How to prepare DRIFTWOOD FOR MACRAME

[@rebeccaadams6009]

Mother nature does all the hard work for me. I walk down the beach and collect actual driftwood that has washed up on shore. I live on an island in the Atlantic ocean called Newfoundland, Canada. Thanks for all your helpful videos!

[@tracyoshaughnessy9025]

Wow I cannot believe you use that saw on your beautiful floors! You are braver than I. I love your videos, thank you!

[@annabaginova01]

Well if I had like a DIY table where I could do this I would certainly prefer that 😅 And the thing is that these floors have seen worse things already so I know we will have to repair them when we would be leaving the apartment anyways...But I was being more careful with it 🙂

[@jessicamccleery6811]

I love those trails the bugs leave too

[@annabaginova01]

They can be so interesting!

[@Tphelan100]

I’m in Connecticut, US, and I have both woods and coastal beaches to get driftwood from. I can get maple, pine, birch, beech, poplar, etc. Along the beaches, often the bark is completely stripped off and bleached from the ocean. I do what you do for the sticks I find in the woods: soak them in the bathtub underwater for 48 hrs. That bark comes off so easily. I also use a great tool to strip the bark and it is the key to stripping for me. It’s a wood chisel. It slides right under that bark and you just move your hand down the stick. Off it comes. Another cool thing about using the chisel is that when you have a stick where the bark is off but underneath might still be slimy and maybe even black, if you take the wood chisel and make shallow marks going down by just chiseling the bark to where it becomes a beautiful tan or blonde, but also leave some of the black, then you end up with a stick with beautiful designs, contrasting black and blonde. I wish I could drop a photo to show you. The wood chisel can also easily remove those little knobby things. I haven’t used varnish yet to protect my sticks, but it seems like a good idea. Another great video. Dík.

[@annabaginova01]

Love the Czech ending to your message 😊 And thank you so much for mentioning the wood chisel! Now I know what I want for Christmas this year 😄 I was sure that there were tools like that out there but I didn't know what they were called so I wasn't sure how to look it up...It looks so helpful, now I can't wait to use it!

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I live in Houston, Tx and we have a little piece of land 1 mile from the beach. I have a ton of drift wood in my garage that I have yet to do anything with. It was my goal to make walking sticks out of them. Cleaning them was something I didn’t know how to do. I also don’t know know to make them stronger. Looking on KZbin have not resulted in what I am looking for.

[@Glim246]

I'm in Ct too and I was thinking of taking a drive to Hammonasset Park to find some actual driftwood. I love your idea of the chisel and regular fallen branches too. You can expose the insect/woodworm patterns and the different kinds of fungus that effect the wood. I inherited a bunch of different chisels from my Dad and now I have a reason to use them.😊 It's so great that we have such variety of wood around here to choose from. I'm just beginning macrame but having wood as an artistic part of it makes it even more interesting to me. Hope you are getting some great inspiration and having fun with it🤗

[@Tphelan100]

Oooh I haven’t been to Hammonasset to look for driftwood, but I bet you you’d find a lot there. And the nice thing about that is that they’ll be stripped already. I went to Walnut Beach in Milford and found quite a bit. And the sticks found in the woods are cool, too. I found a great grapevine. But, stripping that was hard. The biggest key is to soak the stick for 36-48 hours. Than that chisel just peels it off like nothing. (Except the twisted grapevine that had two sticks wound around each other was hard to get in the cracks). Happy hunting!

[@Glim246]

@@Tphelan100Wow, I grew up in Milford and used to hang out on Walnut Beach all the time. Brings back memories😀 Great info on how you've worked with the wood successfully. You've inspired me to get off my butt and start a project. I've saved a ton of macrame patterns I like...now it's time to create☺

[@sglass123]

Potato peelers work really well to strip bark on fresher pieces of wood to. I've done this when making a cat tree. I can't wait to see what you do with this interesting piece of driftwood!

[@annabaginova01]

That’s an interesting idea! I will have to give that a try next time…I can’t wait for that too! 😊

[@deborahpoindexter1696]

Hi Anna, I enjoy watching your channel and I am learning how to macrame. I live very near the ocean which allows me to walk the beach for driftwood. I also look for pieces with character. I usually don't need to strip bark as the ocean has taken care of that. Ocean driftwood is very hard and smooth so I usually sand it down to clean off any sand or jagged spots and spray it with a clear polyurethane. Thank you for all your helpful information and tutorials.

