Materials and Tools

screwdriver (or drill optional)
branch clippers
hand saw or chop saw
paintbrush and white paint
recycled flat headboard and frame
sandpaper
(4) two-hole 1" metal straps — (EMT #41922 at Lowe's) use 3/4" if thin branches
(8) screws (if not in package with straps)
large branches (from tree that is already down)
birds (craft store — have clips on them)
ribbon
tacky spray
glitter — clear and silver

Prep the Headboard for Paint

Sand and paint the headboard and its frame white. Apply two coats if necessary.

Lay Out the Design and Paint the Branches

Lay out the branches on the headboard until you have the right layout and size, then trim and cut the branches where necessary. Paint the branches white. Apply two coats on all sides. When branches are dry, coat them with a tacky spray and sprinkle on glitter.

Attach Branches to the Headboard

Place branches on the headboard and attach them with the metal straps — use a smaller strap if branches are thin. Screw metal straps down. Add extra strapping if branches are unstable.

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    Image 1

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    Image 2

Add the Birds and Decorate

Put the headboard in place, then embellish with decorations such as birds and ribbons.

Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, also called Salvage Secrets.