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7 Ways to Upcycle a Fallen Tree
When a tree falls, turn its branches into rustic toys, accessories and holiday décor
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
We lost a beautiful tree during the freak ice storm we had a few weeks ago. Sadly, the ice was so heavy that the tree literally snapped right in half. As sad as I was to lose the tree (it was a fabulous source of shade on our porch and had to be at least 20 years old), my mind immediately started creating a million craft ideas with the wood. My poor husband spent hours upon hours and almost lost a finger cutting the trunk and branches into a host of materials for me to use. (THANK YOU HONEY!)
Many, many, many of the branches turned into thick little wooden coins. As soon as I brought them into the house, they immediately became one of the boys' favorite toys. They became perfect natural building blocks just as they were.
More inspiring DIYs
Many, many, many of the branches turned into thick little wooden coins. As soon as I brought them into the house, they immediately became one of the boys' favorite toys. They became perfect natural building blocks just as they were.
More inspiring DIYs
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| While the boys were building towers with their wood coins, I decided to use a wood burning tool to craft a set of numbers and letters. The wood was fresh so it burned easily, and the coins are the perfect size for large, easy-to-read numerals. |
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It was a quick jump from numbered coins to a set of alphabet letters for the fridge. A little magnet tape glued to the back of each coin did the trick. Finally magnets for the fridge that aren't ugly!
by Agnes Blum
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If you have a medium-sized slice of wood, especially one that is longer than it is wide, you have a perfect clock base. Simply add a clock kit (found at craft and hardware stores) and you have a fabulous, rustic addition to your space. Go with this natural look instead of a glazed wood or else your look will be more 1979 than 2012.
| If you are blessed to have huge slices of wood, they are absolutely perfect for stepping stones. Make sure they are level with the ground to avoid tripping, and nestle them in beds of gravel or plantings of moss for a gorgeous new walkway. |
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'Tis the season to decorate a tree for the birds! I always make little suet cake ornaments for the birds' Christmas tree, and a wooden coin garland fits right in perfectly. String them together with a little sisal thread for a natural tree decoration.
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| To create your wood-coin garland, simply tie a knot around each piece and secure with a dab of hot glue. You can also add single coins as individual ornaments for a cohesive look. These wood look great on your indoor, rustic Christmas tree, too. |
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| A simple grouping of wood slices stacked around glitsy golden decorations adds a grounding, rustic touch. The golden tone of the wood flesh is reflected in the bottles, but the texture and reflective qualities are contrasting. Try this rustic wood-and-gold look for all your holiday décor this year. |
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| If you want to go full-on rustic this season, use slices of wood as candle bases on a sanded plank table with a vivid plaid blanket for a tablecloth. Notice how the slices of trunk are different heights to add interest to the grouping. |
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These little candle stands also make perfect addition to the base of your Christmas tree. These stands fill the space between the high bottom of the tree and the floor, while giving the small tree more presence and weight in the space.
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| If you want to go bold with a wood-coin them, a full wall of varying sizes makes a huge impact. Add tiered stacks of large wood slices as individual coffee tables, and the look in rustic at its grandest! More: Décor From the Forest and Sea 12 Cabin-Chic Bathrooms |
Ideabook published on Dec. 10, 2011.
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irluan - LOVE your table decor! I wish I had seen that before the article...totally would have included it! Do you have a blog post with more photos?
As far as pests, it could definitely be a problem. However, I haven't had any issues over the years! I would definitely recommend using fresh wood as opposed to wood that has been sitting on a woodland floor as even slightly rotting wood will have far more little creatures and critters in and on it. Littledeb's painted branches will also kill off any tiny vermin that may be lurking if you are worried about it! Aren't they beautiful?
:)
Merry Christmas
Michelle