How to Make a Wood Cross by Hand

Making a wood cross by hand.

The cross is one of the most recognized religious symbols in the world. A wood cross can be made in any size, from using a small wood craft stick to something as large as a telephone pole. Although a telephone pole might be out of your league, so start with pieces more manageable. The wood cross can be decorated ornately and used to beautify a church, outdoor sanctuary or be left in a raw state and used as decoration. Making a small wood cross by hand only requires a few steps.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Four 10 and 1/4-inch nails
• Hammer
• One board, 6 feet by 1-inch by 4 inches
• Pencil
• Hand saw

Instructions

1. 

   A standard tape measure will ensure the proper length of each piece.

   Measure the board at 2 feet and mark it with a pencil.

2. Cut the board at the marked 2-foot length using a hand saw.

3. Measure the remaining 4-foot section of the board and mark it at the 3-foot point with a pencil.

4. 

   A wooden cross can be made from any type of wood.

   Place the 2-foot section of the board--perpendicular to the longer board--at the 3-foot measurement. Hold the boards in place at this mark.

5. Hammer one 10 and 1/4-inch nail to secure the two boards together.

6. Hammer one to three more nails into the two intersecting pieces of the boards to connect them and form the cross.

Tips & Warnings

• Your handmade wooden cross can be sanded and finished with a wide array of products from paint to stain if desired.

• Always wear safety glasses when hammering to avoid eye injury from dislodged particles.

References

• Rawge's Collection of Cross Photographs and Art-Cross making 101

Resources

• The Cross The Symbol of Christianity - What Does It Mean ?