'WOOD' you? Could you?... Yes, you can!

I was driving down the road yesterday and I passed a pile of dilapidated wood (remnants of an old fence) with a "free" sign next to it. I pulled over and grabbed a few boards to add to my stash in the garage and drove away. I didn't think much of it - its what I do - stock pile wood in the event that when a need arises and/or an idea is hatched I am prepared - but then today I again saw something similar and I got to thinking... How many of you realize what a huge difference an old piece of wood can make in your home or at a party? So, I have dedicated this post to WOOD! I hope I'm able to inspire you to salvage old wood that otherwise would most likely be burned or stored in a landfill. By the end of this post I hope you will join me in stopping along side the road and taking a few broken branches home. Wood is sturdy, very 'hot' right now, and forgiving (holes and discoloration = "character").  I've included pictures and a few tips to help you...

TIP #1: IF IT SERVES NO OTHER PURPOSE, 

TURN IT INTO A COAT RACK.

Sometimes, a piece of wood is so cool that it HAS to become a coat rack (or in this case, a towel rack in our master bath). Just add hooks. Paint is always optional.

TIP #2: WOOD CAN ENHANCE THINGS 

YOU ALREADY HAVE.

Look around your home. Are there things on your wall that seem too small or boring to you? Is there a piece of furniture that has seen better days? Add a few boards...

This end table had been through the ringer - over 10 years of wear and tear. It's original color was black but with so many dents and scratches on the top, it looked like a cheetah! A can of spray paint later, the legs looked great but the dents were still too obvious. And then I remembered my wood stash, patiently waiting for me in the garage. I measured the space and cut a few old fence boards. Then I just used wood glue to secure them, and a new table was born!

This cheap Walmart clock seemed way too small for the amount of wall space I needed it to fill so I went out to my trusty pile of wood and literally 10 minutes later my problem was solved!

See the difference?

Any old frames lying around? Maybe a kid broke the glass on accident? ;-)  Fill the empty space with fence boards and stencil your favorite words (acrylic paint is the best). Maybe a poem or words of advice? A scripture or just the names of your family members? It's your piece of art. Maybe, make a ruler! They are everywhere on pinterest and sell for $80 on etsy but you can make it yourself for less than $5!  No, really, you can do this. You don't have to be an artist to create art.

Okay so maybe you don't have nice neighbors willing to put their old fence boards out with a free sign and you don't want to spend money at the lumber yard. I hear ya. Here's where mother nature graciously offers you an alternative...

TIP #3: BRANCHES ARE BEAUTIFUL.

Seriously. A few branches can make a huge statement.

Put them in a vase.

Hang them on the wall.

Turn them into racks of all kinds.

TIP #4: WOOD CAN REALLY ADD A SPECIAL ELEMENT 

TO A PARTY/EVENT.

Branches are a great accent in the home ,well as at a party. A little spray paint can completely transform them into something magical.

Whenever you see a tree being trimmed, look for neat little pieces to salvage. This plate stand was from a tree my dad chopped down. 

Don't forget the small guys! Twigs can be hot glued together and accented with twine or some other form of ribbon and used to hold place cards, or better yet, small rounds converted into chalkboards!

So, there you have it! I hope I've inspired you to keep your peepers open while driving around. Wood is everywhere! Let your imagination take you or if you can't "see it" - take one thing you love on pinterest and make it! You will be amazed at what you are able to accomplish!