Sharing a last minute Valentine’s Day Decor idea that is so simple and fun you can whip it up this afternoon. I love to use unique and different items to dress up the decor in the home. I thought it would be fun to create a tree stump with a heart and initials on it and bring it INSIDE!
We just happen to have an almost dead Quaking Aspen tree in our front yard. It has been hanging on for a few years and last summer more than half of the tree was dead. We have known that it has needed to be removed…but you know how these things go sometimes…. So, of course it made perfect sense to saw off a dead limb from the tree, in the dead of winter (in a foot of snow), in the dark was not a strange idea. Although I know for a fact that I am that “strange” neighbor.
But, it was totally worth it. I picked a fun part of the limb that had some interesting notches and wood knots to give the stump some character. Find where you want your stump and then cut it on the top and bottom flat so that it stands upright. The tree will be moist inside due to the water in the wood. I added some felt and some tinfoil to the bottom of the tree so that my mantle would not be ruined by the moisture.
Then I drew a heart and our initials on the tree stump with a pencil. Take a phillips head screwdriver (or a sharp object) and dig out the bark very carefully where you have drawn. The air will make the area darker with oxidation. I wanted it to be a lighter color and more subtle (this is just my preference) so I took a little bit of white paint and did a very light white wash of paint (with water and a paint brush) where I carved the heart and initials.
That’s it. So simple right?! When Valentine’s Day is over, I will move this up and place it up in our Master Bedroom so we can enjoy it year round. I have the perfect spot for it in our Bookcase next to our wedding photos!
I think they would also be fun to make as a unique DIY Wedding Gift or for a Wedding Shower. It is totally a one of a kind gift ideas. Just make sure that the wood stump you are using does NOT have any bugs or termites in it. You do NOT want to bring that into your home!! So be sure to check very carefully!
Like this idea? I would love for you to share it and/or pin it! Thanks so much!
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