori your little pig is great! I love it!! Growing up we had a bunny cheese board and I’ve never forgotten it. This guy will surely be a statement piece for anyone lucky enough to be gifted one should you choose to make more 🙂

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Thanks, Sheila! I will for sure be making more… I want to make a whale for a friend… I’m afraid I’ll now be at the thrift store looking for all of the cutting boards! It was so easy to do and so special to get a hand made gift.

  • Reply Jen @ Fresh Crush November 9, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    What a great idea, Laurie! And, so touching you got the idea from memories with your Mom. Anyone would love to get such a thoughtful gift!

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:33 am

      Thanks so much, Jen! I can see me making more of these this holiday season.

  • Reply Kari November 9, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    Oh my goodness Laurie, I thought Wilbur of Charlottes web fame was the only talking pig out there but your cute oinker is telling me loud and clear to Pig out on two of my favorite things – fruit and cheese! Lol Love seeing the old school with the tracing paper too!

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:35 am

      I LOVE Charlottes web, that story still makes me cry! I’m such a baby! LOL Cheese may be my addiction, it’s sooooo yummy, paired with crunchy crackers, YUM! 🙂

  • Reply Bette @ bette's house November 9, 2015 at 3:28 pm

    That looks fantastic! I love it! Pinning!

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:35 am

      Thanks for the share Bette! 🙂

  • Reply Andrea @ personallyandrea November 9, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    Oh my gosh! Must have! Pretty please scan your piggy tracing and send to me???? And I’ll put my tracing paper on the computer screen too and my husband will absolutely die (as he always does at my lack of technical/math abilities!) And then I’ll ask him to cut it out for me too. Ha! Thanks so much for sharing Laurie!
    xo

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:38 am

      Pssst, you already have it! Open my post, right click on the photo that Johnny sent me and save as, then trace it. 😉 Yes for sure get him to cut it out if he’s like my Mr. VERY. PRECISE. I was terrified of cutting his ears and nose off, LOL.

  • Reply Dannyelle @ www.lifeisaparty.ca November 9, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    This turned out great…and makes me want to eat some kind of cured meat and cheese. So cute.

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:38 am

      Haha, glad you like it! Thanks for stopping in. ox

  • Reply Barb November 9, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    Oh I love it! I think it turned out perfectly, your Mom would be so proud.

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:39 am

      Thanks Barb!!!! 🙂 I love the way it turned out and yes I agree Mom would love that I have the same cutting board as her. xoxo Miss you!

  • Reply Thea November 9, 2015 at 9:56 pm

    Now this is a very special gift Laurie for so many reasons. I so enjoyed reading the story behind it. Since it represents so many memories I really don’t think you should give it away. You are also so resourceful and clever with the way you made it. First of all starting with an inexpensive used cutting board and then I love how you were able to transfer the shape onto the board. So clever! Enjoy your new cutting board and thank you for the inspiration!

    • Reply Laurie November 10, 2015 at 7:41 am

      Thank-you, Thea! Your words always make me happy, thank-you so much! I won’t be giving this little guy away, but I can see making more like this in my future!

  • Reply swell conditions November 10, 2015 at 9:20 am

    Oh my gosh that is TOO cute Laurie!! I wouldn’t give him (it’s a “him”, right?) away either – he’s a keeper!!! What a great story too, very special.

    • Reply Laurie November 16, 2015 at 8:56 am

      Thank-you Heather… I call him a him. 😉

  • Reply Ariel November 10, 2015 at 10:54 am

    This is so touching, and such a great idea! You find thrifted cutting boards all the time, and they’re not that expensive brand new! Now I just need a band saw 😉

    • Reply Laurie November 16, 2015 at 8:58 am

      Thank-you, Ariel. The whole world is different when the people you love are no longer in it… I look at everything differently now and having this little piggy gives me a piece of those special times. You are right, buying brand new is very reasonable, that way you don’t have to fuss with the cleaning. A band saw yes, but a jig saw would work too.

  • Reply Jelica November 11, 2015 at 6:28 am

    What a clever, cute idea. You are such a resourceful gal Laurie! Your project inspires so many other possibilities with other materials. I’ve got some large wood scraps in the garage beckoning me 😉

    • Reply Laurie November 16, 2015 at 9:00 am

      OH I am so glad Jelica! Can you email me on another topic, I’d love to chat with you, I’ve PMed you on your FB, but I think it may have gotten filed under, other.

  • Reply Christine November 11, 2015 at 7:21 am

    Wow!! Such a beautiful and unique gift! I love handmade gifts!

  • Reply Susan November 11, 2015 at 8:25 am

    He is adorable! I’m going to see if my husband can make me one. What size is he?

    • Reply Laurie November 16, 2015 at 8:20 am

      Hi Susan,
      This little piggy is 15″ wide from nose to tail and 8 1/2″ tall from bottom of feet to tips of ears. I’m glad you like him, he is kind of cute!

      • Reply Susan November 16, 2015 at 8:35 am

        Thank you Laurie! I hope to make one someday.

  • Reply Kim November 11, 2015 at 8:55 am

    Ok, this is the sweetest story and I love, love, love the resulting craft! I am a big fan of the pig! 😉 Pinning and copying!

    • Reply Laurie November 16, 2015 at 9:00 am

      Thank-you so very much Kim! xoxo

  • Reply Pam @ House of Hawthornes November 11, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Your little pig is adorable! Your mom would be proud!

    • Reply Laurie November 16, 2015 at 9:02 am

      Hi Pam!!! Thank-you, I think he’s pretty adorable too and I think you are right, Mom would have loved this project! xoxo

  • Reply Shauna November 12, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    Oh my, this is so adorable! What a great idea turning an old board into something fun and new for very little cost!

    • Reply Laurie November 16, 2015 at 9:03 am

      Thanks Shauna! You are correct very little cost, the most expensive thing was the butcher block sealer, but I just used a tiny bit, so really if you break it into how much I used it hardly cost anything.

  • Reply Alicia November 13, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    Oh my! You are amazing!!! What a fabulous gift and such a treasure to keep. Great job Laurie!!

    • Reply Laurie November 16, 2015 at 9:04 am

      Thank-you Alicia! I really appreciate that! 🙂

  • Reply Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple November 16, 2015 at 11:13 am

    Love this! You make it look so simple 🙂

    • Reply Laurie November 17, 2015 at 6:52 am

      Thank-you so much Liz. 😀

  • Reply Karla November 17, 2015 at 12:25 am

    What a cool idea!

    Talk about personalizing your cheeseboard instead of having a plain and possibly dull square board.

    A board with a history or memories…that makes it way more interesting 🙂

    Well done!

    • Reply Laurie November 17, 2015 at 7:01 am

      Thank-you so much Karla! xo

  • Reply Michele November 19, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    I have a cutting board just like this, what a great idea!

  • Reply Laurie November 21, 2015 at 10:41 am

    Laurie, I love this idea. I just wish I had your talents. I’m sharing this on my Friday Faves this week. Thanks for adding it to the Bloggertunities Share Thread.

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