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| We have many long lengths from the trunk and branches of a Carolina Silverbell tree. The tree was a wedding gift with sentimental value, and someone else cut it down. Long sad story. Cue the violins and attorneys.
Can any of you creative people help with ideas about how I might use the wood itself? I'm talking about hard wood with attractive striated grey bark. The bark is relatively smooth and is quite pretty. Probably about 40-50 feet in total, with a diameter ranging from 3-4" or so. We haven't yet cut the long lengths. I was wondering about maybe making an arbor, or something nice for the birds, or perhaps sculpture or another item for the garden. I would want it to last a long time because of the sentimental value of the original tree, so I'm wondering if I should let it age before cutting or before making something--whatever that something will be. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!
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Image link: creative ideas for 3'' diameter wood (17 k)
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Still, GRRRRRR for people that cut down other people's trees!!!! My first thought was of these, umm sculptures? I'm really not sure what to call them, that a vendor on Etsy does with wood rounds. It seems that she paints the rings different colors, like multi-colored bullseyes. Then the whole seems to be clear sealed very well. I like the pictures of the walls with many of them on there. I know that's inside and not for the garden, but the general idea could be incorporated. Maybe cut varying lengths and use as path markers or hose guides? Sorry, I'm fixated on those rings right now and can't think past them! |
Here is a link that might be useful: tree rings
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- Posted by soonergirl1968 7a OKC (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 10 at 13:51
| If you want to keep them "forever" you may want to protect them. I think it would be really neat to cut them into 1" sections so you have a whole bunch of discs. Glue them to the top of an old table and pour resin (isn't that what it's called? They put on bar tops - clear, real thick hard stuff?) over them to seal them in and it would make a beautiful table!! Or you could use the "discs" to cover a large picture frame, planters or a wall in a small room! |
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- Posted by soonergirl1968 7a OKC (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 10 at 14:02
| I looked it up... it's EPOXY not resin. Pretty cool stuff though!! |
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- Posted by concretenprimroses 4B NH (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 10 at 14:08
| So sorry about your tree. Scroll down a bit to the first branch arbor- its gorgeous and mentions there are instructions but I couldn't find them on the web. Be sure to scroll down a bit further to Rustic Arbors. I think keeping the actual wood off the ground may be key in preventing rot. Mabe attaching to metal posts that are driven into the ground? I love those painted rounds too. Kathy |
Here is a link that might be useful: Arbors
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- Posted by aka_strawberrygoat PNW-8 (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 10 at 14:58
| without taking the time to look up what I was thinking, I'll just mention it right now.. my son at one time had some really pretty trees he was keeping an eye on for a friend who was looking for special trees for making musical instruments. first off..can you sue? Indian flutes, violins, bass violins, violas, you know the kind I'm saying...... for another post, for regular wood I had suggested harvesting mushrooms but this I doubt would fall under that catagory... good luck and now I'll go check around to see what kinds of woods are preferred for musical instruments. |
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- Posted by aka_strawberrygoat PNW-8 (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 10 at 15:13
| so far, I see it has to do with density and moisture content of the woods and mechanical properties.. and being about 3"..well, I know a flute would fit in there...so don't know about how wood is milled, to get the large amounts of fine thin woods.. In the Seattle area, there's a lady who designed her own mini lathe..I've talked to her and will one day take a workshop from her. she teaches at a studio for anyone who needs a walk through of her lathe.. I did a bit of wood turning in a class I took years ago, at the Art Institute in Seattle. 2211 N.W. St. Helens Road Portland, Oregon 97210 (503) 274-1271 Fax (503) 274-9839 800# 1-888-667-3979 click here to e-mail inquiry or order Owner: Myles Gilmer
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- Posted by aka_strawberrygoat PNW-8 (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 10 at 15:41
| pen blanks
cocuswood for woodwind instruments
African blackwood, also for woodwind instruments
European pearwood
woodwind blanks
chop stick blanks
pink ivory-madagascar ebony vase 4" width x 10" tall
all pieces cut and ready for hand turning on a wood lathe.. the very best to you in this decision and search and with sincere empathy for having had that tree cut down, without your consent. Becky |
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- Posted by toomuchglass 53172 (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 10 at 17:25
| I love soonergirl's idea with the Epoxy ... |
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| Saw this at a craft show recently. Thought it may be something you would consider for your beautiful tree trunks and branches. On the sides (where you can't see) they just criss-crossed thinner branches all the way up and down both sides. It was put together with just nails, but it was really pretty. Unfortunately this was their last one and it was sold when I got there. :0( |
Here is a link that might be useful: Arbor
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- Posted by still_lynnski 5 western MA (My Page) on Tue, Jun 29, 10 at 22:27
| You all are the BEST! These are such fantastic ideas. One of them in particular really touched me, and now I see a way to give this tree a long and soulful life... Best wishes and many thanks, |
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- Posted by luna_llena_feliz 5B (My Page) on Wed, Jun 30, 10 at 1:11
| I have always loved the rustic looking arbors and your wood would look gorgeous in an arbor. Although it's not garden junk, I have a pair of lamps made from a tree branch. If you have a more rustic decor that might be an option too. This is a picture of one of my lamps.
The book in the picture - Rustic Garden Projects - has some wonderful ideas for using wood like yours too. |
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