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Rustic Wood Owl Made from Scrap Wood Garden Art

A serene and mindful project to create a rustic wood owl for your garden using scrap wood.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 1 rustic wood owl
Course: Crafting
Cuisine: Crafting
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Assorted scrap wood pieces one larger piece for the body, smaller ones for wings and beak
  • Wooden garden stake or thin post for mounting optional
  • Sandpaper in coarse and fine grits 80, 120, 220
  • Wood glue and a few small nails or screws
  • Hand saw or jigsaw for cutting shapes
  • Pencil and ruler for marking shapes
  • Stain or outdoor paint and a small brush
  • Clear outdoor sealant satin or matte
  • Small drill bit for pilot holes optional
  • Cloth for wiping excess stain
  • A small bowl of water for cleaning hands

Method
 

  1. Choose a body board roughly 6 to 10 inches tall and 4 to 6 inches wide. Trace a gentle, rounded owl silhouette with a pencil.
  2. Cut the silhouette with a hand saw or jigsaw.
  3. Mark two round eye shapes near the top and a small triangle for the beak.
  4. Cut two wing shapes from smaller scrap pieces.
  5. Sand all edges and surfaces.
  6. Attach the wings with wood glue and a small nail or screw through the back.
  7. Glue and fix the beak into its notch.
  8. Mount the owl to a stake or backboard.
  9. Apply a light stain or paint in thin layers.
  10. Seal the finished owl with a clear outdoor sealant.
  11. Plant the stake or lean the owl in a sheltered spot.

Notes

Using reclaimed wood brings extra texture and stories. Choose a spot where it avoids direct sun and moisture for longevity.