Skip to main content

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!
post signature

Comments

  1. The branch candleholders are beautiful. This is exactly what I am looking for for the holidays. I will just go outside and get one and spray paint it. I think I will use big candles and intersperse them between the branches.

    Thanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm glad I could offer a little help! I hope it turned out well!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for your comments. They brighten my day!

Popular posts from this blog

New Coffee Table

After more than a year of debate, I've finally decided on and ordered us a new coffee table! As mentioned here , there were several styles I was considering.  However, in the end the tufted ottoman came out on top.  Not only was it versatile, so it can be used for years to come, but it also will be good for when we have kiddos down the road.  I can't tell you how many people I know who have had to either remove their coffee tables for the safety of their kids' noggins or have had to add those tacky corner protectors.  I did not want to invest in a new piece only to have to stow it away down the road.  So this seemed to be the perfect solution.  And thanks to my Joss & Main membership, it turned out to be the perfect price too. I was all set to order a tufted ottoman from Ballard Designs.  I had already received a swatch sample of the fabric I selected and everything.  But a few days later, I got a notification from Joss & Main of a sale event called The Tufted C

Our Living Room Mood Board

Our living room is slowly but surely coming together.  The biggest To Do's are ordering a new media console, painting the room (which is unfortunately open to the dining room, kitchen, office and breakfast area which means lots of painting to be done!), order a few lamps and a console for the long wall behind the couch. I realize I haven't shared any pictures of our "new" house (we moved in at the end of last October) with you guys.  So here's a glimpse of the living room before we moved in. This is what you see when you walk in the front door.  The dining room is on the left, the living room is straight ahead and the office on the right. A closer look at the living room.  Florida loves their plant ledges...I do not.  You win some.  You lose some.  I also want to replace the tile around the fireplace.   A view from the back of the living room looking toward the front corner of the house. The room behind the half green wall is the office sans the Fr

A Heart

Lately, baby prep has been on the forefront of my mind.  Getting the nursery ready, packing the hospital bag, washing all of her clothes, setting up a pediatrician and the list goes on.  Sometimes I have to step away from it all (literally and mentally) so as not to get overwhelmed.  I put this pressure on myself to get it all done and done right.  I tell myself that all of these things are so necessary for her to be a good place upon her entrance to the world. Sure cute, clean outfits and a nice room are nice things for your child to have, but how lost I can get in the worldly things.  More than anything else, I know that the best thing I can give my daughter is a great example of a good heart.  A heart that empathizes and serves.  A heart that loves the Lord and longs for his relationship. A heart that is thankful and joyful even on the worst days. It's a frightening thing to ask myself "Will she learn this from you?  Will you be able to be that example?"  That carr