Inspired by Funky Junk Interiors 12′ farm desk made from pallets, I dreamed up my own 11′ diy rustic wood desk. I love the look of Donna’s reclaimed pallet desk but decided to go with a wide pine board that we had laying around the yard. For the legs, I wanted something organic and flowing so my sweet man let me use the cedar logs he’s been saving for a couple of years.

When I first shared my idea with Mark, he didn’t think it’d look good but we cut the cedar logs anyway. To his surprise, he really liked the look of the table and it was very stable to boot. 

The Beginning of my Rustic Desk:

This is a shot of my desk before I started sanding it. It’s in pretty rough shape but I like the rustic look of the logs and the natural staining on the pine board. What I really love is how easy this desk is to make. We are using an 11′ long live edge Pine board that’s about 25″ wide and 3 – 1/2 round cedar logs.  After sanding and finishing the wood all we have to do is attach the legs. 

Before, we got started, we did the desk height test to find the right size for our desk. Not only does the desk need to be the right height to use our computer, we also need to store file cabinets underneath it as well. The cabinets we like are 26″ and the height of the logs is 26 1/2″ – perfect!.  Add another 1 1/2″ for the table depth and the final height is 28″. 

The Materials:

The table top came from a Pine tree our neighbors wanted out of their yard.  Mark milled it with his sawmill and it’s been waiting for the right time to shine. If you are looking for a board like this call your local lumber yard and ask  for an extra wide live edge board. We used Pine but you could use hardwood as well.

One of the unique features of this desk is the half round cedar logs. I choose half round logs because we didn’t have whole logs. When Mark harvested the cedar, he had other intentions so he split the logs in half to make it easier to lug them out of the woods. At that time, he had no idea we’d be building a desk with them or he wouldn’t have split them.

Unfortunately, large cedars like this are rare in our neck of the woods and I loved the look so I decided to stay with the half round cedar logs.  Don’t you just love the nooks and crannies in these babies? Just wait, they get even better with sanding.

After figuring out the height of our table, Mark used a chain saw to cut the cedar logs to the right height. We found working with cedar tricky so we finished off the legs with a friend’s band saw and used a grinder to level them even more.

Our wide pine board was too large for our planer so I used a hand power planer to take off the saw marks to prepare the board for sanding. When using a hand planer it’s very easy to get lines and marks from where the planer cuts into the wood. If you don’t like this, you may want to skip this step. Mark used a large grinder with 100 grit paper to sand the backside of the board. I liked the hand planing because it added interesting marks to my final board. Mark isn’t into distressing freshly planed wood and would prefer I used the grinding method instead.

After using the hand planer, I used my rotary sander to finish off the boards with the following grits: 60, 80, 120 on the pine board and up to 220 on the cedar legs.

Here's Mark taking a spin at the power planer. I love how long the board looks in this photo.

Day one sanding is over and the tools were put back in the shed.

It took about 4 hours to get the pine board sanded. I left lots of little marks and edges created by the hand planer. Mark and his dad were horrified that I plan on whacking it with chains, dropping rocks on it, and scratching it up to give it a distressed look.

Testing the finishes on pine board.

Above is a sneak peek at the finishes I tried. First starting at the bottom, I added some light distressing with black walnut stain and a dark Briwax finish. Next, I used a washed black walnut stain with dark Briwax finish. The last finish is simply dark Briwax over pine.  At this point, I’m not really loving any of the finishes. I’m waiting for a clear Briwax to come from Amazon and I’m going to keep playing around until I find the perfect finish for my table.

Testing finishes. Love the white of the pine and cedar so I'm going to try to keep it as light as possible.

After three days of work, we made a lot of progress but we are not quiet done. Stay tuned for the final reveal which will include the distressed finish and crate book case in my revamped office.

I love this loop shaped wreath with burgundy and gold pips for it’s rustic yet elegant charm. It’s only 12″ so mom said it would be too small for her door. I think it would look great above a mirror or on the door of a narrow closet.

