What a hoot! This adorable owl is a super QUICK and EASY DIY wood slice project for fall home decor or any time of the year.
His name is Charlie.
Why Charlie? He's named after the New Zoo Review, a kid's program from the 70's.
I first discovered the New Zoo Review when I had to come home sick from school one day in Middle School. I had the flu and had barfed all over my locker in the hallway and surprisingly had been sent home (no idea why) and it just happened to be on tv that afternoon.
I was in love.
Sure, I was probably a bit old to be watching a kids tv program, but I loved its simplicity and the theme song and somehow it made me feel better.
"It's the New Zoo Review, coming right at you . . ."
Can I admit something pretty embarrassing? Besides having barfed on my locker in Middle School?
When I broke my arm in August, I had a day long pity party for myself where I laid in bed, drank chocolate milk, ate crunchy Cheetos and watched a couple "episodes" of the New Zoo Review on my laptop. They were really just little snippets that people had taped off their tv sets, but I pretended they were full versions.
And it did make me feel better!
Sometimes it just takes a little nostalgia and babying to get you back in gear. And an owl.
On arm news, I have been officially released from therapy and am 90% back to normal (as if I have ever been normal). I just need to work a little bit more on my fingers to get them moving like they should. Believe it or not, just typing on your computer is not considered therapy. Darn it!
How To Make A DIY Wood Slice Owl
Supplies
(This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here.)
- 1 Large wood slice - 10" x 15"
- 1 Sawtooth picture frame hanger
- 2 5" wide jar lids
- 2 Regular mouth canning jar lids with bands
- 2 Pop bottle caps
- 1 Serving Spoon
- 2 Forks
- 1 Branch
- E6000 Glue
- Stain or Danish Oil (optional)
If you prefer to make smaller owls, just scale the lids to the wood slice size
Instructions
It's really just a three step process (one of which is optional, but I didn't want to be all "hey, it only takes two steps" and then you think I'm bragging ) :
1. Stain (optional)
If you want to give your owl a bit of color, you can use a stain to darken the wood slice. I used the Watco's Danish Oil that I had used on my Mid-Century Modern Chair Restoration in the spring.
This is a totally optional step, you can leave him with the natural wood look if you like.
2. Attach Picture Hanger
Before you start putting on your owl parts, attach a sawtooth picture hanger on the back of the wood slice.
3. Glue
Glue your branch toward the bottom of the wood slice and then glue the forks over the branch (as if he's holding on for his dear life).
Glue the spoon to the middle of his forehead as a nose/beak/mouth.
This is where it gets tricky. Just kidding, there's nothing tricky here.
Glue your large lids to the wood.
Take the canning lids out of the metal bands and flip the flat lid part around so the prettier side of the lid shows and glue that on top of the larger lids.
Then attach the pop bottle caps.
Hang your owl up and give him a fitting name.
You don't have to use Charlie (because let's face it, you're probably either too old or too young to know about the New Zoo Review).
Hootie is another good one from Hootie And The Blowfish (I maybe showing my age again).
Woody? He is made of wood after all.
Any other good owl names out there?
Other projects you may enjoy:
Repurposed Vintage Snack Set Owl
Linda Hickey
So cute and unique.
Luz E Cruz
I couldn't sleep at 4AM and decided to open up Pinterest. I came across your post about old fashioned plants, and I love hollyhocks and sweet peas so I would love more information on growing them. From there I read your industrial shelves DIY post and I loved it. Great ideas.
Thank You
Bridget
How did you get the wood not to mold?
A friend made it and it molded terribly.
Pam Kessler
I'm so sorry, I just realized I hadn't answered your question yet!
I've never had a problem with wood slices molding before. I've used them for the owl, plus I buy them as centerpieces on my table (put one in the middle of the table and then layer greenery and candles and such on them). Plus I've used some smaller ones as coasters. The only thing I can think of is if it was a fresh cut slice from a tree and not one of the store bought ones, then it might be moist and that might cause it to get moldy.
I did not seal mine, because he just hangs inside the house, but if I were putting it outside, I would spray with a sealer like you'd use on a piece of wooden deck furniture (Olympic or Behr). And if it's staying inside you could spray with a regular sealer from the craft store or Home Depot (something like Krylon or Rustoleum clear matte sealers) if you want.
Kristina
This owl inspired me last year to make one for myself, I love owls! I am going to write a post on my blog about fun fall projects ... I hope it’s ok that I share a link to your page so other people can see this awesome project!
jack
Really,Cool Instruction. and Diy. Keep it up.
Amber
What kind of glue did you use?
These are wonderfully cute and easy!
Faye
How do you keep the round circle of wood from cracking/splitting?
Laura
Grandma printed out this idea as a possible Christmas gift for my grandsons to make for their longggg list of those to create gifts for (Christmas 2016). The two 8-year olds decided this would be PERFECT for their "owl loving" Auntie....and, they were right.
Minimal supervision required by Grandma & even cuter in person than pictured!!! Everyone was super impressed by their creation. Auntie is tucking it away to hang in the home she plans to purchase this summer (you can bet these boys will be searching to make sure it's hung, too! LOL).
THANK YOU! I'll be looking for more ideas to save for gifts the "grands" can create this year!
Joelle
Well Pam, I love owls. Your tutorial is so simple.. I like the cutlery idea.. I feel like crying as I was at my neighbours's place last week. She was polishing her silver cultlery and she just threw two forks in the bin bag. Got a shock to say the least. So, will knock on her door to ask her to throw them in my bin lol :-). I have made three bird feeders. I love wood. I like to see *talented people* like you who share their knowledge. Well done.
Pam
Ah, thank you! I tend to collect old silverware when I'm at yard sales and I'm always looking for ways to use some of it!
debbie motley
Pam Charlie is awesome. I am trying to make one but I am unable to find a5" lid. Would you mind telling me where you found yours. Thank you.
Pam
The ones I used are tops to glass canisters that you would have on your counter with cookies or flour in it (I actually found mine at the thrift store, but have seen them at both Walmart and Hobby lobby in the food storage aisles). But probably the better way to go would be the lids to those round tins that you put cookies in at Christmastime. Those come in all different sizes.
Caroline Jordan
Hi! Came across your page from Pinterest while looking for some fall themed DIY projects. I LOVE Charlie and am getting the materials together to make one of my own. Question... where did you find the 5" jar lid?? I can't find one anywhere! Please help???
Thanks so much!
Caroline
Caroline Jordan
Ohhhhh... just saw someone else's comment with the same questions. Thanks, Doll! xo
Rachel
I am wondering where you found your 5" lids?
Pam
The ones I used are tops to glass canisters that you would have on your counter with cookies or flour in it (I actually found mine at the thrift store, but have seen them at both Walmart and Hobby lobby in the food storage aisles). But probably the better way to go would be the lids to those round tins that you put cookies in at Christmastime. Those come in all different sizes.
Lis
Where do I find a rake like that?
Pam
Well, I bought mine at a yard sale, but you can find them on Ebay. Just search under wooden hay rake.
Sherry@Back2Vintage
Charlie IS a hoot!!! Thanks for the tutorial.... Love that old rake, too!!!
Pam
I bought that rake at a yard sale for $5!
Marie from The Interior Frugalista
Oh my gosh, this is such a hoot (sorry, couldn't resist). I saw your fabulous owl featured at Reinvented. Pinning to share!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs
This is so very, very cute!!!!....Love this project!...Have to pin and share!