Back in February, I was dreaming of the beach, fruity drinks with little paper umbrellas, and vacation time with my family while I hot glued to my heart’s content and made a heart from driftwood. Today, I’ll show you how I took some more of the driftwood that I bought on Etsy and made a driftwood vase. By the way, I’m still dreaming of that vacation.
1. A glass jar. I up-cycled a jar that once held a candle.
2. Flat pieces of driftwood.
3. Measuring tape
4. Sandpaper
5. Hot glue gun and glue sticks or E6000 glue (more permanent but the smell is strong)
6. Jute twine
7. A chop saw or miter box
Measure the jar to see how many rows of driftwood you’ll need.
I ended up needing a couple more inches than the circumference of the jar. Measure the height of the jar and add an inch. This is the length you’ll need to cut the driftwood.
Before you add your cut pieces of driftwood, scuff up the jar with sandpaper to give it some grip. Clean the jar and hot glue the pieces of driftwood on. You don’t have to start on opposite sides like I did. I tried to take one of those pieces off after the glue cooled and it didn’t budge. The hot glue may soften if exposed to warm temperatures over time, so you will need to keep the vase out of direct sunlight. You can use E6000 glue if you want the driftwood to stay permanently. I, personally, don’t care for the fumes.
The last step is to braid three pieces of jute twine and hot glue it around the vase. I could have put a small cup inside the jar before I added the water and flowers, but I plan on wiping the inside clean with a paper towel dampened with vinegar.
Love coastal decor? Click on the picture below to see how you can make a driftwood heart.
Chelsea @ Making Home Base says
So pretty, Tricia! I am seeing so many beautiful driftwood projects lately. I think this one is my new favorite 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!
Tricia says
Thank you, Chelsea! By the way, I love your Annie Sloan painted high chair that you did recently! I’m sharing it on my Facebook page today. Hope you have a great weekend!
Ruth Anne says
Hi Tricia,
I’m heading for the Florida Gulf Coast beaches tomorrow and will gather as many small driftwood pieces that I can. I really love the driftwood vase and plan to make one, if I get lucky enough in my beachcombing. Thanks so much for the very helpful tutorial!
Tricia says
You’re welcome, Ruth Anne! Enjoy your vacation! I hope you find lots of driftwood so you can make a vase, too.
Linda @ it all started with paint says
Oh, I just love this! I’m a beach lover and anything driftwood makes me nostalgic … and happy!
🙂 Linda
Tricia says
I’m so glad you like it, Linda!
Therese @ Fresh Idea Studio says
Tricia, that turned out perfect! What a great tutorial. I love your Driftwood heart too…but I think I’ll be better at handling the vase. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
Tricia says
Thanks, Therese! Yes, making the vase went a lot quicker than making the driftwood heart. I’m so glad that you liked it!
Sarah @ 20State says
Beautiful, the driftwood looks so soft! I’m holidays in 14 sleeps, woohoo!
Tricia says
Yay, Sarah! I wish my vacation was that soon. Hope you have a wonderful time!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Love it Tricia! We just went out and picked up some driftwood the other day…can’t wait to get busy making something with it! 🙂 This is so pretty.
Nancy
Tricia says
Thank you, Nancy! I’m hoping that the beach we go to this summer has some driftwood that I can take home. I’m ready to make something else. 🙂 Can’t wait to see what you make.
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
So pretty – now I have to hit the beach to find some driftwood!
Kelly
Tricia says
Thanks, Kelly! I’m counting the days when we can finally get to the beach. It can’t get here soon enough!
Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says
This is really pretty Tricia. I bought a giant driftwood Garland last Fall, just so I could take it apart and craft with it. It’s patiently waiting for me 😉 I’ve got some projects planned for the bathroom reveal. Your vase sure turned out pretty.
Tricia says
Great idea, Shannon! I can’t wait to see what you make. I’m sure it will be fabulous!
rita says
This is so beautiful! I am going to try and find drift wood now. I think I need a few of these vases for my patio now :). If you get a chance, please share this on my linky party: http://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/06/sunday-linky-party-10.html
Ellya Brill says
I really like this! It is pretty!
Thanks for sharing. Have a great Sunday!
Ellya
Krista @thehappyhousie says
The vase is adorable Tricia and that heart is absolutely fabulous!! I think I need to create something similar… we have a bunch of little pieces of driftwood that roll in on our lake beach, perhaps I will spend some time today collecting it!!
Krista
Kathryn says
This is just so pretty! I love it!
Kelly @ JAX does design says
Your driftwood vase has so much wonderful coastal charm 🙂 I’ve found lots of shells on visits to the beach, but not a lot of driftwood – I’ll have to keep an eye out for it next time!
Jenna says
Such a pretty little vase! Love the beachy feel of it! Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
Mel says
I love this what a beautiful project, just perfect in its simplicity 🙂
Dee says
The driftwood is beautiful and I also love the heart!!! So beach inspired. I love it!!! I hope you will share this on my blog this week. The challenge is “Life at the Beach” challenge. Anything beach/summer inspired or nautical.
Come on over! Link up begins Wednesday night!!!
http://www.thecsiproject.com
Sandy toes and salty kisses XOXO
Dee, The CSI Girl
PS I would love to share this on my FB page this week. Perfect for this week’s challenge!
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
Having formerly lived within walking distance of Lake Michigan I so wish I had thought of this with all the available driftwood there. What a cute project!
Thanks for sharing at Monday Funday!
Hope your week is extraordinary!
p.s. Shared on FB & pinning!
MariaElena says
What a beautiful idea! Looks gorgeous! I have a new weekly link party which is live now and I would love if you stop by and link up this wonderful post! Hope to see you there! http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/ Hugs, Maria
Tara from The Magnolia Barn says
I love this, so pretty. Just pinned and looking forward to making one of my own, thanks!
Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says
Such a great idea! It is so pretty!!
Jenn says
This is so pretty!!! I will definitely be collecting some driftwood on our summer camping trips! Thanks so much for sharing at The Inspiration Exchange – pinned this!
Jenn 🙂
Ashley Christensen says
I love this project! The drift wood is really fun, and it seems pretty easy to make! I would love it if you would come and link this up at my link party
Dandelion Wishes Wednesday. I’m also pinning this 🙂
Lora @ Craftivity Designs says
Beautiful! What a great touch of texture.
Southern Scraps says
Love the vase and the heart!
OnePerfectDay says
Love the vase!
Love the heart!
They’re both such great projects!
I’ve been collecting driftwood forever but haven’t yet found the time to use it.
My sister makes wonderful mirrors with it.
Natasha in Oz says
This is such a brilliant idea and your pictures are stunning! We are heading to the beach in a couple of weeks so I will have to look out for some driftwood!
If you have a minute to spare I’d be so thrilled if you could share this post at my weekly Say G’day linky party. It’s on right now and this post would be a perfect addition!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Tricia says
Thank you, Natasha! I’ll be sure to stop by this Saturday for the linky party! Thank you for the invite and I hope you have a wonderful vacation!
Amy says
Love your vase. I love a simple project that looks this great. Thanks for sharing and nice visiting with you.
Amy
Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says
What a great summer project! I love it! Life to the full! Melissa
Kim @ EverythingEtsy says
I big puffy heart driftwood…thanks for the awesome idea!
~Kim