Landscape timbers are long, narrow, straight pieces of wood used in outdoor spaces to define the area. They may be found along pathways, at the edge of gardens or around a patio. The timbers may resemble logs stripped of bark, or sometimes are made from old railroad ties. Landscape timbers can also be used to create different types of craft projects. Use your imagination to come up with innovative wood crafts with the timbers.
Use an old landscape timber to create holiday decorations to display on your front porch. You can make a set of Halloween jack-o-lanterns or a family of snowmen. Both crafts start the same way. Cut three or four sections from the landscape timber in varying heights. Nail them to a wooden base so they'll stand together. For the snowmen, paint each timber section white. Glue twigs to the side of each one for the arms. Attach pieces of coal for the faces. You can add a hat to each one for a finishing touch or leave this step off. For the pumpkins, simply paint them orange, glue a thick twig to the top for the stem and paint on the jack-o-lantern faces.
Welcome guests to your yard or garden with a sign made from a landscape timber. You can also use the timber signs to label various crops or plants in your garden. Cut enough small sections from the landscape timber for each sign that you'll need. You can use acrylic paint or other type suitable for the outdoors to write the lettering onto your signs. For additional visual interest, include a pattern or picture next to the text. Nail the signs to thick dowels and stick in the ground.
Make a craft with landscape timbers that will be both decorative and practical. Build a retaining wall using the landscape timbers. These are designed to prevent soil from eroding a hillside. Place a layer of craft cement over the completed wall and press in colorful glass stones or tiles to create a mosaic. The shiny glass will catch the sunlight for a shimmering effect.
