Last Updated on December 28, 2015 by Kristi Linauer
I’ve had in mind for a couple of weeks now that I want to use tree branches, about 1 inch in diameter, in a unique way in John & Alice’s master bathroom. I’ve looked at Hobby Lobby and Michael’s to see what was available. Oh, they had them, but a 5-foot branch was about $15, and I would need two of them. That seemed a bit strange to me to pay $30 for something that could easily be found outside. So I decided to wait.
Then a couple of days ago, I was driving over to J & A’s house, and as I turned into the neighborhood, I saw a man out in his front yard trimming his trees. I stopped, explained to him that I needed branches for a project, and asked if I could rummage through his clippings to get what I needed. He was happy to let me do that, and even let me use his clippers.
I arrived at the house with more than enough branches for my project. After letting them sit outside in the sun for a couple of days to dry out a bit, I was ready to begin.
I plucked off all of the tiny twigs and leaves, and then cut them into about 3 1/2-inch pieces.
I needed 18 of them, so I cut about 20 just to have a couple of extras.
Then I used sandpaper to remove all of the little pointy twiggy things and the really rough spots, and also to smooth the ends.
They ended up just like I had envisioned. I love the texture, the variations of color, the slightly varied diameters.
And the colors look gorgeous in the bathroom. Can you see the subtle green?
Now I just need to seal them with some clear spray, and they’ll be ready to use.
So, any ideas? Have you figured out what I’m going to use these for?

Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
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7 Comments
Kathy
October 7, 2010 at 1:56 pmI am by no means as creative as you and some others are, so I don't know. But can't wait to find out. 🙂
Green Gracie Home
October 7, 2010 at 2:01 pmmirror frame? but that doesn't seem like enough…crying uncle!
Jennie
October 7, 2010 at 4:03 pmI'm guessing that you are going to glue them vertically to the side of some kind of container.
Kim - A Creative Spirit
October 7, 2010 at 4:34 pmYou are a wiz with a saw… NOW ME??? scared to use one….
katskraps4kids
October 7, 2010 at 5:52 pmOh I don't know what you could use them for but Gosh how lucky! Just anticipating the reveal- cuz I know whatever it is- with you- it'll be AHHmazing! Can't wait now… =0)
g.m.smith
October 8, 2010 at 12:14 amI don't have a clue, but I know it'll be something that will make me wish I had thought of it!
Ashley
October 8, 2010 at 2:31 amI'm going with Green Gracie's mirror frame – can't wait to see what it is!