There are so many different types of DIY scrap wood projects probably because most crafters have an abundant supply of scrap wood! Recycling scrap wood into fun home decor items is a great way to take steps to save our planet. Chalk Couture helps to make recycling and upcycling so easy!
DIY Scrap Wood Projects
Before we dive into how this scrap wood is used in a couple of easy DIY scrap wood projects, let’s look at the back story of this scrap wood. It was rescued from a fire pit pile in my sister’s back yard! My brother-in-law collects wood wherever he can, and when we saw this wood in his fire pit pile, we immediately thought of trees, birds, birdhouses… you get the idea! The projects in this blog are focused on birds, but the ideas can be used for a variety of different themes!
So, let’s take a look at how this scrap wood is finding new life in 2 different projects including a front door wreath and a garden / pot stake.
Project 1: Front Door Wreath
Cardinals are perfect for bridging your decor from the holidays to spring. They are colorful and beautiful! This front door wreath features a cardinal in all its glory and combines scrap wood with Chalk Couture supplies to create something unique.
List of supplies you’ll need to create a wreath like this one:
- a piece of scrap wood,
- a Chalk Couture Hoop Wreath (you could also use any wreath form you find at a craft store or in your craft supplies),
- stencils of your choice (see the Chalk Couture Stencil Guide for more information),
- chalk paste of your choice (see the Chalk Couture Paste & Ink Guide for more information),
- ChalkSuede paper (or thick card stock),
- a squeegee,
- glue (wood glue and hot glue were used to assemble this wreath),
- twine or ribbon for hanging,
- optional:
- embellishments of your choice (like the fake greenery used in this project),
- ribbon for making a bow if desired.
Detailed steps to create this project:
- assemble hoop wreath and set aside,
- chalk cardinal on ChalkSuede paper using the marbling technique (for details on how to marble chalk paste, see The Marbling Technique with Chalk Couture is a Hot Mess). Chalk paste colors used:
- for the cardinal: cherry, black, and gold
- for the branch: moss, jade, gold, and bark
- cut the cardinal out and set aside,
- glue the piece of scrap wood onto the lower portion of the hoop wreath,
- glue the cardinal and greenery to the scrap wood,
- chalk your chosen saying onto the main portion of the hoop wreath,
- attach some twine or ribbon for hanging,
- enjoy!
Since the stencils used for this project are retired, the cardinal is chalked on ChalkSuede paper, but some of the newer Chalk Couture stencils have coordinating svg files. These files can be used with a Cricut to cut shapes onto cardstock, balsa wood and a variety of other materials depending on what Cricut machine you have. While this is a fun option to add to your toolbox, you do not need fancy tools for crafting! Use things you have around the house and create something amazing!
Project 2: Garden Stake
After trimming down the scrap wood for use on the wreath, there was a leftover piece that was used to create this little garden stake. You can use it in a garden or in a pot on your porch.
If the project will be exposed to the weather, be sure to seal the chalked elements so that they can stand up to the weather. Any spray sealer available at your local hardware or home improvement store will work. You can use multiple coats of sealer for more protection.
List of supplies you’ll need to create a similar garden stake:
- a piece of scrap wood,
- a stake,
- a bird shape (these birds were cut on balsa wood using a Cricut and a Chalk Couture svg file, but any type of bird shape you have available will work especially if the project will be protected from the elements),
- a house shape (this one was cut by our resident carpenter) or other embellishments of your choice like a nest or a branch,
- stencils of your choice,
- chalk paste / paint of your choice,
- a squeegee,
- a sealer of your choice,
- wood glue,
- hammer and nails.
…you do not need fancy tools for crafting! Use things you have around the house and create something amazing!
~ Luana, Little Sister Chalks
Detailed steps to create this project:
- cut the bird shape and paint it in your choice of colors,
- paint or decorate the house shape in your choice of colors and design,
- seal chalked/painted pieces and let dry,
- nail scrap wood to the stake,
- nail house shape to the scrap wood,
- glue the bird to the house shape (or wherever you decide to place it),
- attach any additional embellishments,
- stake your project in the garden or a pot and enjoy!
Since it’s winter, this little garden stake will live inside for now. It will definitely find a new home in the garden when the weather warms up.
If these DIY scrap wood projects gave you some ideas and inspiration to use what you have laying around the house or garage, leave a comment and let me know what you create!
Sustainably yours,
Luana