DIY with Branches

Fall is in the air and that means that many empty branches will soon be too!  Might as well put them to work in jazzing up your decor.  You know what they say...when life gives you branches, make things out of them!  Okay, maybe that's not how it goes, but it's what I'm going to do.  If you'd like to join me, read the DIY projects below.

Branch Coffee Table

If you're in the market for a contemporary coffee table, but don't want to dish out hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars, this is the solution for you.  It's a relatively easy DIY project with room changing results.

What you need:

1.  A thick branch (or branches depending on the look and size you want).  Maybe you can help a neighbor cut down a tree.  Then it'll be a win win.  They get the help they need, and you get a new coffee table.

2.  A piece of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) wood for the base of the table.  Cut to the appropriate size for your limbs-making sure the limbs don't stick out further than the base.  MDF is the best option due to its heavy weight.  It will act as a great anchor for the rest of the table.

3.  A stain or paint to apply to the MDF base to achieve your desired look.  

4.  Some screws to attach the branches to the base.  Screw from the bottom of the base up into the branches so the hardware is hidden.

5.  A saw to make the branches as level as possible for the glass to rest evenly on top on them.   

6.  Some self-adhesive rubber bumper feet to place in between the glass top and branches to hold the glass in place.

7.  A piece of glass to go on top.

Uses: A great new coffee table that's sure to be a conversation starter.  If you found longer branches, you could also make a taller console table.  

Branch Jewelry Holder

This would be a similar project to the table.  Urban Outfitters and Chicos have sold similar ones this in the past but now you can make one yourself.  

What you need:

1.  A branch

2.  A scrap piece of marble or thick stone tile to create a solid base.  

3.  A can of metallic spray paint (or whatever color you wish) to coat the branch.   

4.  Screw or glue to attach branch to base.

Uses:  A jewelry holder showcasing your favorite pieces or a decorative display piece by itself.

Branch Candelabra

This particular candelabra is on sale at West Elm for $69.99, originally wearing a price tag of $99.00.  I don't know about you, but I think I'd rather spend that kind of money on something else.  Especially when I can walk outside to my yard, grab a branch and make something very similar myself.  

What you need:

1. A limb with many branches (the thicker, the better).  You can get this from your yard or any craft store or website that sells manzanita branches.  Save-on-crafts.com has them for $9.99!

2.  A can of spray paint (nickel finish if you want the West Elm look)

3.  Tapered candles (optional)

4.  A drill or super glue (depending on how brave you are) to keep the candles in place on the branches.

The trickiest part of this one is making sure the candles stay upright.  You don't want to start any house fires in the process.  And again, this piece is so beautiful on its own, you wouldn't even have to put the candles on it.  You could just use it as a focal piece and place candle holders around it.  Either way, it's sure to turn heads!

Uses:  This would look great on a mantel, in a table centerpiece or as a decorative element on a shelf or table...especially for fall! 

Bring on the branches!