Add a simple, natural element to your holiday décor this year with these wood slice trees. They are the perfect touch of nature that looks especially lovely when paired with some greenery. So get ready to go on a hunt through your own backyard for some of the supplies.
THE SUPPLIES
- Tree branches/logs
- 1/4” diameter threaded rod (various lengths: 1 foot, 2 foot, and 3 foot)
- 1/4” hex nut
- 1/4” washer
THE WOOD SLICES
The first step is to gather various branches and logs. You’ll want to have a large variety of different thicknesses. Once you’ve collected your branches and logs, it’s time to make your wood slices. Set your miter saw to a 45° angle and make as many cuts as you can safely make out of each log. Each slice should be about 1/4”-1/2” thick.
Using a 1/4” drill bit, drill one hole in each of the wood slices. I drilled my holes slightly off-center. Having your holes slightly off-center will help give your tree a better shape once we start stacking the wood slices.
THE BASE
We will need a stump for the base of your tree. With one of your logs, make a straight cut to get a stump that is about 3”-4” tall. Center the stump on a small piece of wood (I just used a scrap piece of 1×4) and glue it down with wood glue. After the glue has dried, use your ¼” drill bit to make a hole straight down through the center of the stump and the wood base.
We will need to counter-sink the hole on the bottom of the base so it can sit flush once the washer and hex nut are attached. To do this I am using a 1” paddle bit and drilling just deep enough that the washer and hex nut will fit inside. Attach the threaded rod to the base with the washer and hex nut and you are ready to start assembling.
THE ASSEMBLY
Now the fun part— time to start stacking your wood slices! Start with the largest wood slices on the bottom and gradually use smaller wood slices as you work your way to the top. It’s important to have a variety of wood slices on hand as you work. If one of them doesn’t look or feel quite right, take it off and find one that works better. Top it off with a hex nut and you are done!
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12 Responses
Beautiful project. Do you do anything to seal the wood or just let it go naturally?
Thank you Barbara! I did not seal them. You definitely could seal them, I just didn’t see the need. They have held up beautifully over the years.
These trees are fabulous! What a great idea! Plus easy project that looks fantastic! Very usable in a rustic setting regardless of season. Thanks for sharing your tutorial ????????
Aw thank you for the kind comment Dianna!
I was looking for something to make with some white birch logs… this will be perfect!! Thanks for sharing!! Love your trees!!
Aw you’re welcome! Oooo this would be so pretty with birch logs!!
This one is going to be my christmas-tree this year – love it – thank you so much for your inspiration <3
Aw yay! I love that!
I love this idea. We have an abundance of cedar trees and this is perfect!
Thank you! Yay, lucky you— that sounds amazing!
I LOVE these…. can’t wait to make. I will add a little topper, kind of like you started with but smaller. Drill a hole in it and place on top to cover up the screw and nut. They are Awesome !!! Thank You…
Aw yay! I hope you give them a try. What a great idea for a topper!