Twigs and branches ooze rusticity when used as home accents. They’re beautiful, plentiful and free. Most people live in a dwelling – whether urban apartment or suburban home – that is either near trees or flanked by a few. Depending on the type of tree the twig comes from, bark colors vary from rich browns to steely grays. The random knots, bumps and cracks that naturally appear on twigs’ surfaces add texture and character to any crafting projects in which they are used.
The hot-glue gun is an essential when working with most twig projects, as are high-quality scissors or a small saw so twigs can be cut to desired lengths if necessary. Twigs can’t be beaten for adding a rustic vibe to an object or a cozy mountain cabin feel to any space. These projects prove that there are nothing like natural elements to beautify a room and infuse it with a relaxing, Zen-like simplicity.
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Holiday twig treatment
Fashion a hanger into a small circle. Attach small sticks with wire around the circle, and they will form a graceful sun shape, leaving a small center circle. Leave unadorned or wind ribbon, yarn or raffia around or through it for added visual oomph.
Fashion a hanger into a small circle. Attach small sticks with wire around the circle, and they will form a graceful sun shape, leaving a small center circle. Leave unadorned or wind ribbon, yarn or raffia around or through it for added visual oomph.
Frame of reference
Buy a low-cost plain picture frame and turn it into something special. Gather twigs of different types or all one kind and hot glue to the frame. A grouping paired with some candles adds log cabin charm on a mantle, while a single twig frame on a bookshelf is a naturally elegant accent. The same treatment would add a rustic wow factor to an entry mirror.
Buy a low-cost plain picture frame and turn it into something special. Gather twigs of different types or all one kind and hot glue to the frame. A grouping paired with some candles adds log cabin charm on a mantle, while a single twig frame on a bookshelf is a naturally elegant accent. The same treatment would add a rustic wow factor to an entry mirror.
Twiggy wall art
This project provides a lot of design bang for the buck. Cut a piece of plywood to the desired size, and gather enough twigs so the base will be completely covered. Some of the base is bound to show through, and it can be left natural or painted a favorite color. Using a hot-glue gun, place twigs tightly, with either a horizontal or vertical orientation. The result is a sophisticated and simple piece that has undeniable gallery quality.
This project provides a lot of design bang for the buck. Cut a piece of plywood to the desired size, and gather enough twigs so the base will be completely covered. Some of the base is bound to show through, and it can be left natural or painted a favorite color. Using a hot-glue gun, place twigs tightly, with either a horizontal or vertical orientation. The result is a sophisticated and simple piece that has undeniable gallery quality.
Herbal essence
Gather sticks to use as herb garden plant identifiers. A no-cost project, all that’s necessary are sturdy, stout twigs, a vegetable peeler and a thin black Sharpie. Use the peeler to peel away the outer bark of one side of the upper third or half of each stick. Write herb names in those spaces and insert the bottom half of each marker in the ground next to each corresponding herb or plant.
Gather sticks to use as herb garden plant identifiers. A no-cost project, all that’s necessary are sturdy, stout twigs, a vegetable peeler and a thin black Sharpie. Use the peeler to peel away the outer bark of one side of the upper third or half of each stick. Write herb names in those spaces and insert the bottom half of each marker in the ground next to each corresponding herb or plant.
Reindeer games
This simple, kid-friendly ornament craft could adorn a tree, wall or door. Hot glue three twigs so they form a triangle: two longer ones forming a “V” and one placed horizontally at the halfway point on the other two. This will form a “face” and antlers. Glue a googly eye in the lower portion of each twig forming the “V” and a red button at the bottom of the “V” for the nose. Tie a thin piece of ribbon or twine around the center of the horizontal twig for hanging.
This simple, kid-friendly ornament craft could adorn a tree, wall or door. Hot glue three twigs so they form a triangle: two longer ones forming a “V” and one placed horizontally at the halfway point on the other two. This will form a “face” and antlers. Glue a googly eye in the lower portion of each twig forming the “V” and a red button at the bottom of the “V” for the nose. Tie a thin piece of ribbon or twine around the center of the horizontal twig for hanging.
On the fly
Gather twigs of varying lengths and build up by creating a rough circular base and hot gluing twigs together. Apply three to four more layers of twigs, again building up, but leaving a slight depression in the center. When dry, fill with plastic Easter basket eggs for a sweet coffee table conversation starter.
