Pottery Barn Knockoff: How-to Make a Jumbo Watercolor Palette

I have seen the Pottery Barn Watercolor Palette for a couple years now and I’ve wanted to get it for the boys’ playroom/art wall. BUT, I didn’t want to pay $100 for it. I love Pottery Barn, but I’m on a Target budget.

I recently got the NEWEST issue of Pottery Barn Kids in the mail (and was excited to read through it). During nap time, I went to the patio to get a little “mommy time“.

As I was flipping though the pages, I SPOTTED that Watercolor Palette again. All-of-a sudden…a light went off!!

I love Pottery Barn, but I’m on a Target budget.

I thought, “How fun would it be to try making that myself?” Once my hubby got home, I told him my plan. We were BOTH excited to get started.

The next day we got up early and headed to Lowe’s and Michaels for our supplies.

Getting Started

Our FIRST stop was Lowe’s…to get our wood. We picked out a $12.00 piece of wood (6′ x 1′) and had it cut to 5′ x 1′. Then, we headed over to Michaels for our paint colors. I grabbed 8 different paint colors in a GLOSS finish.

Finally, we headed home and I rounded up the remaining supplies I needed.

Don't forget your large piece of wood ;)

Step 1 – Sand Your Wood

I went over the ENTIRE piece of wood (including sides) with a piece of general purpose sandpaper. I wanted my piece of wood to be as smooth as possible.

Then, I went over with a hand towel wiping off the excess wood dust.

Step 2 – Measure out Watercolor Squares

We wanted to make SURE the circles were evenly spread apart, so we decided to measure them 7 1/2 inches apart. Once we measured, I drew a line going STRAIGHT across (creating my squares to paint).

I wanted a visual of what my colors would look like, so I cut a circle in each color using my Silhouette Cameo.

Step 3 – Paint your Watercolor Squares

I decided on the order I wanted my paint watercolors (I went from lightest to darkest). Then, I painted every OTHER square first.

FINALLY, I went back and painted the blank spots (I didn’t want my colors to start mixing).

Step 4 – Add Swirly Circles to Watercolors

I really wanted my over-sized paint palette to look like a REAL watercolor palette, so I went back over with a thicker amount of paint and made swirls.

Step 5 – Cut Your Watercolor Circles

I measured out my circle stencils to be 5.8 inches in diameter using my Silhouette Cameo and cut them using vinyl. The vinyl works GREAT as a stencil!

I also used vinyl when making my stenciled Valentine heart frames.

Step 6 – Add Your Watercolor Circles

We measured out WHERE  we wanted to put our circles (centered right in the middle). It measured out to be roughly 2 1/2 inches on EACH side. Then, I kinda’ eyeballed centering each circle.

Step 7 – Paint Your Jumbo Palette

I painted around EACH of my circles in white (first painting outwards). Then, I went over the entire board. I ended up doing a TOTAL of 3 coats over the entire palette (letting each coat dry an hour).

Step 8 – Add Your Finishing Wax

I LOVE using finishing wax on any of my painting projects. I went over the entire palette with a SINGLE coat of finishing wax (using an old washcloth).

Step 9 – Peel Up Your Circles

I pulled out my “Trusty” weeding tool and gently peeled off my vinyl. I was very patient and took my time NOT to peel up any white paint.

Step 10 – Finishing Touches

Look at those fancy art frames! They're actually revamped Dollar Tree clipboards!!

I even made a small one as well (it was my practice watercolor palette).

This was SUCH an exciting project! It does take a little time to make (2 days), but I’m VERY pleased with the results!! Plus, it costs a little over $20.00 (I had most of the supplies on hand).

I think it looks GREAT on the wall with the crayon resist watercolor crafts I did with my boys!!

Love, Courtney