Snowman Logs

I'm so inspired to make these funky, cute snowmen from discarded logs. I used some really old, wormy, beat up pieces that were laying around my yard. This wasn't the best idea since there were creatures still living inside! My friend, Linda gave me a few "newer" logs from her woodpile and I was on a roll. Don't worry, I baked the older wood in a low oven for a few hours, that should do it!

I started with 3 1/2" to 4" or so logs and cut them on my miter saw at 2" thick. Please be careful and don't cut right to the end. Give yourself enough room to hold on and keep your hands far enough away from the saw.  Next I cut a smaller diameter log, about 3" or so, then repeated with whatever I had. No time to be fussy, these are rustic.

The hats were cut from the smaller diameter logs, also 2" thick. The brims were about 2 1/2 - 3" diameter but cut about 3/4 - 1" thick. I'd say use whatever you have. I chose to paint them black but I left one or two natural.

Wonderful Outdoor Piano Bench

At home in my back yard flower garden!

A friend of mine had their deck floor replaced and she asked me if I wanted any of the scrap pieces. I certainly have a reputation of taking any "stuff" to re-use. There were various sizes of 5/4" thick x 6" wide pressure treated wood, mostly in various lengths, ranging from about 14" to 26" long.

I needed an outdoor bench! I looked around the internet and my Pinterest collection and found a great plan from Artsy Chicks Rule. This is exactly what I wanted since it uses the top boards that run the width of the bench. Oh, now what about if I make the 2x4 frame to accept 8 boards, I'll have an octave and paint them like piano keys. I used the legs from an old footboard in the front and 4x4 scraps for the back legs. I'm so pleased and it's such a fun place to sit.

2x4 frame, I used some really old wood!

Bench frame assembled with fancy front legs from a footboard.

Organizing and painting the "keys"

Black keys = sharps & flats!

Painting the frame with leftover exterior paint from my shutters.

It's right at home among the summer flowers.

The petunias are taking over!

Wood Heart with feelings!

In an attempt to use up piles of assorted scrap wood, I created these wooden hearts. I searched the web for ideas (as usual), tried a few different designs and decided that the vertical board heart was my choice. I love the five board vertical heart complete with twine and a button flower!

I started by finding a heart pattern that I liked. Not a long narrow one, but a big, fat heart that was at least 12" high and wide. I experimented with a few slightly different sizes but the one I use now is 12 1/2" high and wide.  Big enough to stand out if hung on a wall or door, yet not so big that I could sell it at a reasonable price. It also fits into a USPS standard box, since boxes can add quite a bit to the cost of selling.  

Next I laid out the boards side by side in a vertical pattern, then glued and clamped them together. After letting the glue dry overnight, I traced the heart shape. Phew, it's exciting to see the hearts take shape!

 I used my jig saw to cut out the heart pattern, clamping it to my work table.  

 Next, I lightly sanded all over trying to smooth out any rough spots and to add a "worn" look.

I don't trust the glue 100% so I cut out a rectangle from 1/4 lauan, made sure it spanned all the joints then glued it to the back.  I nailed a sawtooth hanger on the back and it was ready to hang.  I'll be adding more information and pics to this post.

Some four board hearts, I'm trying out some various wood treatments.