A few months ago, I posted wooden wall art panels with a distinctive abalone/snake skin effect I discovered by accident. The project quickly became one of my most popular—so many lovely compliments, though a few readers said it looked too hard. I found it easy, just very time-consuming. Today, I’m sharing how I halved the work by using a gouge ball to create this Shou sugi ban wall art.
Scrap Wood Mirror Frame with Copper Highlights is a quick upcycle that transforms a plain mirror into striking wall art using only offcuts and found materials. I’ve been tackling my scrap pile lately, and this project uses the smallest pieces to decorate a simple mirror frame. Imperfections are welcome. Rough edges, dents, and random textures build character. I’ll show the full process, the fixes for a couple of hiccups, and simple ways to seal and hang your finished mirror.
I didn’t plan a Shou Sugi Ban project, but this Snakeskin-Effect Shou Sugi Ban Wall Art began as a shortcut and turned into a stunner. I wanted to learn basic wood carving and thought wavy grooves would be a simple start. A quick experiment with burning and sanding revealed a dramatic snakeskin texture that appears intricate but utilises straightforward steps that can be repeated.
This week’s project for the International Bloggers Club (IBC) challenge has been a fun one! The theme is “Broken China,” and while I wasn’t able to source china from the local charity shops, I dug through my cupboards at home to find a unique teapot that could be turned into a functional and decorative birdhouse and feeder.
A few months ago, I shared a Shou Sugi Ban wall hanging, and the response was huge. So many people asked how the colours were achieved. In this tutorial, Colouring Shou Sugi Ban: 8 Tested Ways to Add Vibrant Colour to Burnt Timber, you’ll see exactly how to prepare the wood, apply colour without blotches, and seal it so the grain glows. I also compare different products side by side, so you can pick the look you love.
Late last year, we welcomed two mischievous Jack Russell terrier puppies into our family, and they’ve kept us on our toes ever since. Their cheeky new trick is pushing my 14-year-old dog out of her bed so they can claim it for themselves. That sparked my idea for this project—a cosy hobbit-style dog house, designed especially for them.
I love finding ways to turn old and weathered timber into something beautiful, and this DIY wooden suncatcher with coloured epoxy resin is one of my favourite recycled garden décor projects. What started as a battered piece of wood under my sister’s carport turned into a glowing suncatcher that catches the light most magically. Instead of turning the wood into a sign, which is the usual go-to for reclaimed timber, I wanted something more unique. The idea of drilling holes and filling them with resin came to me, and the result was a one-of-a-kind garden sculpture.
This chaise lounge, made entirely from recycled materials, was inspired by a friend’s request. When she asked if I could build one, I doubted I had the skills to pull it off. I can’t work from plans—I only make projects up as I go. That’s why I choose recycled materials: if the build fails, I haven’t lost any money. Amazingly, it turned out so well that it now takes pride of place in my front-room window.
From the moment I first spotted an elegant wine barrel coffee table, I dreamed of building one that felt more like fine furniture and reflected my style. In this guide, How to Create a Custom Wine Barrel Coffee Table, I’ll walk you through every step—combining photos from several tables I’ve made—to show you exactly how to remove odours, cut and sand the barrel, craft graceful arch legs, and finish your piece with stain, polyurethane, decorative bands and a personalised resin-sealed decal.