[@annabaginova01]

That’s very interesting! I never had any experience with driftwood from the beach (probably because there is no sea/ocean bordering the Czech Republic 😅). So I’m very glad for you description of what that wood is like 😌

[@chainsawsally1802]

Seeeeee

[@chelseamckee1446]

Hi I will literally pay you to mail me some genuine driftwood, I’m in Ohio. Please?

[@annabaginova01]

@@chelseamckee1446 I would be happy to mail you some but I don't know if you would be willing to pay hundreds of dollars just for a few pieces of driftwood...The shipping costs from the Czech Republic to the US are quite high, especially when transporting large and potentially dangerous items like sharp sticks...

[@Qu4ntumDreamer]

Great video Anna. Thanks for talking in such detail about the processes you follow. Love and appreciate your channel and your work 💜

[@annabaginova01]

Glad it was helpful and that you like all those details 🙂

[@niladunehew9903]

What an excellent help for those of us figuring this all out. You really went the extra mile to show us more than I expected. Thank you!

[@annabaginova01]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jessicamccleery6811]

If varnish or polyurethane is something people want to avoid then Lein seed oil is a longer dry time but it’s also more of a natural sealant to help protect it.

[@annabaginova01]

Thank you for sharing that! I had no idea I could use that, I will have to give it a try…

[@watchingju]

Just be careful not to let a cloth with lein seed oil, that is if you mean flax seed, lay around because it will inflame. It is because of a chemical reaction with oxygen. It is a thing a lot of people don’t know about. My uncle and aunt had it happening to them and their bathroom stood in flames, for real😟. Luckily the fire could be stopped there but best not to have any unwanted fire going on right?😅 To avoid it, soak it in water after use or put it in a glass jar or tin box with a lid on it.

[@annabaginova01]

@@watchingju Okay, that's good to know, I certainly don't want to start any fires in here 😅

[@audracaton827]

Hi- I found your channel not too long ago. I live in western Washington state near the ocean. We have driftwood from the ocean all the time. No bark, as it’s been tumbled from the salt water and sand. I’ve picked up many pieces and have watched your larger wall hanging videos and am planning on making focal pieces in the extra bedrooms of our new house. Thank you for your tutorials. 🥰

[@annabaginova01]

Hi Audra 👋 You are very lucky (like so many other people that commented) to get the driftwood so easily! I wish I had a beach close to where I live 😁 It sounds like you are going to make great use of it 😉 Fingers crossed that all the projects will go well and you will enjoy making them.

[@babetje1984]

Hi, I am brand new to macramé and find your tutorials very interesting. Thanks for all the tips

[@tonyaharmon1383]

I'm New Too, Have Always Loved It! Ready To Learn & Found Ana to Be The Best Of Teachers & Great Explaining of the Steps!!

[@annabaginova01]

You are so welcome! And thank you for the nice words 🙂

[@susannekoen1028]

Love your work, your enthusiasm and your sharing of knowledge. On a bushblock in Australia, there are lots of interesting fallen branches - I'm using one for my next major project, so this has been super useful. I think I've done all the things I need to, but I might add a bit of decking paint to bring out the beautiful design mother nature gave the wood. Thanks for all you are sharing - it is immensely generous and useful xxx 1

[@SewBunny]

I’m in Australia and have bushland around me too, we have a couple of different variety of gum trees that I use.

[@annabaginova01]

Oh yes, I have heard that gumtree is popular for macrame

[@Kronnnnn]

Awesome hacks! I'm in New Zealand and collect my driftwood from the beach...looks amazingly rustic, great effect

[@annabaginova01]

Sounds great!

[@matissemonroe8946]

I’m in New Zealand too and live on the beach so always on the driftwood hunt 😊

[@lanawolf5681]

I have been silently asking this very question ever since I found your channel. Thank you so much for covering this subject in all the right details. Also, love your pup!

[@annabaginova01]

Glad to hear it was what you were looking for! And thank you 😊

[@lsueronson2100]

Driftwood is from trees that fall into the lakes & rivers; Deadwood is what I scavenge for in the forest… pine, maple, birch, and oak in my area in Canada.

[@annabaginova01]

Yep, I have learned that from all the comments on this video 😉

[@cindyschulz2086]

New to your channel as recently started to macrame again. Your explanations and instructions are very helpful. Just subscribed. Thank you!

