I really could use some sunshine and sand right now. And a fruity drink with a little paper umbrella would be quite nice, too. 🙂 All I could think about while making this driftwood heart was how much I look forward to going to the beach with my family this summer. Since summer is 146 days away (yes, I’m counting), this little piece of coastal-inspired art will have to suffice.
I fell in love with this driftwood heart that Forever Cottage had nestled in her bookcase.
via Forever Cottage
Similar ones online are not cheap. Expect to pay at least $75.00.
With a few supplies such as cardboard, hot glue, twine and pieces of driftwood, you can create your own sweet, little driftwood heart art.
If you don’t have access to driftwood, you can purchase a boxful from this shop on Etsy.
I shopped around, and believe me when I say this is a good deal for how much you get! {I’m not affiliated with this shop. I just like to share a good deal when I find one.}
I wanted the heart to be 12 inches at the widest part in height and width. I used a piece of cardboard for my base.
Using a glue gun, I attached the driftwood on the outside edges of the heart first…
and filled in the rest, gluing the larger and flatter pieces first.
It’s similar to putting together a puzzle. The pieces, although very different, just find a way to fit together.
When the heart was complete, I hot glued two rows of twine along the edges to hide the cardboard.
I used construction adhesive to attach the heart to a piece of 14″ x 14″ bead board and let it dry overnight. The piece of bead board is optional, but this helps it sit upright and makes it easier to add a hook if you decide to hang it on the wall.
I had all intentions of making this just for Valentine’s Day, but the longer it stays on our bookcase, the more I think I want to keep it there after the holiday.
I’m using what I have left over as vase and mason jar fillers, but I’m hoping I have enough to make a driftwood mirror similar to Emily’s from The Wicker House.
via The Wicker House
Is there anything you decorate with that reminds you of summer vacation all year long?
Here are some more Holiday DIY projects ideas!
I have some exciting news to share with y’all! Starting next week, I’ll be a monthly contributor for Shannon at Fox Hollow Cottage! I hope you’ll join me over there when I share my first project!
Want to see how to make a driftwood vase? Click >here< for the tutorial.
Edit 02-12-13: Want to see some more driftwood heart art? Check out this post from Completely Coastal.
I’m linking this up to some of my favorite blogs such as:
Just Us Four
It’s Overflowing
Uncommon Designs
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Home Stories A to Z
Blissfully Ever After
The DIY Showoff
Rosa says
What else can I saying? It’s perfect ! Anywhere you put it bring a touch of fresh natura to your home🥰 I love this piece. Thank you for sharing and to the good tutorial. I make a bit of driftwood art to.
April says
This gives me an idea for our Airbnb rental at the beach. Love this!
Tricia says
Great idea! I’m glad this inspired you!
Rachel says
I love the driftwood heart and just threw out some pieces of driftwood I picked up at the beach last year. Will be going back out to the woods to reclaim and make some of these for Valentine’s Day gifts. Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Kathryn says
This is just so pretty! You’ve made me love driftwood again!
Petra says
Very cool! I suppose the same technique can be applied to make a summer wreath. I am lucky to live in a place in Australia where summer is all year ’round 😀 however I miss the change of seasons so am always looking for seasonal ideas – wreaths are such a good idea to celebrate each season (or occasion) – thanks for celebrating summer!
Anja says
So cute! Too bad if we don’t live by the sea, right?
I am your newest follower, by the way! =)
Anja @ cocalores.blogspot.com
Roeshel says
Adorable! I wish drift wood was available locally. I can make a stick heart. lol! Beautiful job, as always!
Tricia says
Lol! I could have made a pinecone heart from all the ones in our backyard, but that probably wouldn’t have gone over so well. 😉
M. Perfect Living says
I really like how different each one can turn out. Great idea.
Taelia88 says
Such a sweet DIY!!
Great post!! I included it in my post Βόλτα στη Γειτονιά #20 🙂
Have a great week!!
kim says
Came over from your link up @ under the table dreaming. Glad I did, you have great style & I’ve only looked at a few of your projects. Love the closet/office idea & the different shades of wood on the walls. Nice!*
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
Wow! This looks incredible. I absolutely adore how this turned out. Even though it is great for Valentine’s Day, you could totally leave this out all year!
Cristina@remodelandolacasa says
Sooo pretty! The fact that you can use it year round makes me love it even more!
Emily Benson says
What a great idea. I love the rustic valentine vibe it gives! Thanks for sharing.
Emily @ thebensonstreet.com
Anna K. says
I’m swinging by via the Valentine’s Day Party link up…and I’m so glad I did! I live in the South near the water and this project is sooo me! I’ve wanted to do something with driftwood in our home, but I had no idea where to get any. Thanks for sharing your source and your beautiful project!
Blessings,
Anna K.
Laura @ Finding Home says
Super cute project and you made it look easy and doable!
Emily says
So beautiful! I love using local finds :o) Was trying to make hearts out of red leaves here in Hong Kong yesterday. Didn’t turn out as good and this, but fun to try :o)
Christina at I Gotta Create! says
That has to be the most beautiful collaboration with Nature I’ve seen in quite some time. Pinning!
<3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
Wildly Original linky party is open
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Love this Tricia!! Think I might have to go out and look for some driftwood. Living by the coast I should have access to plenty!! 😉 Never thought of doing anything with it!
And I don’t see anything wrong with leaving it up all year…I vote yes. 🙂
Nancy
The White Barn says
I have small pieces of drift wood a friend gave me. I can’t wait to try this project. I will send you a pic of the finished product. Thanks for the inspiration.
Rachel says
Oh, it’s beautiful!! I love this idea. Seriously – it’s gorgeous. I used to live close enough to some good places to get some beautiful driftwood. I’ll have to order some off of that Etsy shop now.
Trish says
Another idea for displaying your heart (WHICH by the way is PRECIOUS) is to put it on a plate stand like one you would get at Michael’s for vertical display on a table. Also, if any of you have a husband who is handy and has a jigsaw, you could make your base out of wood which would then make it easier to attach to a hanger.
Joyce says
What an amazing idea! So creative and so appealing! Love it!
Shannon Fox says
I’m sure you’ll knock that mirror out of the park too! I almost bought one at HomeGoods but I couldn’t part with my money. lol. Must not have “needed” it 😉
So happy to have you on the team!! 2013 is going to be SO exciting!!!!
Sarah says
This is really lovely, I love home decor made from natural things. Such a warm and touchable feeling…that sounds a bit odd… Inviting sounds less creepy ;). Well I’m counting down until the Australian winter, summer has been rough. Australia Day today so off to celebrate!!
laura@Top This Top That says
that heart is lovely! I have never worked with drift wood and may have to purchase some to do something with. I am featuring this sweet heart on my weekly wow’s tomorrow ( Sat)
NatureMaid Treasures says
Hi Laura,
You may want to check out my listing for driftwood.
Jean
Jen O'Brien says
Love it! A fruity drink, sun and sand, sounds pserfect;)! Have a great weekend, Jen
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
That heart is darling.