We normally buy a real Christmas tree but I’ve been keen to make a driftwood tree for years, although I thought it would be too complicated. This is a really easy nature-inspired craft project. If you think a driftwood tree is difficult to make then read on. This took around 40 minutes and cost just 99p for the piece of dowling!
In my simple, family-friendly tutorial you will learn how to make a driftwood tree and be surprised at how easy it is. The hardest bit is remembering to collect the wood next time you’re at the beach! (My winter beachcombing post tells how we finally came to make ours)
You will need:
- 20 to 30 pieces of smooth, bleached driftwood sticks (ours uses 25) without bark and bleached pale, though rougher, well-weathered pieces work well too
- Stable chunk of drifwood for the base
- Drill with large bit
- Dowl rod the same width as your drill bit
- (Glue/hot glue gun/washers – optional, we did not use)
Lay out the sticks in size order and select 25-30
What to do:
1. Collect driftwood sticks
2. Allow the driftwood to dry (a week or so in the shed or garage)
3. Buy a dowling rod
4. Drill a hole in the base piece and attach the dowling with a screw from underneath
5. Lay out the driftwood sticks in size order
6. Select the pieces for use, breaking or cutting any to size if required
7. Drill a hole through the centre of each stick (see photo)
8. Push the sticks down the dowling rod, largest first getting smaller towards the top
You can glue in between to secure each stick to the one below or use washers to secure them individually. We didn’t use either method as our dowling was too wide for the drill so the sticks fit tightly anyway.
Wild Mummy gave the briefing, Wild Daddy drilled the sticks while Caroline headed up design (it’s better that way as Wild Daddy is more patient with Caroline than he would be with me..!)
Family time, teamwork and a top driftwood Christmas Tree!
Why not complete your tree with a driftwood star or starfish for the top? Here’s my family friendly driftwood star tutorial based on tips from The Wicker House.
I’d love to hear how you get on making a driftwood tree; let me know in the comments below – I reply to everyone.
Why not string some seashells together to make coastal tree decorations – ideal on a driftwood tree and very environmentally friendly on a normal Christmas tree. Or collect beach treasures and make a driftwood wall plaque or seashell mobile? Read the simple tutorial for more details.
For more beach activities check out Kids of the Wild’s things to do at the beach section.
And don’t forget the wildlife – another great and really simple make to try with the kids is our fabulous homemade hanging coconut birdfeeder.
I love this. I’ve always fancied having a go but worried the sticks would split when I drilled them. I will keep a look out for driftwood from now on. It’s a lovely tutorial that makes me want to give it a go.
Thank you for sharing with me on #Trash2Treasure
Thanks Fiona, I didn’t actually consider the sticks breaking (I’d have just blamed Wild Daddy if they had!!). Hope you get round to making one for the farm x
I never seem to find enough driftwood to make anything with. It could be I’m too busy looking for fosills and gems.Love the idea of making a tree from it. #trash2treasure
I’m the same, it has genuinely taken me years to get round to making this one! But well worth it. And you could use the fossils and gems as decorations..#trashtotreasure
Gorgeous and something I’ve always wanted to try too – love driftwood, just wish we lived closer to the coast!
We’re big driftwood fans. Collecting some should be on everyone’s holiday list!
I have been tempted by these lovely looking trees before, but have never seen instructions before, so this post is great thank you, and I love your comment about remembering to collect it, next time we are out. A good excuse to visit the beach before the end of the summer.
Sarah | WildDunk Camping
Thanks for reading Sarah, it’s a great excuse to head to the beach, I agree!
I absolutely love this and as we have almost no space for a traditional Christmas tree I think we will have a go at making this … thank you for giving me some Green Festive inspiration via #GoingGreen
Thanks Rosie, it was so much easier to make than I’d anticipated. We’ll be posting some eco-decoration ideas nearer Christmas, I’ll link up. Thanks for reading #GoingGreen
I love your idea of a driftwood tree. It is so unique and there are so many ways you could decorate if you wanted. Congratulations on being featured on #GoingGreenLinky Have a healthy happy & blessed day. Tweeting & pinning.
Many thanks Marla and thanks for reading. I’m slowly getting my head round linkys etc and need to work a lot more on pinterest! We love the driftwood tree and it’s great all year round with seasonal decorations. #GoingGreenLinky