Block Head: Oversized Wood Block DIY Garland Idea for the Holidays and Beyond

I’ve had one particular DIY garland idea on my to do list since last Christmas came and went. And since Christmas is now just a week away, I figured I better get this puppy up before its too late, so I could throw on the tree with a few days to spare.

Luckily though, this unique DIY garland idea can be used year round, for general decorating. So, even if you don’t get around to this one until after December 25th, you’re still good to go.

Here’s how to make your own oversized wood block garland…

Materials:

– one 2 or 3 inch diameter wooden dowel (cut into 2-4 inch length cylinder blocks – I had mine cut at the hardware store when buying)
– wood blocks (various sizes – mine range from 1 inch to 3 inches, like these)
– acrylic paint
– paint brush
– string (and a short piece of wire to feed the string through the holes without getting stuck)
– drill (I have this one, if you’re looking for suggestions)
– 1/4 inch spade bit
– 3 inch table vise

How To:

1. Start by painting wood blocks in various colors. I painted each side of the square blocks a different color and left some sides raw. Wait for the paint to dry.

2. Next, secure block with table vise. Then, drill a hole all the way through the center of all of the wood blocks you plan to use for the garland. Be sure to drill with the grain to avoid splitting. Learned that one the hard way.

3. Tape a piece of stiff wire to the end of a piece of string. Then, string through all of the blocks, one at a time.

4. Double or triple knot each end of the string, after all of the beads have been attached. Cut off excess string, if applicable.

More DIY Ideas: You can also block ornaments with the leftover pieces (or as an alternative to the garland if you don’t have any string). Just use an eyelet screw to create the hook and then thread a string through the eye to tie it to the tree.

Photography by Amelia Tatnall

 What do you think of this oversized DIY garland idea?