Happy Monday/December/Cyber Monday/end of Movember (thank goodness for that last one). I hope all my American friends enjoyed their long weekend! Now that we’re in December, I think it’s appropriate to crank up the holiday posts… agree? Good, I knew I could count on you! To kick off December, I’m sharing this rustic Holiday Lyric Wood Slice. I am so happy with how it turned out, even with my beginner wood-burning skills! I am thinking of making one that’s not holiday specific to use in our every day decor… I just need to decide what it should say!
This project is really, really straightforward. And the process photos weren’t helpful (at all) so I chose to exclude them. The video for this DIY really shows it all. And Shaw did an awesome job creating a new festive intro for the holiday videos! So without further to-do:
All you’ll need to make this project is a wood slice and a wood burner.
I know wood burners are scary because they have ‘burn’ in the name. But they’re really just a hot pen… if you can use a glue gun, I’m positive you can use it. I’m a super newbie at the wood burner, so there’s dips where I pressed too hard, but I hear practice/practice/practice is the only way to get better at these things. So basically, if I can do it- you can too! I used the round tip for the woodburner- I liked it best for this project because it glides over the wood without getting caught in the grooves or digging into the wood. I know you can get calligraphy tips, but I have a starter kit- I promised myself I’d learn how to use it before I went and invested in fancy tips!
As for the design, I drew mine out ahead of time to get a rough idea how I’d like it to look. You can print out my design and use it to trace if you like. Just use a pencil and press firmly over the letters and it will make a slight imprint into the wood that you can follow with the wood burner.
Get my design here
Pretty simple? I know! But the impact is great- I get more compliments on this wood slice (that’s it on my mantle^) than any other decor I have in my home right now. So that’s something :) What do you think? Would you put a different lyric on yours? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Message in a Bottle
Nice! I used one of those slices with our initials carved into it in our decor last summer and I love it. I’m thinking I should just flip it over and put something Christmassy on the back now.
Oooh! You carved it? You’ll have to send me a photo, I love that idea!
HOW can we get a copy of your script, really like what you did and the placement.
Thank you,
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn, there’s a link in the post to open up the file- I’ve gone in and made it larger so it’s easy to find!
O Holy Night is probably my favourite Christmas carol, and I love the way it looks burnt into wood! I’m a spazz when it comes to things that get hot, so it would take a lot of courage for me to buy a kit, haha. (Seriously – it took me forever just to invest in a flat iron and use it at an effective heat setting.)
I love that carol too :) And I burn myself all the time… on everything. But not yet on the wood burner, so that’s a win. But I am right there with you on that, flat irons get SO HOT they’re a total hazard.
I am in love with this rustic wood slice! It is simply gorgeous! The wood is beautiful and coupled with the words to that loved Christmas carol this Christmas decoration is stunning! Thank you for sharing! PINNED!
Thanks so much Michelle! You’re so sweet- I’m happy you stopped by :)
Love this! I did wood burning in Junior High art class, but for the life of me, I can’t remember what the project was;)
Haha, I’m pretty sure I did too now that you mention it! I think I just put eyes on a cat piggy bank though :)
GORGEOUS!! This is so my style this Christmas! Thanks again for sharing with us at the Monday Funday party!!
Thanks so much Meredith! It sounds like you and I are headed in the same direction with our holiday decor- can’t wait to see more of yours!
You and that wood burner make a great couple! Thank you for the template – although I’m going no where near a wood burner, I might use your design on a canvas. Great job on this, Colleen.
Haha aren’t you sweet! It’s really not as scary as it looks! But if you do use it for a canvas, I’d love to see it :)
Beautiful work, Colleen. Found you on link party :)
Thanks so much Svitlana! It’s always nice to meet other Linky friends!
Seriously the most amazing things ever!! Smart idea to use a stencil so you have a guide. These are seriously so pretty!
Aw thanks so much Shannon! I painted a sign on wood for my in laws a few years back and the guide saved the project! Also- your blog name is so clever! I do neither of those activities (regularly) but still love how clever it is! And your photos are great, I love how light and bright they are.
Oh Thanks!! Well I will definitely be visiting back here again! You’ve got the creative juices I dream of!
It’s so beautiful. I think I need to add wood-burning kit to my Christmas list. I love your writing.
You definitely should! I haven’t used mine for too many projects, but it’s fun to have around. Mine was the cheap one from Walmart- only $13!
You are so talented! Any tips on how to prevent wood slices from cracking/splitting? I would love to make these as gifts…
Aw, thanks so much Kim! I actually bought this one at Michaels. There are sealants you can get that would help prevent that though. Another thing that’s really important for any type of wood project is to let it dry out completely before ‘processing’ or cutting it too much. I know it’s a little late for that before Christmas though! Michaels often has coupons so if you’re interested- I’d try there.
AND I’d love to see a photo if you do try it out!!
Oh my goodness I am in love with this! It would go perfect with my Christmas decor. I don’t have a wood burner, but I think that is about to change! Thanks for sharing it on the Monday Funday Party! Pinning to our group board.
Thanks so much Amy! You should definitely get one- mine was only $13 (without a coupon!).
This is so beautiful, thanks for sharing at the Project Parade Linky Party.
Thanks so much Rosemary! Love your party :)
Love this! I’m featuring it on Worthwhile Wednesdays tonight!
~Allie http://www.craftyallieblog.com
Thanks so much Allie! You rock :)
Wow! This is so pretty! I love the calligraphy you did – and its awesome that you shared the template! Thanks so much for sharing at On Display Thursday! We hope to see you again tonight at 9 pm central! http://www.thedomesticheart.com/display-thursday-23
Thanks so much Shelly- it’s not a perfect template, but hopefully it can help someone give it a shot!
I absolutely LOVE this! I am pinning, and featuring this post tonight at our next party. Thanks for sharing at On Display Thursday. :)
Thanks so much Leia! What a treat :)
You can do no wrong my friend. These are beautiful!!!
You’re so sweet Laura! Thanks for all the support :)
Hello !
I love this project ! I am also a beginner at wood-burning but I love it especially because wood is beautiful (and I have another project with this Technic for my kids).
Thank you for sharing with us,
Thanks so much Cecile! It really is a fun technique!
Love the wood slice. I’ve been working with some but they seem to crack/split. Did you seal yours? Help!
Thanks Jill! I did not seal this one but bought it from a craft store. I’ve never made my own wood slices for art purposes- sorry I can’t be more help!
wow this is wonderful and i love how you show how to do it …sure hope it is as easy for me …hope you have a great day and the coming up of Christmas…thank you very much…
Thanks so much Madeline! I hope it went well for you :)