[@annabaginova01]

Awesome! Welcome to the channel :)

[@shazanarahuman8020]

Hi Anna, love all your videos. Very helpful . I hunt for my drift wood by the river. As I’m living close by. So I no need soaking time😉. Thank you for the wholesome video 🥰 Love from Switzerland

[@annabaginova01]

I wish I had a spot like that…I bet it’s beautiful there 😌

[@belindachristensen2967]

Thanks Anna. I recently collected some excellent driftwood from the beach. I live on the east coast of Australia, so we have lots of beaches to find interesting pieces!

[@annabaginova01]

Wonderful! Maybe one day I will get to pick some up on a beach somewhere as well...

[@pinkyysk]

I have only just started. As in a few weeks ago but I have used cherry and something I have no idea what. I leave the bark on cherry as its beautiful. I live very close to a city but there is a beautiful park so I potter round hunting. I keep the broke bits for my log pile in the yard for bugs Great video

[@annabaginova01]

That’s great that you can gather some pieces even though you live in a city…I don’t think I’ve worked with cherry before but I can imagine how nice that would look 😌

[@pinkyysk]

@@annabaginova01 it's got a redish tint and it's quite smooth on the thinner branches. It's nice. Did spend some time last night chipping bark off something that was fun hehe

[@ngahuiaharding1896]

Thank you for your driftwood tutorial. The “roughness” of sandpaper is measured in Grit and the different grits of sandpaper are usually stated on the back of each sheet. This way you will learn which “size grit” you chose to use and can go back for the next sheet when ready to purchase again. Hope this helps.

[@annabaginova01]

Ahh, okay, thanks for explaining that! It definitely helps, I am glad I learned that 😌

[@louannslider6321]

I also go to the woods to find my wood. I prefer grape vine. It is waving and interesting and the outside layer comes off easily. Fun to go out and look around in the woods. Amazing what you can find to use with macrame Love this video! Your information is spot on! Love your dog:)

[@KsCraftsnJewelry]

We have a couple of trees in our back yard that are constantly dropping branches and sticks in the yard. They are walnut, because the squirrels like to bomb the tiny house back there with them. The tenant there says usually when he is trying to sleep. LOL. I often pick sticks up on my way out to my studio. My logo is a white owl, so I use the small sticks for "perches" for the little owls I make to hang from some of the purses I make.

[@annabaginova01]

It sounds like the perfect symbiosis you have with those squirrels (maybe only the tenant wouldn't agree 😁)...

[@fannyoli2009]

Im starting with macrame and need this video , because I dont know anithing about wood either! Thanks!! I m from Argentina, thank you for explain in english!!

[@annabaginova01]

Well I am glad my tips were useful! And hello to Argentina 👋

[@treasureyourtime]

Hi! Found your channel about a week ago. My daughter has asked for a walk hanging. What I call Driftwood is found near the ocean or large lakes. I was taught driftwood drifts to the shoreline. Now that I am landlocked with only small lakes near me, I find branches in my own backyard or the local parks. Thanks for sharing all your tips. I’m excited for my first project.

[@annabaginova01]

Have fun with your project! And I wish we have some large lakes here at least...but I am happy with the woods around too 😊

[@kmelliott61]

Just came across this…I’ve been macraméing for a while now. I live on the west coast of Florida and try to find wood pieces from the beaches here, which I’ve not been too successful! I’ll start looking in the woods now that you find pine branches. Thank you for this very informative video!

[@annabaginova01]

You are most welcome and I hope you were more successful with collecting the wood

[@erikadonald845]

Hi Anna. Loved your video. What an interesting piece of wood with the v shape. I’m going to look for something like that today. With the first bit of wood I collected all I did was bang it against a tree several times to get the little knobbly bits off, cut it to size and brush it down with a hard brush. I wish I had prepared it like you have shown here, it would have looked so much better. The second piece I left the bark on. I didn’t think to cut the ends on an angle, I will from now on, much better than the straight cut I did. Thanks you so much for making this video I have certainly gotten a lot out of it. Love your dog.

[@annabaginova01]

Hey Erika 👋 so glad to hear it was helpful for you and you got some tips out of it! I wish I had your goats though to take care of the bark 😁

[@sheffi01008631]

I just love your channel. We have pines, oaks, and madrones here and my grandson found two perfect pieces for macrame! I’m a relative newbie and wasn’t sure how to progress. Thanks!

