Wood slice

Small craft projects can be very rewarding. They go together simply and for those of us with a large list of projects, checking them off …

A few weeks ago Shauna from Satori Design for Living was looking at West Elm’s new market and came across some adorable wooden drink coasters. They reminded Shauna of wood slice ornaments she had previously made, and she just so happened to have some wood pieces leftover. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a DIY! Not only did Shauna need a set of coasters for her basement family room, but she also whipped some up to give away as gifts.

I know people often look at the things in thrift stores and garage sales and wonder what in the world it is and who would ever buy it. Like a nut bowl that looks like it was cut from a tree trunk. Where one person sees a strange, old nut bowl, a creative genius like Caitlin from the Desert Domicile sees an urban chic Anthropologie-inspired mirror. Caitlin took the $5 nut bowl and in just a few steps turned it into this amazing mirror that seriously gives the Anthro inspiration a run for its money. I love how Caitlin used one of her late grandmother’s Mexican woven belts so the mirror is not only stylin’ but meaningful.

As soon as Jessica from Fit and Crafty saw a beautiful stacked base lamp on Pinterest, she was in love! Unfortunately, the link led her straight to a $600 price tag, which was much too pricey for her budget. That just meant a DIY was in order, which wasn’t a problem for Jessica who had tackled lamp sockets in the past. Jessica tracked down some free firewood on Craigslist, sliced up the logs, and turned them into a set of stylish lamps.

Alexandra for Brit + Co recreated a $1,800 mirror from Anthropologie for less than $20. Talk about some serious savings! Alexandra kept things cheap and easy by purchasing wooden cutouts and round mirrors from Joann and using tea bags for stain.  If you are feeling adventurous, you could even cut your own wood slices for a more organic look and further savings.