This rustic twic wreath with orange berries is a little larger at 20″. It’s getting closer to the size mom wants and would make a great door wreath.

I really love the look of this wreath. It reminds me of baby’s breath but is actually ivory pips. Mom like the size at 22″ which is only 2″ shy of her dream wreath.

What a great idea, a reclaimed wood table made by banding bunches of old wooden railroad ties together and securing them with black metal bands.  At 18″ tall it’s the perfect height for a rustic end table or stool.

I first saw this coffee table on Pinterest and thought someone got lucky finding an old railroad car to upcycle. To my surprise, I found it on Amazon where anyone can buy it. Made from reclaimed wood, this coffee table is designed to resemble a wheeled cart used in an old factories or railways.

His product line ranges from rustic carved wooden spoons of various sizes, organic cutting boards, salt cellars and dishes, foot stools, benches, and tables. I didn’t see his rustic log chairs but they would make a wonderful addition to his online shop at SLOWFASHIONhouse.com.

Photo Credits: Ditte Isager & Andrea Brugi

I live in Maine about 2 miles from the beach where my family spends many days in the sand collecting driftwood, sea glass, shells and other treasures. What I love is that even after you remove something from the beach, it still holds the magic of the ocean. Something, I love to feel in my home.

Recently, I was inspired by this amazing driftwood heart that I pinned on Pinterest. It’s beautiful, contemporary and rustic all at the same time. Although, I have a rather large driftwood collection, I don’t have enough to create a piece of art this size. So I went in search of driftwood home decor. Here are a few of my finds:

Driftwood Sunburst Mirror

This stunning driftwood sunburst mirror will bring sunshine to the darkest corner of your home.

Driftwood Glass End Table

Bring the ocean to your living room with this gorgeous driftwood glass end table.

Modern Driftwood Lamp

This modern driftwood lamp balances the rustic wood with a sleek square linen lampshade and iron base. It would make a gorgeous addition to any home. I can see this in my office. The dark base would look great with my dark framed art prints.

Driftwood Sphere Lamp

This impressive driftwood sphere lamp looks like it defies the laws of physics and is guaranteed to make a statement in your home.

Driftwood Seahorse Sculpture

As much as I love the above lamp, this driftwood seahorse sculpture is delightful and affordable. 

Rustic Driftwood Heart

I’m in love with this rustic driftwood heart.  It’s calling out to be the center of attention and would love to be seated in a place of glory in your home. I will have one of these soon.

Teak Driftwood Cocktail Table with Glass Top

Memories of your last visit to the beach will spring to life every time, you look at this gorgeous teak driftwood cocktail table with glass top.

Nantucket Driftwood Bowl

This lovely Nantucket driftwood bowl would look gorgeous filled with just about anything or completely empty. I love it and will be adding it to my driftwood art collection.

Vintage Valentine Spoon Plant Markers

Looking for a way to say I Love You to your favorite gardener. This one of kind set of 3 vintage Valentine spoon plant markers is sure to delight the one you love.

Natural Driftwood Heart

Bring the relaxing essence of nature to the one you love with this gorgeous mini driftwood heart.

Stirling Silver Celtic Double Love Knot Ring

She’s sure to swoon when  her Valentine’s Day present is one of these gorgeous Stirling Silver Celtic double love knot ring.

Nevermore Anti Valentines Day Card

Bring a smile to the face of the one whose heart is broken with this rustic Nevermore Anti-Valentines Day Card.

Rustic Wood Serving Platter with Heart

Put your heart on the table with this rustic wood serving platter / cutting board.

Looking for more Valentine Gift Ideas? You may also be interested in 10 Valentine’s Gifts for Women who Love Rustic Home Decor.

1) Rustic Driftwood Heart

Remind her everyday how much you love her with this stunning driftwood heart.

2.  Heart Shaped Waffle Iron

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Now, you can get her a heart shaped waffle iron that she’ll love and you’ll reap the benefits long after Valentine’s day is over.

