When you consider all the beautiful decor pieces available out there decor made from twigs doesn’t sound all that impressive. After all, twigs are free; they’re found lying around at parks, by the road – even in your own backyard. However, just because something is cheap or free doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. If you’ve never seen a twig cube you’ll realize just how unique and interesting one can be. After making it you can set it on a coffee table as a conversation piece or use it as a pedestal for a candle, statuette or other objet.
Some of the great things about the twig cube project, besides the fact that it’s so cheap, is that you have choices of what materials to use, how large or small you want it, and even the color you want the finished twig cube to be. To start you’ll need a cardboard box or a Styrofoam cube. If you use a box you’ll need one that has a lid with a flap that tucks down into the box rather than one with a detachable lid. Tuck the flap of the lid into the box and tape to secure. If you use Styrofoam the cube can be any size but should be white Styrofoam rather than green. The green type is used for floral arrangements and is difficult to use with glue.
Gather the twigs you want to use for the new cube. There aren’t really any rules about the types of twigs you use but try to make them all nearly the same size in diameter. Of course, twigs aren’t going to be all the same size so just judge the diameter of the twigs by looking at them. The type of twigs you gather is also important. Choose large diameter twigs and you’ll make a bulkier twig cube than you will if you use twigs of smaller diameters. Gather quite a few twigs of nearly the same size, wipe away dirt and loose bark, and you’re ready to get started.
A small handsaw is easy enough for anyone to use even if you don’t normally use tools. However, a sharp knife works well, too, as long as the twigs aren’t too large in diameter. To attach the twigs to the cube you can either lay a twig on one side of the cube, mark how long it needs to be, then cut it to the length needed. Or, you can measure one side of the cube and simply cut all the twigs to this size.
Begin gluing the sticks to the cube. Lay each one next to the previous one, butting them together side-by-side, and hot glue them in place. Cover one side of the cube, turn to another side, and do the same. Continue until you’ve covered all six sides with the sticks. Now you’ll decide how you want to continue. Once the sticks are all glued on, the cube is basically finished, but you can then paint it stain it if you want.
The sticks look great in their unfinished condition, but depending upon the type of cube you want, you can go on to stain it. Wipe the stain on the twigs, allow to dry, then finish with a spray-on clear coat. Or, do something bold with the sticks and paint them a striking color. This is an easy way to make the twig cube coordinate with any room’s decor.
When you set the cube in the area where you want it to be displayed it might be necessary to turn the cube on this side and that to see which one allows the cube to set the straightest. If you’ve chosen twigs which are approximately the same size in diameter this shouldn’t be a huge issue. However, on occasion, one stick will be thicker than the others to the point that it won’t allow that side of the cube to sit evenly. The finished cube can be set on a flat surface and used alone as a decor piece or you can use it to hold a candle, picture frame, statuette or another object.
Make sets of the cubes by using two or three of the same size or graduating sizes. Align them on a windowsill or set them around in a bathroom which has a rustic or outdoor theme. Make each stick a different color and create a multicolor arrangement or just glue the sticks on and be done with it. Use twigs you gather in your yard or same-diameter sticks from a craft store. With all these choices you can create many different cubes which are unique and interesting. All your visitors will want to know where you got them!
