How To Embroider Wood Tutorial

I used a power tool for the first time, completely unsupervised and I survived.  All my fingers are intact.

What does one do, after they've used a power tool?  Embroider something of course.

Ever wonder if wood could be embroidered?  The answer is YES!  And, I'm about to show you how.

First, you'll need some sort of wood to embroider (driftwood, barn wood, wood coasters).  If you want to use slices of a log, like I've used, check out my wood coaster tutorial for full directions.

Next, lightly sketch out the shape you want to embroider in pencil.  Once you have your shape drawn, again, in pencil, mark approximate location for the holes to be drilled.

Using the smallest bit on your power drill, begin to drill holes through the wood.
*Place a thick board beneath the piece of wood you are drilling.

Make sure the drill goes completely through the wood.

Once you have completed drilling your holes, you can start embroidering your wood.

Thread an average sewing needle with embroidery thread, knot the end of the embroidery thread.

Start embroidering.

Come up through the back of the wood (point a).  Your knot should hold in the back of point (a) (if the knot comes through the front, simply make your  knot larger).  Bring your needle down through point (b), pulling the thread taunt as you go.  Come back up through point (c), continuing to pull the thread taunt.  Return the needle to point (b), going back down.  Come back up at point (d) then go back down at point (c). 

Continue until you have completed embroidering your shape. 

Whatever shape that might be.

What more fun could you possible have using power tools and embroidery thread?

These would make great coasters, ornaments, home decor, art or the sweetest Valentines.

Of course, if you decide to use them as Valentines, make sure you include a card that says something like:  

Wood you be my Valentine?

Wood Silhouette Ornaments

A few weeks ago, I asked my Facebook followers for ornament inspiration.  In return, I promised a free ornament if inspiration struck.  'A Casarella quickly responded with the suggestion silhouettes. 

And, inspiration struck.

Instead of raiding my felt supply, I raided the woodaholic's collection of wood....those wood coaster he lovingly sliced, specifically.

To make your own silhouette ornaments you'll need, 10 minutes of free time and...

A log slice, some black vinyl (or chalkboard contact paper) and a print out of a good profile picture. 

Cut the profile picture out, taking care to cut with accuracy.  Place the printed cutout profile onto the log slice to determine if you need to size up or down or if you have the perfect size already.  When you get the size you want, trace the profile onto the back side of your vinyl and proceed to cut it out.

Peel the back off your vinyl.

Affix the vinyl silhouette to the center of your log slice.

Add an eyelet or drill a hole through the top of your log slice.

Attach ribbon or twine and hang.

These silhouette ornaments would also make adorable placecard holders.  Attach them to a clipping of rosemary then place them onto a dinner plate.  

These silhouette ornaments would also make great gifts for grandparents, friends and/or family.

Not only are these quick to make, whatever you decide to do with them, they will be a timeless and memorable ornament to treasure.

Thanks 'A Casarella for the inspiration (enjoy your ornaments)!