3. Kitchen Aid Pro Mixer

When you give her a Pro Kitchen Aid mixer, you are giving a gift that she will always cherish. Next year at this time, she’ll be whipping you up your favorite meal with her most cherish kitchen appliance.

4. Hand Turned Maple Burl Bowl

She’ll love this hand turned maple burl bowl. Fill it with chocolate hearts to make an even bigger impact.

5. Granite Gel Fire Bowl

This Valentine’s Day, let romance take center stage with a Granite Gel Fire Bowl. Instead of taking her out, let her gift be the center piece of a enchanted dinner planned by you. She won’t mind if you buy take out as long as you dim the lights and use a beautiful table cloth.

6. Romantic Spiral & Heart Wine Rack

If she loves wine, she’ll love this romantic wine rack with spirals and heart shaped leaves. Fill it with her favorite bottles of wine to set the mood for a perfect evening.

7. Hand Carved Maple Kitchen Utensils

For the woman that loves to cook, nothing says I love you better than a rustic hand carved utensil set.

8. Rustic Log Table

Get her this rustic log table and she’ll think you’ve been browsing her favorite home decor magazines to find her the perfect gift.  Add a touch of romance by carving your initials in it.

9. Rustic Wooden Storage Trunks

Women love creative places to hide things. Give her these wooden storage trunks to store her keepsakes. Paint a heart inside and add your initials to give her a valentine she’ll remember forever.

10. Le Creuset Heart Shaped Enameled Cast Iron Casserole Dish

Every rustic home needs cast iron cookware. This Valentine’s day make her heart a Le Creuset heart shaped cast iron casserole dish. Make sure to give it to her in the morning so she can whip you up a romantic dinner later in the day.

 This amazing living room is owned by Ballard Designs’ creative director Jill Sharp Brinson and her photographer husband, Rob Brinson in Atlanta.  I love the way she mixes the rustic with the modern into a cohesive whole.  My favorite elements in this room are the wooden stump end tables that look plucked straight out of the forest and the amazing hand hewed beam above her couch.  

When trying to recreate a room like this, you may not have the luxury of decorating with gorgeous wooden beams but you can bring nature inside with furniture and accessories. Stump furniture is a hot trend these days. Couple that with a modern glass end or dining room table and you’ve got a beautiful combination. Don’t stop there, make sure your accessories compliment each other. In Jill’s room, the glass table is mirrored by the hurricane candle holders while the animal hide rug ties in the natural elements.

Rustic Stump Tables

There is something magical about having a tree  in your living space.  Especially when that tree looks like it just got cut by a lumberjack and sits next to a sleek modern piece of furniture. Finding these tables were challenging because they are called various names such as stump tables, tree trunk tables and even log tables.  There were many DIY tutorials available but fewer online sellers.

Gorgeous Eastwood Hardwood Log Table designed for lasting beauty. The style of this log will go in either a rustic or contemporary room.

Height: 20 1/4″ high 

Cost: $456.91 at Amazon.com

Buckley Forest rustic stump stool, a hand waxed log that with natural charm and grace.

Dimensions: 18″h x ~16″diam

Costs: 698.00 at Amazon.com

Etsy Showcase: I love this tree trunk table with custom carved lettering. This would make an amazing wedding present. Not to mention it is more affordable.

Dimensions: 17-20″ high

Cost: $185 at Etsy.com

DIY Stump Table Tutorials

Stump tables tend to be on the pricey side. For those of you that would rather use your sweat equity to design your room, here are two great tutorials to explore. The photos take you the tutorial.

Glass Trestle Dining Room or Modern Glass End Tables

I have to admit, I’ve never been a fan of glass tables. To me they look sterile and harsh. I worry about them breaking or fear the fingerprints that will eventually need cleaned. Yet, in Jill Sharp Brinson’s home, her dining room table looks stunning and fits perfectly. In our inspiration photo, you can’t see that the dining room table is a glass trestle table with adjustable metal saw horse legs. Surprisingly, I love the look and feel of this combination. I couldn’t find this exact table but I did find a few alternatives and one pseudo diy tutorial.

