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One thing many DIYers don’t realize is just how useful twigs, logs, and other dead tree branches can be. The best part is that there is basically an endless supply of them. Just take a walk in any nearby forest and see for yourself. If you are stuck on ideas or don’t know where to begin, don’t fret.

This list contains 50 of our favorite craft projects using fallen logs and tree branches to get you started. Use these pictures for inspiration and then find your own creative ways to upcycle natural timber into beautiful functional art pieces. As always, good luck and happy crafting!

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Lauren B Murphy Source: Lauren B Murphy

1. Garment Rack

The long branch was stripped of all its bark and sanded down to create this outdoorsy garment rack. They painted it white to match the room, but you could also stain it and coat it with lacquer for a more natural look.

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Aish Source: Aish

2. Bathroom Side Table

The stump works great as a little side table in the bathroom. If you position it right next to the bathtub, it makes for the perfect place to set items like soaps, wash cloths, and towels. It is coated in a water-resistant finish to prevent rotting.

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Sublime Decor Source: Sublime Decor

3. Tree Canopy

This beautiful winter tree canopy wouldn’t be a hard DIY project to complete. It’s essentially just made by setting up barren branches at the corner of each of bedpost. Then hanging other whimsical decorations off of them.

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frenchlarkspur Source: frenchlarkspur

4. Tree Ring Trivets

They made them by drilling holes through the the branch slices and attaching them together with cord and glue. Wood is great for this purpose because it can easily absorb the heat. It’s much better than using plastics, cloth, or other materials.

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Andrea Biffi Source: Andrea Biffi

5. Wood Clock

Clocks aren’t as hard to make as you might think. The inner-workings are the trickiest part. One simple solution is to just buy a pre-made clock mechanism and attach it to the wood. That’s what the authors of this project recommend.

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Curiosity Shoppe Source: Curiosity Shoppe

6. Bike Stand

There is nothing that looks more natural outside of a rural cabin than a mountain bike stand built from logs. Just saw a few slices out of the log to match the width of the tires and you’ll be all set.

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Studio Sjoesjoe Source: Studio Sjoesjoe

7. Privacy Screen

We never would have thought of doing something like this, but it’s an excellent idea. Especially if you live really close to your neighbors. It will provide you with some much-need privacy while still letting light through.

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Jamie Hilt Lodes Source: Jamie Hilt Lodes

8. Christmas Tree Ornament

There’s nothing cooler than an all-natural Christmas tree ornament shaped like a leaf and made out of wood. Making your own is as simple as stenciling a design onto a slice of wood and cutting it out with a band saw.

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laurel & bliss Source: laurel & bliss

9. Cake & Cupcake Stand

It is the ideal cake stand for a country wedding. It looks both classy and elegant while still staying true to its rustic roots. All of the different parts of the tree were incorporated into the project from its trunk to its branches.

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Wedding Wire Source: Wedding Wire

10. Fridge Magnets

These wooden letter refrigerator magnets are super easy to create. Just slice up a branch into cross-sections and attach some magnets on the back. Then draw on the letters. The kids will have lots of fun writing messages with them.

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houzz Source: houzz

11. Tree Lanterns

Hollow out a couple of small stumps to make lovely little custom lanterns. This artist chose to carve hearts in the side, however, you can make any design you want. Other fun ideas include carving stars, leaves, or smiley faces.

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All Natural And Good Source: All Natural And Good

12. Coasters

These coasters would be amazing for an outdoor summer barbecue with friends. Each of them was made with a hole running through it so they are easily stackable. Just thread a dowel rod through the opening.

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mikeasaurus Source: mikeasaurus

13. Wood Slice Flowers

These beautiful wooden starburst flowers are truly a work of art. They would look so lovely hung up outside on the patio. Indoors next to the window would be an excellent place to hang them up too.

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Ashbee Design Source: Ashbee Design

14. Kitchen Island

This DIY island was crafted by setting a giant slab of wood on top of a couple of sawhorses. It’s a simple solution that looks pretty incredible. It serves as a fantastic food preparation surface.

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Dave Lauridsen Source: Dave Lauridsen

15. Rustic Bench

It is not an intricate bench, but that is the beauty of it. It showcases all of the natural imperfections of the wood. The farmer simply nailed a big unfinished board to a couple of logs.

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betterfarm Source: betterfarm

16. Flower Vase

The inside of the log was hollowed out to make this charming flower vase. It would look fantastic as a centerpiece at a rustic wedding party or sitting on the windowsill of a country home. Insert a jar with water in the center of the log or use a dried floral arrangement.

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PlaceCardHolderShop Source: PlaceCardHolderShop

17. Shelf Brackets

What a cool way of supporting a shelf! We never would have thought about doing something like this, but it makes perfect sense. You’ll just need to find two Y-shaped branches to use.

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Remodelista Source: Remodelista

18. Garden Path

They turned a bunch of log slices into one of the most beautiful garden paths we’ve ever seen. Cedar chips and baking soda were placed in the areas in between the logs to keep weeds and other invasive species from intruding.

