How to MAKE A TREE STUMP AN ART OBJECT

TREE STUMPS ADD A NATURAL ELEMENT TO YOUR GARDEN

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If you have access to tree stumps, you can use them in your garden to add rustic charm to any area. Stumps can be used in all kinds of ways, to add height to a area, to use as a platform for a potted plant or simply as seating around the fire. Or, you could go crazy and make a stump into a object d-art.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Stumps from any kind of tree.
Interesting art items, such as wooden objects, iron pieces or even an interesting branch.
2 part epoxy glue
Drill & bits
Wood sealer

Step1

For years, whenever my husband brought home a load of firewood to keep us warm during the winter, I would go through the pile and pick out the best "butt-cuts" that would make a good stump for my yard. A butt-cut is the first cut off the tree where it flares out into the roots. I have had some very large stumps that make wonderful seats and smaller ones that I bury a foot or so in the ground to put a plant upon. This article is about a wonderful Ponderosa stump that I thought was so pretty that it needed a special treatment. I decided to insert a few wooden flowers I had that were once part of a table arrangement. The base to the arrangement was long gone and the flowers had been thrown in a drawer. So, lets make the wood flowers a part of the stump.

Step2

GLUE YOUR OBJECTS INTO THE TOP OF THE STUMP. First, you'll need to decide just what you'd like to insert into your stump. Whatever you find, you'll need to drill a hole(s) in the top of the stump. Drill the hole a bit larger than your object and clean the saw dust out of the hole. Mix the 2 part epoxy glue (available at HD) and drop a small amount into the hole. Push your item firmly down in the hole and hold for a minute. Do this for any other items your adding to the stump.

Step3

A HO-HUM SPOT BECOMES INTERESTING WITH A ART STUMP. Allow time for the glue to dry by following directions on the glue package. Once the glue is dry, you'll want to weather-proof your stump. I used a cedar stain with a sealer. Apply 2 coats and allow to thoroughly dry. Your stump is now ready for a special spot in your garden.

Tips & Warnings

Think about the kind of wood you use for your stump if you want it to last for years. Oak or walnut or any other hard wood will last the longest. Pine will rot the fastest. For a longer life of your stump, rest it on a 3" bed of rocks or pebbles. Treat the stump once a year for longevity.
Keep an eye on the stump for bug infestation.