Bellini Modern Living – Glass Trestle Table with metal legs and rosewood accents.

Dimensions: 39 x 71 x 30 inches: 

Cost:  $1,748.00 at Amazon.com

Bellini Modern Living – black glass trestle table with contemporary metal legs.

Dimensions: 39 x 79 x 30 inches

Cost: $1,984.00 at Amazon.com

Note: It’s driving me crazy that there aren’t more diy tutorials on how to build a modern glass trestle table. I will be in search of adjustable metal saw horses and glass table tops to create my own. 

Modern Glass End Tables

Stunning contemporary glass end table with black base and beautiful silver curved legs that mimic nature.

Dimensions: 19″ x 50″ x 19″

Cost: $263.57 at Amazon.com

 The rugged base on this glass end table  gives it strong & sturdy feel that would blend nicely with natural elements such as stump tables and bear rugs.

Cost: $199.00 at Amazon.com

A glass coffee table with a curved wooden base will bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your living room.

Cost: $278 at Amazon.com

Animal Skin Rugs: Friend or Faux

Let’s face it animal skin rugs are not on everyone’s wishlist. However, for the right person they do add natural style and charm. Below I added two possible rugs for our inspiration room.

Palomino light brown and white cow hide rug.

Dimensions: vary

Cost: $199.95 at Amazon.com

Faux grizzly bear skin rug. The perfect rug for those people that want the look and feel of an animal rug but not the real animal in their home.

Dimensions: 39.5″ x 55″

Cost: $109.00 at Amazon.com

Are you pulling your hair out trying to figure out how to get invited to Pinterest? I know I was which is why I am offering Pinterest invites to anyone that needs them for as long as I have them. If you are in need of an invite, simply comment on this post or send me an email through my contact form or a request dm on twitter. Don’t forget to add your email and I will promptly send you an invite. 

Closeup of Pileated Wood Pecker

Recently, we were blessed by the presence of a Pileated Woodpecker who decide that our yard was his new playground. He comes every day now and drums on our Pine tree. We are thrilled to have him and created suet bird feeders to encourage him to stay as long as possible. Below is the suet recipe that we use to lure our friend, the Pileated Woodpecker and other birds to our yard.

Peanut Butter & Birdseed Suet Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups of natural peanut butter (no salt)

2 cups of Lard or beef tallow

2 cups of birdseed

1 cup of cornmeal

1 cup of flour

1 cup of oatmeal

1 cup of mixed dry fruit

Make It:

1. In a large pot, melt your peanut butter and lard over a low flame. You only have to melt until it’s liquid and then turn the heat off.
2. Once the fat and peanut butter is melted, add each ingredient one at a time and mix well. Continue until all ingredients have been added.
3. Your mixture should be thick and not runny. If your mix is too runny, you can add more flour until it is thicker.

Tips & Tricks:

• This is a base recipe, you can try other ingredients or use what you have in your home. We found that this mix attracts woodpeckers. You may find it attracts other birds as well.
• Keep a journal to track which birds visit your bird feeder and what suet recipe you used to get them there.
• This recipe can be used to fill suet logs or made into cakes. To make a cake you can either use a form or free form shapes on a pan then refrigerate or freeze to firm.
• Discourage jays, grackles, starlings, or sparrows from munching on your suet by using an upside down suet bird feeder.
• Lard and tallow can be purchased in the grocery store. If you can’t find it check with the meat department. They will know where it is. You can also purchase it online at Amazon.
• Making suet with kids is very fun and rewarding. Make sure to have binoculars and a birding book on hand for when your feathered friends start visiting.

