Stain Board

Have wood cut to desired size at a home improvement store or use a scrap piece of wood. Apply stain in the direction of wood grain to surface and sides of board with a clean cotton rag. Wipe off excess stain and allow to fully dry. Tip: Wearing latex gloves will protect your skin from the stain.

Apply Crackle Medium and Paint

Using a one-inch wash brush, coat the entire board in crackle medium, brushing with the wood grain. Follow manufacturer's directions for drying time. Once crackle coat is dry, brush on latex paint with a two-inch sash brush. Allow crackle to activate and paint to dry.

Drill Holes for Knobs and Install D-Ring Hangers

Measure and calculate positions for the knobs in a way that is visually pleasing and mark with pencil. Equip drill with drill bit that is slightly larger in diameter than screws used in knob assembly. Center drill bit on each pencil mark and drill a hole straight through. To install D-rings, measure two inches down and one inch in from top of board near left and right corners, mark with pencil. Equip drill with a bit that is roughly half the diameter of the screws used in D-ring assembly. Center drill bit on each pencil mark and drill a hole roughly a half-inch deep. Use a screwdriver or driver bit to install hardware with D-ring pointing towards top of sign. Tip: A hammer and nail can be used to make pilot holes if an electric drill is unavailable.

Print, Transfer and Paint Lettering

Use a computer to create text in a font and size appropriate for sign. For this sign, Algerian 400 point font was used. Print text, cut out letters and tape together. Center lettering, then place transfer paper under the text and tape down. Use a capped pen to trace letters. Remove letters, transfer paper and tape. Using equal parts black, gray and burnt umber acrylics, paint over the traced letters. Mixing these three colors will create a soft and warm black that is appropriate for an antique sign. A half-inch angular shader brush is ideal for the lettering and a liner brush will allow more control for fine lines. Allow ample dry time.

Distress and Antique

Sand the edges and surface of board to simulate wear and remove some paint. Wipe off dust with a damp paper towel or cloth. To further distress sign, antique it by brushing on dark walnut wood stain with a two-inch chip brush and rub off with a damp paper towel. Work quickly and in small sections to prevent stain from getting too heavy. Allow stain to dry.

Install Knobs

Thread knobs through pre-drilled holes and hang. Use to store reusable grocery bags, shopping totes or aprons.