Farmhouse Cookbook Stand Makeover with Calendar Art - From Rusty to Rustic

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If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to repurpose a thrifted metal cookbook stand, or other similar piece, this Farmhouse Cookbook Stand Makeover might just be your next favorite DIY! In this project, I took a plain metal stand and turned it into a charming kitchen accent using chalk paint and a page from one of my favorite farmhouse calendars. This tutorial will walk you through the entire process—from prepping your stand to sealing in your design. Let’s get started!

✂️ Supplies Needed:

Metal cookbook stand (thrifted or from your stash)
Waverly Chalk Paint in Plaster
Farm-themed calendar page
Water pen or paintbrush with water
Matte Mod Podge
Foam brush or paintbrush
Sanding block (optional for distressing)

🖌️ Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clean & Prep Your Stand

Start by wiping down your cookbook stand to remove dust or grime. This helps the paint adhere better.

Close-up of an ornate dark metal cookbook stand with hanging chains, shown before any paint or decoration.

2. Add the Chalk Paint

Using Waverly Chalk Paint in the color Plaster, give your metal stand a whitewashed look. I didn’t fully coat the stand—I went for a dry-brushed, rustic effect that still lets some of the original metal peek through. Let it dry completely.

The cookbook stand after being dry brushed with Waverly chalk paint in the color Plaster, giving it a rustic whitewashed look.

3. Tear Your Calendar Page

Pick your favorite image or phrase from a farmhouse-style calendar. I used a page that says Farm Fresh Honey with a barn graphic. To give it a more organic look, I used a water pen to lightly trace around the wording and then tore the paper gently along the wet edges.

Close-up of a hand holding a water pen, tracing around the words on the calendar page to create a torn edge effect.

4. Decoupage Time!

Apply a thin layer of matte Mod Podge to the back of your calendar page and press it onto the center of the cookbook stand. Smooth it out gently, working from the center outward to avoid bubbles and wrinkles.

The torn calendar page decoupaged onto the cookbook stand, with the text “Farm Fresh Honey” centered on the whitewashed background.

5. Seal the Deal

Once it’s in place and mostly dry, brush another thin coat of Mod Podge over the top of the paper to seal it in. Let that dry completely.

Bottle of Mod Podge held in front of the cookbook stand, which now features the decoupaged calendar page sealed in place.

6. Blend & Distress (Optional)

To make the paper blend more naturally into the background, I dabbed a bit more chalk paint around the edges of the paper. You can even distress the stand a little more with a sanding block if you want extra farmhouse charm.

Final image of the finished cookbook stand, now fully transformed with a farmhouse design and white chalk paint distressing.

Want to Save this Farmhouse Cookbook Stand Makeover for Later? Pin it!

Pinterest graphic showcasing a farmhouse-style cookbook stand makeover. The stand is painted with white chalk paint and features a decoupaged “Farm Fresh Honey” design. The pin includes the title “From Rusty to Rustic: Farmhouse Cookbook Stand Makeover” and branding from My Eclectic Treasures.

I hope you enjoyed this project and that it inspires you to create something similar for your home decor. Be sure to join our email family so we can keep in touch—crafts, tips, and inspiration are always better when shared with friends!

🛠️ More Decoupage Projects You’ll Love:

Bloom Where You’re Planted Calendar Project

Vintage Metal Boiler Tub Makeover

Mini Fall Cutting Board Diy by Word & Home

Diy Oval Wood Tray Makeover by Just That Perfect Piece