[@annabaginova01]

Thank you 😊 Sounds like you have some good supply of wood for your projects 😉

[@RC-pn8zu]

I think the bark on it is pretty! I would seal it and then use it.

[@annabaginova01]

I agree and I am actually using it in my new project which I hope to be posting soon 🙂

[@carlasienna8683]

Yes and those trzils make the wood more interesting, that's what I think.

[@annabaginova01]

Absolutely agree

[@rhondabristow1256]

Hi Anna, I use a utility knife and then a hand sander to get off stubborn bark. The sander makes the stick smoother for the cord to go on and I even leave some bark on in certain areas because it looks interesting. Thank you for all of your amazing tutorials. I've made several hangings from the videos you've shared!!

[@annabaginova01]

That’s great to hear! And I definitely agree with leaving the bark on in some places as it can have some really interesting shapes and colors

[@SAstonFamily]

I use beeswax or linseed oil and let it dry for a few hours. It brings such a natural warmth to the wood. I also use a hand sander to complete the initial prep work because it goes much faster but then use the finer sandpaper to complete it. 😊

[@staciejean]

Hi! Thank for that advice! My question is do you have a suggestion for wood treatment that WOULDNT add warmth or shine?

[@annabaginova01]

Hmmm maybe I should invest in a hand sander as well, it sounds like it could make the job a lot easier...

[@kbowersful]

Oak trees are a good source. I have actually gone into the marsh here at home prior to hearing you shouldn't disturb the driftwood. Fallen branches from oak trees work well. I have stripped bark by using another branch to rub the bark off. (The edge of bricks work as well)

[@annabaginova01]

And where are you from if you don’t mind me asking? It’s true that in most countries there are protected areas where you shouldn’t pick up anything. I haven’t used other branches to clean the bark off, I could try that next time!

[@kbowersful]

I'm located in coastal Georgia.

[@kbowersful]

United States. I have also used a spray bottle with mixture of bleach and water. You can spray on and leave outdoors to dry. Thanks so much for sharing! I love your tutorials!

[@reinventme127]

I used Minwax Pecan poly stain on a branch. I think I prefer minwax stain alone and then poly. Stain can bring out the grain and easier to work with... at least to me. Most I left plain so far but I am just learning. Thanks for all your help

[@annabaginova01]

Thanks for sharing! I am sure I will get to test out more things in the future when it comes to preparing all the wood...

[@tstarky1965]

Hi Anna! Your channel is my favorite macrame channel! I live in Texas and the weather is too hot right now to take a walk and find wood bits. I was walking through this massive store here, Nebraska Furniture Mart, when I came across wood about 5 feet long...for sale at $7 each. LOL They are not the most interesting but they do have some bends to them and they need prep work. These will have to do until fall when the weather drops below 100 degrees. 🥵 Thanks for the tips and I look forward to each video you post!

[@annabaginova01]

Thank you so much for the lovely comment! I can't even imagine living in that kind of weather. It rarely gets over 100 degrees here in the Czech Republic so far but I bet with the climate change it will only get worse in the coming years 😔 Well all the more reason to enjoy the weather outside when it is nice and collect some driftwood for the warmer season 🙂

[@janinegolden1]

Hey Anna, love your channel, only recently found it. I am in Natal on the coast in South Africa and have 3 huge bags full of driftwood. So very excited to now be using the wood to do Macrame stuff!! 💚🌸👍

[@kbowersful]

I use ModPodge that I purchase at the Dollar Tree. And/or you can spray it with clear coat. I like to think any bugs are trapped inside lol!

[@annabaginova01]

Let’s hope not! 😅

[@lindapassos]

Cause I live in a "small" island I get my wood branches or on the beach or like you in a forest area 😊 in the winter I sometimes get it from the garden in front of my house when the bad weather does some damage on the trees and branches fall down 😅 to be honest never cared about the kind of wood, like you I go for character too 😁 Sometimes I like to bleach them too (specially the ones I get in the woods) so they look more "washed" like the ones I get in the beach 😊 Great idea to apply varnish to them, never thought of doing it 😀 TY

[@annabaginova01]

Thanks for all the info! It’s really interesting to see how other people do this…I wish I had a beach where I could collect it too, I think it would be interesting to see the difference between that and the branches straight from the forest.

