I recently had the pleasure of turning nature’s treasures into functional art. During a stroll along the shores of Ontario Lake, I stumbled upon some beautiful pieces of driftwood, weathered and sculpted by the elements. I couldn’t resist the thought of turning these rustic, natural wonders into stands for my ornaments. What started as a creative idea turned into an exciting project with the help of my father-in-law’s expertise, and I think it might just be the beginning of a new selling venture.
Here’s a glimpse into how I made my driftwood stands for ornaments — and how you can too.
1. Finding the Driftwood
The first step was simple enough: collecting the driftwood. Ontario Lake, with its serene beauty, often leaves behind these unique pieces shaped by the water and time. Each piece of driftwood is different, with distinct textures, colors, and shapes, making it perfect for creating one-of-a-kind stands. I took a walk along the shore and picked up several pieces that caught my eye. Some were long and straight, while others were twisted and gnarled, each offering its own character.
2. Consulting with My Father-In-Law
Once I gathered my driftwood, I brought it to my father-in-law’s studio. He’s an experienced woodworker with a great eye for design, and he had some valuable tips for me on how to turn these driftwood pieces into sturdy, functional stands.
His first suggestion was to choose pieces with interesting shapes, but also to make sure they could stand upright without tipping over easily. He helped me plan out the structure, ensuring the base would be wide enough to support the ornaments without wobbling. We also discussed the option of creating a modular design so the stands could be taken apart for easy storage and transportation. This would be perfect for events like markets, where space is limited and portability is key.
3. Designing the Stands
The beauty of driftwood is that it requires very little modification to shine. We decided to use a simple yet effective approach for each stand:
- Base Piece: A sturdy, flat piece of driftwood serves as the foundation. The longer pieces of driftwood are perfect for this because they can lay flat while providing a solid support for the top ornament holder.
- Support Arms: These pieces can be placed horizontally or angled to create a stylish design. I liked using shorter pieces for this, which added an asymmetrical look that matched the organic shapes of the driftwood.
- Top Holder: I added a small hole at the top of the stand where the ornament would hang. This is the part that holds the ornament in place, and it’s designed to be easily adjustable for different types of ornaments.
The real magic lies in the rustic charm of the wood itself — no two pieces are exactly the same. Each stand became a unique display, perfectly capturing the essence of nature.
4. Modular Design for Market-Friendly Stands
One of the best features of these driftwood ornament stands is their ability to come apart. I followed my father-in-law’s advice and made each component detachable, which made them incredibly convenient for transport and storage. When I’m participating in markets, I can pack them flat, saving a lot of space and reducing the risk of breakage. This way, the stands can easily be assembled and disassembled by the buyer, making them not just functional but also easy to handle.
5. Response from Customers
After completing the stands, I displayed them alongside my ornaments at a local market. The response was overwhelmingly positive! Many people stopped by to comment on the beauty of the driftwood and the creativity of the design. Some even asked if they were available for purchase. I hadn’t considered selling the stands themselves, but given the interest, it might be something I explore in the future.
The driftwood stands complement my ornaments perfectly. The natural colors and textures of the wood really make the vibrant decorations pop, and the rustic, handcrafted feel is something that many people are drawn to. I’m excited about the possibility of offering these stands as a separate item, creating a whole new product category for my business.
6. Final Thoughts
Turning driftwood into ornament stands has been a rewarding project that combines creativity, nature, and practicality. What started as a simple idea has turned into something that people truly appreciate. If you’re looking to create your own stands or find a way to display your handmade ornaments, driftwood offers an incredible, eco-friendly option. And who knows? Maybe this could lead to a whole new category for your business, just like it has for mine.
So next time you’re walking along the beach or lakefront, keep your eyes peeled for that perfect piece of driftwood. You never know where it might take you!
