Primitive DIYs: Pantry Boxes, Samplers and Checkerboard plus Free Printables

EASY PRIMITIVE DIYS - PANTRY BOXES, SAMPLERS AND PANTRY CHECKERBOARD

There’s something special about the simple pieces often found in primitive homes. From weathered pantry boxes and hand-stitched samplers to old checkerboards worn from years of use, these timeless pieces add warmth, character, and a sense of history to a space.

One of the things I love most about primitive decorating is that many of these classic pieces can be recreated and enjoyed in our homes today. Whether displayed on a shelf, tucked into a cupboard, or layered into a vignette, they help create that collected, lived-in look that makes a house feel like home.

To help you create some of these classic primitive-inspired pieces, I’ve included a collection of printable pantry labels and sampler designs. The pantry labels can be used on pantry boxes, jars, baskets, and other storage pieces, while the sampler designs are perfect for framed displays, pillows, and other creative projects.

The sampler designs were inspired by the cross-stitch samplers commonly found in early American homes. Simple motifs, houses, birds, flowers, and meaningful sayings made these pieces both decorative and personal. Today they remain a beloved staple in primitive decorating and add a touch of timeless charm wherever they’re displayed.

The pantry labels were designed with that same primitive spirit in mind. While perfect for pantry boxes, don’t be afraid to get creative and use them on other projects throughout your home. Sometimes the simplest details are what make a piece feel truly special.

Download the Free Primitive Samplers & Pantry Labels

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How I Print on Fabric

If you’d like to use the sampler designs on fabric for pillows or framed pieces, printing on fabric is easier than you might think.

I start by cutting a piece of muslin fabric slightly smaller than a sheet of copy paper. I usually cut my muslin fabric 8×10. Most of the time I use muslin that I’ve coffee- or tea-stained beforehand for a more aged, primitive look. I lightly spray the back of the fabric with spray adhesive and attach it to a sheet of copy paper. Once it’s smooth and secure, I simply feed it through my inkjet printer and print the design just as I would on regular paper.

For best results, be sure to use an inkjet printer, as this method will not work with a laser printer. I’ve been using my inkjet printer from Walmart (click HERE for printer) for years, and it works beautifully for projects like these. You can find the printer I use here.

The muslin fabric I use is from Hobby Lobby, but any lightweight muslin should work well.

I’ve shared this process in several videos over the years, and you’ll also see exactly how I do it in the video accompanying these projects. Once you try it, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create primitive-style samplers, pillows, and other fabric projects at home.