DIY Stick Arrangement

by Celia Collier

5 Materials

6 Hours

Medium

I'm still looking for ways to add some pizzazz to the patio of my rental home. I found a good sized branch in the yard and decided to use it in an arrangement.

Here's the branch.

I used a pair of pruning shears to get it into manageable pieces.

I arranged them in a thrift store trash can. I thought I would have to use zip ties, but the branches stayed put.

I mixed up six cups of plaster of Paris, in two 3 cup batches. I use plaster often so I eyeball the water. I've found it best to mix by hand. Use a disposable glove and mix completely, squishing out the lumps with your fingers. Follow manufacturer instructions for mixing.

Pour plaster into container. Be careful here. Don't get it on your clothes. If you do, clean immediately with a damp cloth. Same thing if you spill any. Rinse mixing container outside and toss the water on the ground. (Hasn't hurt my grass at all.) Never pour down drains or toilets.

Squish, squish, squish. Be careful mixing. Never let it go down the drain. When the lumps are gone, peel off the glove, turning it inside out and put it straight into the trash.

I used LED fairy lights on the branches. I thought I would wrap the bottom in burlap and twine. Then I had another idea.

I spray painted it white. Three coats. This is the first coat.

I dug out a stencil I had and stenciled all four sides.

I rewrapped the branches and there it is. (I brought it inside so everything would show up.) I'm happy!

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Trash can (Thrift store)
Plaster of Paris (Home Depot (on hand))
LED lights (Wish)
Spray paint (Home Depot)
Stencil/paint (On hand)

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2 of 7 comments

Kathy on Jul 12, 2017

I started decorating branches for holidays ,over thirty years ago. I started by decorating for Valentine's Day when my daughter was 5 months old, never stopped. It is a great.

1 Reply
CampmomatHome on Jul 18, 2017

Great idea!!

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