[@lindapassos]

@@annabaginova01 the major difference on beach wood its no branches to cut, smooth already, no bark to take off 90% of the time and much lighter than the ones I still have to clean, they are like when you bleach it for a few days 😊 guess the sea ends up doing all the work for me 😅😂😂😂

[@annabaginova01]

@@lindapassos right, it does sound like a lot less work 😅 well good for you!

[@ArtyGal]

I live close to a beach too, but I can never find any driftwood! I am going to use your suggestion and get the wood from the forest on my hiking adventures and use your methods to smooth it out for wall hangings. Thankyou for this information :)

[@annabaginova01]

Really? Maybe there are a lot of macrame makers in your area and they get it all before you get to the beach 😁 But I am sure you will be able to find some nice pieces hiking in forests 😌

[@candacetoman]

Thank you for this very helpful video!

[@annabaginova01]

You are most welcome 😊

[@LisaCullen]

Hi love, I used to do macramé very well as a teenager. It’s like riding a bike. Once you learn how to ride you never forget. I never got as far as designing things myself. I would use a macramé instructional book, and make projects from it. I just found your channel about 3 weeks ago. New subscriber here! I’m going to do the large wall hanging project with the leather, but instead substitute the leather for a smaller size macrame cord in lilac and the rest a natural color macramé cord. I live in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, so I’m in a highly rural area with lots is trees. I found a piece of wood in my backyard barely hanging on the tree, so I just pulled it off. It had so much character! The bark peeled off pretty easily without soaking. I have a small tub, so I took a large garbage can an filled it with water and bleach. I heard that the main purpose of the bleach is to kill any insects that may be living in the wood. So I bleached this beautiful piece of wood. I think it’s from an oak tree. My house is on an acre of land surrounded by woods, but the perimeter is all poison sumac 😞 So I had my husband come with me, to an open area that he cut down the sumac tree/bushes years ago to build a tree play house for our grands so he can tell me what’s poison and what isn’t, also if I found a nice piece he could cut it down. I did all the preparations to do your tutorial with this unique piece of wood, I took the bark off, bleached it, then as I was walking away to place it on the sun to dry, it broke in half. I was so upset. The good thing about it, is that I can use it to make your wall shelf 😊 Thank you for the clear, detailed instructions on your videos. I’ve purchased a nice adjustable cloth rack, and bought S hooks that are covered in rubber to keep them from moving too freely on the rack. I’m visiting my mom this weekend in NJ. I’m going to the Jersey shore, since it’s suppose to be in the 70 degrees F. To see if I could find some drift wood for more projects. I did find another piece of wood that I’m going to use for that project for now. I’m re decorating my house in a eclectic bohemian chic/French country style. Thanks again 😊

[@annabaginova01]

Hi Nadia, I know it's been a while since you wrote this but welcome to the channel 🙂 It sounds like you really got into macrame again and of course I'm very happy to hear that! Well I hope it will last a while and that you will create lots of projects for your re-decorated house and have fun with those! And you got me with the rubber coated S hooks, I will have to look for those as that sounds really useful.

[@fadetoblond]

Hey girl, I don't mean to offend you, but I don't want you to mislead your subscribers. The wood you're getting from the forest is called "deadwood, forestwood, or snags". Driftwood is pieces of wood that have been completely de barked on their own, from floating in lakes, rivers, or the ocean, then get pushed up onto beaches from the waves, where they will then dry, to become perfect for wood projects. Wood you find in the forests isn't driftwood. Sorry! People will get confused if they're just beginning learning about wood and making crafts. I love that you're honest and so sweet as to how you explain your process. I enjoyed your video. Cheers! From Canada 😊

[@melanieh8398]

Was just going to clarify that same thing but I love these videos there’s always something new you can learn

[@annabaginova01]

Right, a couple people have pointed that out. I didn't realize that there was a different word that you would use for that but I am always happy to learn 😊 Thanks for sharing!

[@fadetoblond]

@@annabaginova01 You're most welcome 😊

[@ligiaporras3685]

Gracias por explicarlo! Y ser tan cortez con la muchacha. Siempre aprendemos algo y su aclaracion esta muy buena. Saludos desde Costa Rica

[@fadetoblond]

​@@ligiaporras3685You're most welcome. 😊

[@kbdefay]

This was very helpful! thank you

[@annabaginova01]

I'm so glad!

[@marthasilva8615]

Muchas gracias por compartir tus experiencias y conocimientos, me es de mucha ayuda. Excelente!!