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Alternative Gardening Source: Alternative Gardening

19. Feature Wall

This cool wall art was crafted from thousands of tiny cut wood pieces. They were fit together like a puzzle to form a backdrop for the moose mount. While the moose head is not entirely necessary, it certainly is a nice complement.

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Mechant Design Source: Mechant Design

20. Coffee Tables

You don’t need to cut down an actual tree to make coffee tables like these. In fact, it’s almost better if you use reclaimed wood. These ones were made from solid cypress that was harvested from fallen trees.

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SheffordWoodlands Source: SheffordWoodlands

21. Floor Lamp

The stick allows the hanging lamp to be converted into a captivating floor lamp that can be moved around to wherever you need lighting. Making one is just a matter of locating a nicely shaped branch and attaching it to a wooden base.

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DuBruitAuGrenier Source: DuBruitAuGrenier

22. Outdoor Gazebo

It would be really cool to have one of these in the garden to hang out and unwind in. In case of rain, a tarp can be hung over the roof to create a makeshift shelter. Otherwise, just sit back, relax, and soak up the sun.

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Home Talk Source: Home Talk

23. Perimeter Fence

The branches were interwoven together to build a perimeter fence around their property. It blends in with the surroundings a lot more than a regular picket fence. It is almost like surrounding your house with a giant wicker basket.

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Gardenista Source: Gardenista

24. Painted Ornaments

These beautiful ornaments utilize the cross-sections of the branches as a natural canvas. The original look of the wood is preserved. Then new creative designs are painted on top with the tree bark framing the images.

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Mimikry Source: Mimikry

25. Curtain Rod

It’s made from a random twig from the forest. A curtain rod like this would go great in a cabin, treehouse, or any other rustic building. If it happens to break, no worries. Just replace it with another twig.

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Lynne Knowlton Source: Lynne Knowlton

26. Raised Flower Bed

Instead of wasting money on a garden fence or other type of fancy raised planter, why not build your own instead with logs? That’s what this individual did using birch trees. It’s an excellent gardening strategy.

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PHD In Parenting Source: PHD In Parenting

27. Cat Tree

This creative crafter utilized a tree as a tree! Although, it’s not just any tree. It was sanded and the branches were sawed off to create a cool hangout spot for cats. They even added a basket on top in case the cats want to take a nap.

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ozziesworld Source: ozziesworld

28. Tea Light Holder

It’s made from several tree branches lashed together with twine. The tea lights can be placed in the glass container in the middle. Set a couple of these out on the porch at night to create some wonderful mood lighting.

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CatalinaInspired Source: CatalinaInspired

29. Tree Branch Ladder

Not only is it a lovely addition to the garden, but it’s also functional. If you are ever in need of an emergency escape route, just climb the ladder and hop over the fence. Its main use though is probably as a decoration.

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Tahlulas Treasures 2 Source: Tahlulas Treasures 2

30. Birdbath

This inspiring DIYer inserted four birch twigs into the soil. Then placed a wooden bowl on top to make a fun birdbath for her garden. We’re sure the birds appreciate this simple project.

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The Art Of Doing Stuff Source: The Art Of Doing Stuff

31. Rolling Side Tables

Who knew that stumps could look so fashionable? The secret is to strip the bark off of the outside. Then apply some wood stain. Get more details about how they completed the project here.

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A Beautiful Mess Source: A Beautiful Mess

32. Carved Couch

While it might not be as comfortable as a plush leather sofa, it is still pretty neat. It would be so fun to sit on one of these while gathered around an outdoor campfire. For additional comfort, just bring a couple of blankets along with you.

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The Berry Source: The Berry

33. Lounge Chair

Here we have another really cool piece of furniture made from logs. It actually looks surprisingly relaxing. We could totally see ourselves lounging out on one of these.

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Homemade Modern Source: Homemade Modern

34. Pendant Light

This hanging pendant light was made entirely from twigs. It’s so amazing what can be recycled from nature. All those dead branches you find on the ground after a storm can easily be repurposed into something brand new.

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TheLightStore Source: TheLightStore

35. Branch Coat Rack

This coat rack made out of cut-off branches can hang several coats at a time. Every country farmhouse needs something like this in the foyer of the home. Follow the instructions here to make your own.

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The Owner Builder Network Source: The Owner Builder Network

36. Pencil Holder

With a couple of power tools, anyone can make a stylish pencil holder like this. All you really need to do is saw the wood to the desired height and then drill a bunch of holes in it.

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Strawberry Chic Source: Strawberry Chic

37. Garden Markers

These basic garden markers make it really easy to keep track of where you planted all of your different seeds. Just shave off a bit of the bark and write the plant names on the sticks with a sharpie. Find more details here.

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Home Road Source: Home Road

38. Wood Chalkboards

The crafter had the pieces of wood leftover from when a tree in the yard was cut down. They turned out to be pretty useful. She turned them into these beautiful chalkboards.

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Megan Brooke Handmade Source: Megan Brooke Handmade

39. Toilet Paper Holder

The best part about this tree branch toilet paper holder is the little bird perched on the end of it. At first glance, we thought it was actually real. Either way though, it’s one of the coolest toiler paper holders we’ve ever seen.

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