Branch out
There’s real beauty to rustic upcycling, and nothing more exciting than using natural materials to make something stunning!
Create a rustic scarf rack
How to make the scarf hanging rack
Once this quirky upcycle project is made, it’ll really get conversations going – it’s a clever show-stopper of a piece, packed with nature’s charm and fabulously practical to boot. If you’re new to upcycling, you’ll get acquainted with some traditional upcycling tools, like a small saw, glue gun and screwdriver. And when you’ve found the perfect frame, it’s just a case of hunting out the right twigs. Hang it near the front door for maximum impact!
1
Hunt out a good-sized frame in a local junk shop. Frames can be found in second hand shops and flea markets or cheap homeware shops, but they are also easy to make if you struggle to find one. You could also use any of these alternatives: a deep-set tray with the bottom cut out; picture frames; or simple mirrors with the backs removed.
2
Collect a selection of twigs and branches in all shapes and sizes, making sure that at least one part is straight and a few of them have solid limbs sprouting out from them at a 45 degree angle. Wash them down in hot soapy water and lay them out to dry on old newspaper for a couple of days, depending on how wet they were when you found them.
3
Start by fixing picture hooks to the back of the frame in both the top right-hand corner and the top left-hand corner using your drill and screwdriver.
4
Measure the distance between the inside top edge of the frame and the inside bottom edge of the frame and cut three or four branches to size. Our frame measured 22cm from the top to the bottom and so we used this measurement to cut the branches and twigs to the correct length. It is always best for the branches and twigs to be on the longer side, rather than shorter, as you can then knock them into place lightly with a hammer and they will be much easier to secure.
5
Play around with the branches and twigs until you are happy with how they look in the frame. The sprouting twigs must be facing forward to act as hangers and the back must be able to sit flush against the wall once hung.
6
Secure the branches and twigs in place with a glue gun. Keep cutting and adding more branches until you are happy with the scarf hanger’s appearance.
7
Remove any visible glue with a sharp Stanley knife once finished.