Ann Winberg Silver Post Medal for All Time! 306 Posts
January 4, 2011
Get back to nature with this very inexpensive gift. I make them with seashells, rocks, gemstones, anything I can get my hands on.
Approximate Time: 1 hour
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Supplies:
driftwood
drill with small bit
chain or 18 gauge wire
small rock, marbles, etc.
decorations
6" hanging wire
clear varnish spray
soft brush
Instructions:
Clean your driftwood with a soft brush, spray with clear finish.
Decide how many and where you want your holes for your hanging chain or curled wire. Drill your holes at least 1/4 inch from the edge of your driftwood, be careful driftwood is soft and will break easily. Plan your holes carefully.
After you have your holes drilled, decide on the length you want for the chains or wire and add an inch to wire to make curls after you go through the holes you drilled. They will hold the wire sturdily and be decorative from the back also. With chain you can open one of the links and put it through the drilled hole if the links are large enough; if not, use wire to make a loop or purchase rings or swivels used in fishing gear. You can also use tiny screws on the back to secure the chain by attaching them on the back higher up on the thicker part of your driftwood. As you see there are many ways to go; just use your imagination, you probably have the items you could use on hand.
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When I use wire I wrap it around a pencil one way then reverse directions for interest. Wrap the wire around marbles, small rocks sprayed with your varnish, seashells, or whatever you like that is pretty light weight.
I try to theme my decorations such as this one, is nature. I happened to have the copper letters and used silver and gold leaves, keeping to the metal and nature theme. I have home jewelry parties and give these as my hostess gifts.
I have a small driftwood branch that I wanted to hang three photos from. What's the best way to hang this and should I paint the pictures with something to make them hard?
Get back to nature with this very inexpensive gift. I make them with seashells, rocks, gemstones, anything I can get my hands on.
