A personalized cutting board is a great gift idea that’s both practical and personal. Step-by-step instructions on how to make your own.
Custom cutting boards are a great personalized gift that the recipient will love for years to come!
When they learn that you made it, they'll definitely want to know how you made a beautiful and professional-looking gift!
I have made these for Christmas, weddings, housewarmings, anniversaries, and special occasions. They really do make a great unique gift.
AD: Shop Cricut.com
Craft Tutorial Video:
Like videos? I have a video tutorial for you! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel so you don't miss out on any future video tutorials!
Can you use a personalized cutting board?
Yes, you can use your personalized cutting board and keep these tips in mind.
- You cannot remove cut marks from a wood-cutting board. On most wood cutting boards you can cut on the back so you can still display the front.
- Regularly applying cutting board oil will help prolong the life of the cutting board.
- Do not place a wood-burned cutting board in the dishwasher. You should hand wash.
- Instead of cutting on a personalized cutting board, try using it as a serving board instead. So it can be put to use and still enjoyed.
Is a wood-burned cutting board food-grade safe?
This is a constant debate, and since I am not a doctor or a scientist I can't give you a 100% answer.
But for me, once I am done wood-burning I'll wash it with some mild soap and water, seal it with cutting board oil, then use it with no problem.
But if you are worried about it you can always play it safe and only use the back of the board for food prep.
Supplies You'll Need to Create this Project:
Items linked may go to similar items when exact items couldn't be found online. If you purchase through these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full Privacy Policy.
- Cutting Board
- Wood Burning Marker
- Cricut
- Etsy Monogram File
- Vinyl
- Transfer Tape
- Weeding Tools
- 220 Sanding Sponge
- Heat Gun
- Cutting Board Oil or Mineral Oil
- Paper Towels
- Cricut BrightPad (optional)
Ideas for Gifting along with the Cutting Board
Cut Design on a Cricut:
Purchase the design from Etsy and upload the file into Cricut Design Space.
Size the file so it will fit how you want it on your cutting board.
For my cutting boards, I wanted the design on the center, the darker part of the board so I sized accordingly.
Cut the design out of vinyl using your Cricut cutting machine.
Preparing the Stencil:
Weed the design using some vinyl weeding tools. Since we are using the vinyl as a stencil you will want to remove the positive of the design (or the text) and leave the negative.
I love to use my BrightPad when weeding because it helps me see the cut lines, but it is completely optional.
Place a piece of transfer tape over the top of the vinyl stencil.
Preparing the Cutting Board:
The cutting board I am using is bamboo. I love how the wood grain looks and they hold up really well.
Sand the cutting board using 220 grit sandpaper.
The smoother the surface, the less likely your ink will bleed when coloring with the marker.
Lay the vinyl stencil onto the cutting board where you want the design.
Slowly and carefully peel back the transfer tape.
Vinyl doesn't really like to stick to wood, so press the vinyl down with the scraper tool while peeling. Then press the vinyl into the wood using your finger. Make sure to push out any bubbles.
Wood Burning the Cutting Board:
With a paper towel handy, color in the stencil with the wood-burning marker.
Dab the tip of the marker every so often on the paper towel because you don't want excess ink, that will cause the design to bleed.
You can also dab the paper towel onto the top of the wood to soak up extra as well.
Depending on the color of the wood, it may be hard to see the marker ink on the cutting board, but it is there. You don't need to add more ink to try and see it.
Wood Burning the Cutting Board:
Heat the heat gun to 1000° F.
Leave the vinyl stencil on the board and apply the heat all over the inked design.
Be careful not to add heat around the outside of the stencil. You only want the burn to show inside the stencil area where you applied the marker.
While still warm, peel back the vinyl stencil with a weeding tool. If you wait too long the vinyl will leave a sticky residue since it has been heated.
To protect the board, apply some Cutting Board Oil with a paper towel, rag, or cotton round like I did.
Let the cutting board "dry" for at least an hour before packaging to gift.
How to Package the Personalized Cutting Board:
Slide the cutting board into a clear cellophane gift bag. Mine measured 8 x 12 inches.
On the backside of the board, slid in some cheese, summer sausage, and a cheese knife.
Fold the cellophane bag over itself and secure it with tape.
On one side you'll see the personalized cutting board.
And on the other side, you'll see the yummy cheese and sausage.
Our Crafting Essentials:
- The Cricut Cutting Machine is easily our favorite crafting tool. We use it in so many of our tutorials!
- These MakerX Crafting Tools are perfect for keeping in the craft room and are always ready when needed!
- This Fiskars Paper Trimmer is easy to use and cuts nicely without frayed edges.
- These Scotch Precision Scissors cut like a dream, and you get multiple pairs in a pack!
Leave a Reply