- A selection of dry branches 1-2" in diameter. Mine came from branches that came down during a storm last year.
- Band Saw
- 5 Minute Epoxy
- Tooth pick
- Twine
- Drill bit - about 3/16"
- Power Hand drill
- Sandwich baggies (optional)
The Process:
- Set up a guide fence on the band saw to guide you in slicing many wood disks about 1/8" thick. Actual thickness doesn't matter but having them the same thickness does.
- Cut a wide selection at various angles. You create longer ovals by cutting at a sharper angle. The closer to 90º the slice, the rounder the disk will be. For each size cut 6 similar ones for each flower.
- You can cut through areas of knots and if you get 4-6 similar slices they will create interesting and unique flowers.
- I kept similar ones in sandwich bags for organization (optional). It saved time in matching similar shapes when constructing flowers.
- Arrange the patterns by playing with the slices. Put 5 or 6 matching ovals together. Then place other pieces on top in a circular pattern making sure that there is adequate overlap to apply glue. The more overlap, the stronger your design will be. This design has the center open but overlapping side pieces. Remember you can also add pieces to the back for additional strength.
- Once you have a design you like, mix up a small batch of 5-minute epoxy. Because it dries quickly you need to be ready to start gluing immediately. I save tops from cream cheese and use them as glue trays. I use a toothpick to mix the small batch of epoxy (about the size of a quarter). On my original wood slice flowers I used hot glue. That hasn't held up over time so I am experimenting with 5 min epoxy this time round.
- Add a small amount of mixed epoxy to each place that will have disks overlapping. Work quickly.
- Place the overlapping pieces on the correct area. This design had an overlapping center.
- It is best if the wood slices are pressed together while the glue dries. I had little clamps but my husband suggest using jars as anfaster, easier solution. It worked like a charm.
- I raided my pantry as production continued!
- Once dry, I drill a 3/16" hole in the top of one of the petals and, using a dental floss threader, threaded a pieces of jute through to hang the ornament from.
They look great in groupings!
And on my stoop!
Previous Posts of Interest:
- Variation -Wood Slice Flowers
- Hide That Gas Grill • DIY Grill Screen
- Mini Lanterns for Tea Lights • DIY
- Gas Grill • My Next Project
- Branch Overview
- Putting Branches to Use
Sharing this post at the following Link Parties:
- A Bowl Full of Lemons
- Not Just a House Wife
- Take It On Tuesday @ Romance On A Dime
- Tuesday Treasures @My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
- Simply Sensational Tuesday @ Organizing Homelife
- Uncommon Designs
- DIY Dreamer
- Whatever Goes Wednesday @Someday Crafts
- Organize Your Stuff Now
- Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby CreekCottage
- FishTail Cottage
- aka design
- House of Hepworths
- At The Picket Fence
- Fridays Unfold @ Stuff and Nonesense
- Potpourri Friday @ 2805
- Tatertots&Jello
- Show and Tell Saturdays
- DIY Showoff
- Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple
- Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
- Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
- Sweet Sharing Monday @ Sweet Anne Designs
©2012 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy
I love these. Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Give it a try and send photos if you do!
Delete