Home is Where the Heart Is

How about an unusual front door decor idea today? Jaime from That’s My Letter here to share this house shape door decor project with free plans to make your own.

A little play on “home is where the heart is,” this door decor is definitely different and not your typical wreath. I used 1×3 pine boards to make the house shape then added the cut out hearts to hang in the middle. (Yes the house shape does look like an arrow. If you want to make an arrow shape, those plans are below as well.)

This would also make great indoor wall art. Imagine all the paint color possibilities!

Supplies:

1 – 1″ x 3″ x 6′ pine board
1/4″ plywood scraps
miter saw
measuring tape
pencil
wood glue
finish nailer
1 1/4″ finish nails
3/4″ finish nails
scroll saw or jigsaw
sandpaper
wire hanger
drill
1/8″ drill bit
wood putty
white spray paint
red acrylic craft paint
paintbrush
clear exterior grade polyurethane spray

Below are the step-by-step instructions to make your own wood house shape door decor. Always follow all precautions and safety rules when using power tools.

Cut List:

1 – 1×3 @ 12 3/4″, one end 45 degree miter (roof)
1 – 1×3 @ 12″, one end 45 degree miter (roof)
2 – 1×3 @ 2 1/2″, one end 45 degree miter (roof overhang)
2 – 1×3 @ 13″ (sides)
1 – 1×3 @ 9 1/2″ (base)

Step 1: Assemble roof. Attach long side to short side using glue and 1 1/4″ finish nails.

Step 2: Add roof overhang pieces to mitered ends of roof. Use glue and 3/4″ finish nails here. Below demonstrates how to cut these super short mitered pieces.

First make your 45 degree miter cut into one end of the board. Then line up the long edge at 2 1/2″ long and clamp down the remaining board. Now you can make the cut safely and still have all 10 fingers!

Step 3: Attach the sides and base using glue and 1 1/4″ finish nails. Apply wood putty as needed, sand and paint.

Step 4: Cut out the hearts from 1/4″ plywood using a scroll saw or jig saw. (I drew them freehand to get the varied shapes.) Paint with red acrylic craft paint and sand the edges smooth. Stack and glue all the hearts together.

Step 5: Drill a small hole for the wire hanger into the roof line and glue the wire hanger in place.

Drill a small hole in the hearts near the center and hook the hanger through the hearts.

To make your house more stout (and less looking like an arrow), shorten the side pieces. You could use just one large heart and add the family name for a personalized gift. Hope you enjoy this unconventional door decor idea.

Speaking of home decor, did you enter the $1,000 Build.com #LoveItMoment giveaway? Only a few days left, so get crackin’!

~learn more about Jaime~