[@annabaginova01]

Always happy to do that 🙂

[@erinmcintyre6299]

I am in Nova Scotia, Canada. I get all mine that have drifted from the Ocean. 😊

[@annabaginova01]

Sounds like you have the best supplier 😉

[@53justjude]

Hi looking forward to learning from you, I will try your method on some Australian gum tree, thay are very interesting.

[@annabaginova01]

That indeed looks like a very interesting tree! From the google images it also looks like there is not that much bark on it so that sounds like an easy job 🙂

[@ivanizedaconceicaoalvessob7283]

Estou muito feliz por ter conhecido o seu canal. Parabéns pela sua criatividade 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🇧🇷

[@annabaginova01]

Thank you 😊😊

[@cindy1274]

A large branch fell off our tree and I took it painted it white and put in livingroom in a plastic vase with rocks. It looks good!

[@annabaginova01]

I can imagine that's a nice way to use it!

[@marami9741]

Very informative video thank you so much. One thing I didn’t think about when I first used drift wood is how heavy it is, especially if it’s for a big project. I used very thick and heavy drift wood when I did the big boho piece you made, and until now I don’t know how to hang it because it’s very heavy. Plus it takes so much cord around it😭.

[@annabaginova01]

That’s true! I think also the more dry the wood the lighter it gets but I guess that process takes a while…maybe you could hang it on two bigger screws directly in the wall without any hanging cord…?

[@cardinal1790]

One thing you could try with natural wood pieces. After you remove the bark, take a small rock or stone and rub it on the wood. It makes the wood very smooth. Love the videos!

[@debbieackerman3446]

You are awsome. Very good teacher. Thank you...🎉

[@annabaginova01]

Thank you! 😃

[@JolitaMacrameCraft]

Thank you, very useful video.

[@annabaginova01]

You are most welcome!

[@sandradeiuliis265]

Hi Anna! Here in the uk, if you go to the coast you can find driftwood that is naturally "clean" and without bark as this has been taken off by the water and weather conditions. I am planning on getting a few bits home this weekend as i am visiting the coast. Can't wait! I really liked this video though as sometimes I am not able to go to the beach so easily. Thanks, very useful!

[@annabaginova01]

Hi Sandra, that sounds wonderful! Were you able to collect some driftwood this weekend?

[@sandradeiuliis265]

@@annabaginova01 yes! I found some on the beach and some in the woods. I am so happy with what I found! The one I got from the woods will definitely need some care so I will use this video to make it macrame-ready, thank you!

[@heenamaheshwari2728]

Hey your vedios are very well explained I have just started macrame learning....your work is gorgeous more power to you and your creativity Heena from India. ❤

[@saragechter8593]

Inspired, thank you so much

[@annabaginova01]

That's great! You are welcome

[@reinventme127]

I use a reciprocating saw and a vise to trim my deadwood. I used Brillo pad to scrub and sand off undesirables. I live with woods on 3 sides. I got some from a tree that worms killed that left trails like you showed. The tree fell on our building during storm. The tree was long dead.

[@annabaginova01]

Oh wow, I hope it didn't do too much damage to the building! But it's good to hear that you got some use out of it in the end.

[@kat_n_Rob_Touring_NZ]

Hi from New Zealand, I collect from the beach, we are lucky to travel around so I'm always looking for unusual driftwood or stone's 😁. Now I'm doing macrame, I can actually do stuff With them 😂

[@annabaginova01]

Beach sounds like the best place to get a nice piece of wood for macrame :)

[@sharmainemook802]

I love your videos .following you from Australia. I learn from u so fast, I have made a wall hanging like yours and I think it turned out fabulous 👌 💖

[@annabaginova01]

Great job! That's wonderful to hear 😊

[@paranora]

What works even better than regular sanding paper are those sanding sponges. The branches get ridiculously smooth when you’re sanding them wet.

[@re.energize]

Hi, I love your content its so inspiring, I too collect woods from nearby places and prepare them for the projects. Lots of love keep inspiring ❤

[@annabaginova01]

Oh thank you! I am always so happy to hear that I’ve inspired someone 😊

[@mariolaleeman443]

Love your work but got so confused looking at driftwood in the woods lol - driftwood is one that drifted on the sea, washed up on the beach, lucky me i live near the beach and have an abundance to a variety of driftwood, have a great day

[@annabaginova01]

Right, lots of people pointed that out so I have definitely learned something here 😅

[@crystal-jeanroat2885]

Thanks for the thorough video on how you prepare your wood. I would definitely recommend coating the wood with a sealant every time. As a fiber artist/quilt instructor, I know that wood has a component called Lignin which contributes to the deterioration of natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, rayon, etc. It’s also in normal paper which is why normal paper isn’t archival/ safe. So, if you are hoping to keep your pieces for a long time, maybe even as an heirloom, you would want to coat that wood with varnish, acrylic or something that will protect the cotton.

