Log Blog

This spring I had to cut down a few dead trees (birch, pine, and willow). The whole time we were sawing limbs, I couldn’t stop thinking about how beautiful the wood was, and dreaming up different craft projects. If you have some logs lying around, here are some unique home decor ideas for practically free projects.

1) I love the retro look of wooden clocks. You can glaze the wood with an epoxy like Envirotex Lite, or a wood varnish. You can purchase clock parts at craft stores.

2) What about buttons? Use an electric miter saw to slice a branch into thin discs. Then use an electric drill with drill bit to make two small holes in each. These would looks so fabulous on a wool peacoat.

3) Stack cut rings to make a display for treats. Wouldn’t this be so cute at a hipster wedding?

4) Cut segments of a branch that have protruding limbs on one side. Screw these to a board to make a coat hanger, using the limbs as the peg hooks.

5) Slice a trunk into rings and coat with an outdoor varnish. Use the discs as stepping stones in a garden path.

6) Why not make some Tree Rings? I made these ones with wooden discs I bought at the craft store, but you could easily make them out of thinly sliced branches.

7) Use a circle-cutting drill attachment (the kind used to make holes for doorknobs) and drill holes in a log to fit candlesticks. This would be pretty in a non-functioning fireplace.

8) Hot glue twigs to a $1 photo frame for a uniquely natural look.

9) If the branches are thin and flexible, tie them together in a circle to make a wreath.

10) I used one of the tree trunks as a night stand. I love how it brings the outdoors in.

11) You could use a tree branch in place of a curtain rod. Trim off the excess limbs and hang curtains using rings.

12) Tree trunks can double as low stools. Add self-adhesive felt to the bottom so they won’t scratch your floors.

13) A slice of a tree ring could be engraved with a heart and initials using a wood burner. Add picture-hanging hardware to the back. Super cute (and cheap) wedding gift!

14) What about a sunburst wreath using twings? This wreath was made with paper straws, but could easily be done with twigs instead.

Can you think of any other project ideas featuring logs or branches? Share them below… because I have a LOT of wood to use!