Take a walk around any flea market or antique show, and one thing you're sure to find is twig furniture. Sticks from Mother Nature have become very hot decorating accessories in recent years, and this trend shows no signs of slowing. Before you plunk down hard-earned cash to buy a pre-made piece of this natural art, however, consider making it yourself.
Materials:
twigs (Find sticks that are uniform in diameter for the legs, others that are different sizes but again uniform with each other for the cross-runners, etc. Gather up a good pile, depending on how many pieces of furniture you'll be assembling.)
wire (Use a thin gauge wire for wrapping the twigs together, something one step above floral wire. You can find this at your local hardware store.)
sisal twine (Use this to put the finishing touch on the joints.)
glass (Available in a variety of sizes and shapes, so choose before you start making your tables. Its size will determine what measurements to use in the construction of the table.)
nail gun/ compressor (This comes in handy for securing the legs together while you're wrapping the twine.)
saw
wire snips
Steps:
- After you've determined the size of the base, cut the four legs. Use twigs that are uniform in diameter, and cut them to the same length.
- Assemble the ends of the table. For the end crosspieces, use a slightly smaller diameter twig, and cut it to size. The length of the crosspiece is determined by the width of the table. The crosspieces can extend beyond the legs approximately an inch without becoming a problem.
- Place the crosspieces across the legs about four inches from the top, and tightly wrap wire around the joint. Repeat this several times to ensure as little movement as possible. Do this to both ends of the table base.
- Next, connect the ends together with the same diameter twig as the end crosspieces. The length of the table base is determined by the length of the glass top you purchased. The end connectors should rest above the end crosspieces. Wrap these joints tightly with the wire to secure.
- Add X's to each side for stability. Use the smallest diameter twig for this step. Nail the "X" together where the two twigs cross for even greater strength.
- Rest the glass upon rubber bumpers on the top of each leg. You can also add non-scuffing bumpers to the bottom of each leg to prevent floor scratches.
Resources DeVilbiss Steel Driver Series Portable Air Compressor
DeVilbiss Air Power Tools Company
213 Industrial Dr.
Jackson, TN 38301
Phone: 901-423-7000
Toll-Free: 800-888-2468
Fax: 901-423-7951
Website:
www.devilbiss.com
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