Consider yourself a carpenter. Craft a stool out of birch branches

Need extra seating that will complement your beautiful wood furniture? Make a simple stool using birch branches and a round wood board. The blonde color of the board and the white birch bark come together for a look that’s light and airy while still showcasing natural beauty. The final effect is a handsome blend of contemporary and country.

Part of the thrill of this stool is that you get to make it yourself, which is much easier than it sounds. After sourcing birch branches from an online marketplace, and the wood board from a hobby shop or home improvement store, the only other requirements are a drill, wood glue and dowel pins. Dowel pins are a clever way to connect wood components of furniture without the use of screws. They remain completely concealed, give the furniture a professional appearance and are easy to repair in a pinch.

Materials
- Birch branches, 3
- Electric drill
- Drill bit, 1/4-inch wide
- Dowel pins, 1/4-inch wide
- Gorilla wood glue
- Round wood board

Instructions
1. Drill a guide hole with the 1/4-inch drill bit into the top of a branch. Repeat for the other two branches.

2. Put a small dollop of wood glue into the guide hole. Place a dowel pin into the hole. Half of the dowel pin should still be visible. Allow it to dry. Repeat for the other two branches.

3. Turn the round wood board upside down. Drill three guide holes evenly spaced around the edges of the board.

4. Put wood glue into each guide hole. Place the exposed dowel of each birch branch into a guide hole. Allow it to dry.

5. Stand the finished stool right side up. Place a cushion on top and enjoy.