Pileated Woodpecker photo by jgates513

Recently, a new friend arrived in our neighborhood, Mr. Pileated Woodpecker. I’ve lived in Maine for over 14 years now and I’ve only heard their calls. Never have I been graced by their presence.  It all started the day my partner, Mark was going for a walk in the woods to think. Suddenly he heard a loud screech. When he looked up, he saw a massive woodpecker in the tree next to him. He followed him from tree to tree that day deep into the woods. He came home excited as this has only been his second Pileated woodpecker siting and he’s lived in Southern Maine his entire life. After that fateful day, our friend decided we were okay and started hanging out in our backyard munching on one of our pine trees. Knowing that Pileated woodpeckers tend to be on the elusive side, I wanted to build a suet log bird feeder to help him stay fed and happy throughout the winter. Who knows maybe he’ll decide to stay with us a little bit longer.

Below are instructions on how you can build your own suet bird feeder from logs in your backyard. If you don’t feel like being crafty but are looking for a way to lure Pileated Woodpeckers or other birds to your backyard, I listed a few great log bird feeders that you may like to buy at the bottom of this post.

What You Need:

1 small tree or tree limb – 3-4″ in diameter long enough to cut 1,2, or more  1 1/2′ long sections (any wood will work)

Chain Saw or Hand Saw

Large Drill (heavy duty drill if you are drilling hard woods)

1 1/2″ Butterfly Drill Bit (any flat bit or fortsner bit of the right size will work work fine)

7/16″ Drill Bit

Rope to Hang Suet Logs

Suet Plugs or Suet Recipe

The Process:

Our finished suet bird feeder log hanging from a tree

1. Find a tree a tree or limb of a tree that needs removed. We made sure to get a tree that was having a hard time growing due to over crowding. This tree will never live to it’s potential so we thinned it out and turned it into a bird feeder. If you are averse to cutting  a live tree, look for limbs that have fallen to the ground which are not rotten.
2. Cut the tree or limb with your chainsaw or handsaw.
3. Once your tree is cut, you need to cut the bird feeders to length. Ours are 1 1/2 feet long but yours can be longer or shorter. We eyeballed the length before we cut but you can always measure. Making this style of bird feeders is not an exact science so you can’t really screw it up.
4. Using your butterfly or forstner bit, drill 1- 1/12″ holes in the log. Make sure to start your first hole at least 1″ from the top so you can drill the hanging hole. Holes can be added to only one side or staggered around the logs. We liked the staggered look but you may not. We got about 5 holes per 1 1/2 foot log.
5. Find the light end of the log, drill a hole with the 7/16″ bit all the way through.
6. Clean up your log and add your favorite suet mix to the holes.
7. Pull a rope through the top hole or wire to hang from your birds favorite tree.

Tips & Tricks:

Log feeders are filled and ready to be hung in the trees.

• Look for interesting limbs that have twists and turns for interest.
• Use tree cookies to put a top on your feeder for the birds to rest or to place more food or water upon.
• Remember chainsaws make quick work of this project but they can be dangerous.
• Use a rope to get your bird feeder up high in the tree to attract birds that prefer to be elusive like our friend the Pileated Wood Pecker.
• Coat Hanger or wire can easily be pulled through the hole to make a quick hanger for your bird feeder. You can also not drill the hanging hole and instead screw and glue an eye hook on the top.
• When you are drilling the holes, secure the log between your legs or clamp in place to keep it from moving. Hold on tight to the drill and use your body weight to put pressure on the bit as you are drilling.

Not Ready to Make a Suet Log Bird Feeder?

If you aren’t up to the task of making a bird feeder, don’t fret. You can easily buy them online. Below are good ones we found on Amazon. I am also including one I found on Etsy that looks similar to the one my son and I were dreaming of building when we spent the night brainstorming how to make more. We love it and think you will too.

Upside down suet bird feeder is designed to keep away birds that should be using your birdseed feeder instead. Plus, it’s just plain fun to watch the birds eating upside down!

Cost: $15.39 at Amazon.com

White cedar debarked bird feeder – medium would look wonderful on a porch or tree.

Cost: $17.54 at Amazon.com

White cedar debarked suet log feeder – large will add sweet rustic charm to any backyard.

Cost: $20.67 at Amazon.com