Gather twigs of varying lengths and build up by creating a rough circular base and hot gluing twigs together. Apply three to four more layers of twigs, again building up, but leaving a slight depression in the center. When dry, fill with plastic Easter basket eggs for a sweet coffee table conversation starter.
It’s in the mail
Creating a one-of-a-kind organically inspired mailbox is easy with a healthy supply of twigs and the tried and true craft tool of choice: the hot-glue gun. The mailbox becomes the canvas with this project, and twigs can be used to cover the entire mailbox or simply applied so they form a number or initial letter for a monogram. This treatment ensures that the mailbox is certified fairy-friendly.
Creating a one-of-a-kind organically inspired mailbox is easy with a healthy supply of twigs and the tried and true craft tool of choice: the hot-glue gun. The mailbox becomes the canvas with this project, and twigs can be used to cover the entire mailbox or simply applied so they form a number or initial letter for a monogram. This treatment ensures that the mailbox is certified fairy-friendly.
Autumn greeting
This front door décor project requires a long, graceful twig, fabric paint, some yarn, lightweight rope or ribbon, and a triangular piece of felt or some pinecones. On either end of the twig, tie a length of yarn, rope or ribbon, then tie the upper parts together for hanging. Tie vertical lengths of ribbon from the twigs, and hot glue bottom ends to pinecone tops for a pretty fall door hanging. Another option is to cut a hole in upper corners of the felt remnant and tie to the twig with ribbon. Before hanging, paint a welcoming greeting or an autumnal image, like an acorn or a pumpkin on the felt with fabric paint. This twig creation will make guests feel welcome and beautify the front door.
This front door décor project requires a long, graceful twig, fabric paint, some yarn, lightweight rope or ribbon, and a triangular piece of felt or some pinecones. On either end of the twig, tie a length of yarn, rope or ribbon, then tie the upper parts together for hanging. Tie vertical lengths of ribbon from the twigs, and hot glue bottom ends to pinecone tops for a pretty fall door hanging. Another option is to cut a hole in upper corners of the felt remnant and tie to the twig with ribbon. Before hanging, paint a welcoming greeting or an autumnal image, like an acorn or a pumpkin on the felt with fabric paint. This twig creation will make guests feel welcome and beautify the front door.
Christmas tree alternative
This project exudes the cozy Swedish quality of “hygge,” or something that adds warmth to a space in the winter. This twig “tree” hangs on the wall. Gather twigs of different sizes and assemble on a work surface horizontally, with the longest ones on the bottom and shorter ones for the upper portion. Attach twine vertically to each branch – one for each end and one down the center. Use one more bit of twine to fashion a loop from the top center branch; hang from a nail or other hardware. Leave branches plain to go all organic, or decorate with festive ornaments, construction paper chains, or even popcorn and cranberries.
This project exudes the cozy Swedish quality of “hygge,” or something that adds warmth to a space in the winter. This twig “tree” hangs on the wall. Gather twigs of different sizes and assemble on a work surface horizontally, with the longest ones on the bottom and shorter ones for the upper portion. Attach twine vertically to each branch – one for each end and one down the center. Use one more bit of twine to fashion a loop from the top center branch; hang from a nail or other hardware. Leave branches plain to go all organic, or decorate with festive ornaments, construction paper chains, or even popcorn and cranberries.
Spare me
Simply collecting a beautifully complex twig or branch with many knots, offshoots and even some lichen can serve as striking wall art when placed on a table with candles or hung from a small nail on the wall. A coat of white spray paint or some glitter will make it festive. This project’s spare aesthetic refers to the subtle, quiet beauty of winter.
Simply collecting a beautifully complex twig or branch with many knots, offshoots and even some lichen can serve as striking wall art when placed on a table with candles or hung from a small nail on the wall. A coat of white spray paint or some glitter will make it festive. This project’s spare aesthetic refers to the subtle, quiet beauty of winter.
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Way with a window
Select a sturdy long twig and use it as a curtain rod. Mount in hardware exactly as a conventional rod would be placed, and run it through the loops of a sheer curtain panel. It gives a living space or bedroom an organic yet delicate feature that draws the eye up.
Select a sturdy long twig and use it as a curtain rod. Mount in hardware exactly as a conventional rod would be placed, and run it through the loops of a sheer curtain panel. It gives a living space or bedroom an organic yet delicate feature that draws the eye up.