these embroidered logs are inspired by the charming lino prints of hugo guinness. i wanted my father’s christmas gift a “portrait-through-objects” (he loves gardening and he always loses his glasses). do not be dissuaded by the power drill; these are super easy to make. they are fast and enjoyable, a good movie time or rainy day project. have fun!! – kate

CLICK HERE for the full how-to after the jump!

materials:

1. wood slices (these are found at craft stores like michaels in their wood carving and balsa wood section)
2. embroidery thread and needle
3. drill and a small drill bit
4. pencil
5. scrap piece of wood

cost:

1. small and large wood slices ($15 at craft store for both)
2. embroidery needle and thread ($3)

instructions:

1. lightly draw out your design on the wood. if you are nervous about your drawing skills, you can also perfect your design on paper first and use carbon paper to transfer the design on the wood, but a simple sketch will do just fine.

2. place your slice design side facing up on the scrap piece of wood. use your drill to make small holes completely through the wood slice about 1/4 inch apart, all the way around the lines of your design. try to keep them evenly spaced, but it doesn’t matter too much if they aren’t perfect. the closer together the holes, the more detailed your design will be.

3. brush off the sawdust and excess wood bits. wipe the surface with a damp cloth to clean it and let it dry.

4. double thread your embroidery needle and make a large double knot at the very end of the strand. starting from the back of the piece, pull your needle through a hole near the edge of your design. working around the design, thread up through a hole and then down through the next hole. then thread back up through the next hole after that, and then back down through the preceding hole to create a continuous line. when you are finished, knot the thread on the underside of the wood slice and snip extra thread.

YOU’RE DONE!!!