Try This: Vivified Vase

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If you enjoy this project, check out contributor Susan Wasinger's book, Eco-Craft (Lark Books, 2009).
If you enjoy this project, check out contributor Susan Wasinger's book, Eco-Craft (Lark Books, 2009).
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Always dry-fit each piece in place first to ensure that it will fit nicely with the other pieces. Fit tiny slices into small, awkward spaces.
Always dry-fit each piece in place first to ensure that it will fit nicely with the other pieces. Fit tiny slices into small, awkward spaces.
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When using an aluminum can or glass as your base, rough up the surface with coarse sandpaper to ensure the glue will adhere.
When using an aluminum can or glass as your base, rough up the surface with coarse sandpaper to ensure the glue will adhere.
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Turn a leftover can or vase into an eye-catching piece of eco-décor.
Turn a leftover can or vase into an eye-catching piece of eco-décor.
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Using shears, cut branches into slices about 1/2-inch thick. You will need slices in a variety of diameters to cover the surface completely.
Using shears, cut branches into slices about 1/2-inch thick. You will need slices in a variety of diameters to cover the surface completely.
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Using branches of different sizes will add some variety to your finished piece.
Using branches of different sizes will add some variety to your finished piece.
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Start at the bottom of the pot or can and work your way up. Dab glue on both the wood slice and the pot's surface to ensure a good bond.
Start at the bottom of the pot or can and work your way up. Dab glue on both the wood slice and the pot's surface to ensure a good bond.
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Cutting wood into slices lets its beauty and character show.
Cutting wood into slices lets its beauty and character show.

Slice of Nice

This is a simple way to turn a humble vessel into an eye-catching piece of eco-décor. It’s the perfect project to create right after the trees and bushes have had their yearly pruning. Cutting wood into slices lets its beauty and character show. A few thumb-thick branches can yield enough slices to cover a surprising amount of square footage. Be careful, though–once you start seeing the transformation, no plain surface may ever be safe again!

Materials 
Several small branches from trees or bushes, ranging from ½ to 1½  inches in diameter
Terra cotta pots, old vases or recycled tin cans
Low-VOC, nontoxic glue such as RooWood Glue

  • Published on May 28, 2009
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