Personalized Tree Swing

Project by Jenna Staggs from Dallas, Texas.

It was just a year ago that Jenna, a 27-year-old elementary school teacher, began her crafting after being inspired by another HGTV show. In this project, she makes a personalized wooden tree swing that may be enjoyed by any child (or child at heart).

Materials:

18" x 2" 6" piece pressure treated wood
drill
sander
latex and acrylic paint
acrylic sealer
water-based polyurethane
16' rope
chain link
detachable link for attaching rope to chain
lighter

Steps:

1. Drill four holes in the corners of the wood plank about 1 inch from either corner edge.

2. Sand the swing around the holes and round off the edges of the swing with the sander.

3. Prime the swing with latex paint.

4. Paint any decorative details you wish and personalize the swing with child's name if desired.

5. Seal with acrylic sealer if you used acrylic paints in your detailing.

6. Coat with polyurethane and allow to dry.

7. Cut rope in half. Double-knot one end of one piece and wrap masking tape around the other end to prevent fraying.

8. From under the swing, push the taped end through one of the holes. Pull it down through the other hole on the same side of the swing.

9. Double knot the taped end and take off the tape. Burn the ends of the rope with a lighter to prevent fraying.

10. Tie a knot about 8 inches up in the rope. Attach the detachable link to the rope.

11. Repeat with other piece of rope.

12. Attach chain link to your tree. Attach rope to chain link.