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 Coaster Tutorial

When you are married to a wood-aholic, it's just a matter of time that you find your coasters replaced by wood coasters...from a log. 

Fortunately, for you {that is, if you are interested}, the wood-aholic is sharing how to make your very own wood coasters.

First, and not surprisingly, you'll need to find a log, preferably one that is about 4 inches in diameter.

Using a mitre box, cut 1/4-1/2 inch sections off of the log.

 

Cut as many sections as you want, taking care to protect your fingers as you get close to the end of the log.   Though these coasters are unique, they aren't worth losing a finger for.

Once you've finished cutting out your coasters, you'll want to sand them.  Sand the rough edges of the bark and both the top and bottom of the coasters.

Next, apply a layer of polyurethane to your coaster.  

You can see the difference between the coaster that is uncoated (or finished) and the one that is coated with polyurethane.

Once they've dried, your coasters are complete.

Decorate with them.

Or enjoy them for their intended purpose.

Cheers!

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