[@annabaginova01]

Thank you for sharing that knowledge! I knew that using a varnish would probably be a good idea but I definitely am no expert so I wouldn't be able to explain why. And now I know 🙂

[@shiyinhuang6398]

Thanks for sharing! I just got some branches which are thin and easy to be broken. I wonder if I can use the same method to deal with them? Also is there anyway to dry the branches fast? Thank u sooo much for ur help

[@annabaginova01]

I think if they are easy to be broken I would be careful with them and you probably want to somehow make sure that they can actually hold the weight of the cords before you put all the work in. Otherwise I think you can use the same method, you might just need to be more careful with them. To speed up the drying process you can maybe put them on a radiator but again I would be careful this time because of any fire hazards. Or maybe putting them somewhere with a light breeze would also help...

[@renatetenkleij7852]

Bedankt

[@annabaginova01]

Thank you Renate! 🙂

[@deslipowell5733]

Hi from north California I get my drift wood from the beach not sure where it comes from but it washes up on our beaches 😀

[@annabaginova01]

That is awesome! I would so love to have a beach and get my driftwood work-free 😅

[@monikaprzepiera7712]

Hi, I live far away from any forest so I buy what I need from carpenter. Here where I live eucalyptus tree is very common and cheap - I get 3 sticks for about 1 $. Of course I have to sand it but its my husband's job 😀. Thx for video.

[@annabaginova01]

Oh that’s an interesting thought…I wish I knew any carpenters here, maybe I could also learn a thing or two from them 😄 and it’s good that your husband gets involved! 😁

[@kimgoring]

I get my drift wood from the beach, as for the type I have no idea. Like you it has to have character, from the sea this is no problem

[@AristeaRoubou]

I love your content. I just have a question, why should you remove the bark from the wood? Why not to use it as it is?

[@shereneliscom6736]

Hello anna, i live in new york & there is not birchwood or anything close around here, so i guess my search is in stores.

[@annabaginova01]

I am sure you will be able to find some branches in stores as well...

[@sophiejones481]

Hi! I have been wanting to do a macrame piece for my house but wondered how you attached the wood to the clothing rack when making the piece.

[@annabaginova01]

Hi there, I am using simple S-hooks for that 😉

[@carolgunn6527]

@@annabaginova01 where did you get s hooks big enough to fit yr clothing rack? Mine must be too fat?

[@cindy1274]

Some parks have branches. As I live in Az.

[@annabaginova01]

Absolutely, that's a great place to look as well

[@sofiadeamorimmascaro7821]

Loving your vids and content, Anna, thanks a lot! Please, I would like to know if the water process is only to peal easier. If i decide to peal manualy without let under water is ok? Because in Brazil, some people add clorine in the water... Thanks a lot!!

[@annabaginova01]

Great to hear that! 😊 Yes, the whole soaking process is so that it’s easier to peel the bark off, you can also do it without the water 😉 I don’t know about the clorine, I’ve never added anything to the water I use….

[@sofiadeamorimmascaro7821]

@@annabaginova01 thank you so much again! Sorry my english lol 🤭😘

[@kayce2012]

I pick my wood in the forest, I especially like cedar. Please be careful some bugs lay eggs inside trees. I made a Christmas tree from birch that was frozen and found bugs in coming out of it when it got warmer in my house. Look for small holes. So if you soak it you might want to put something in the water. I use Antique wax on my pieces.

[@rosebellewaihenya4888]

Incredible

[@cynthiadrury792]

i look at lakes for wood that has been under water a long time and let it dry in the sun to see what bark needs taken off

[@annabaginova01]

Sounds like a good way to go about it

[@richardg2904]

I've watched only two of your videos - very well done and informatiive. Your finished piece of wood looks great! I wanted to offer a couple of suggestions. You might consider using Tung oil in lieu of the varnish. This is sometimes used on wood crafts and furniture where a natural look and feel is desired. Regarding wood, here in the U.S. a common ornamental tree found in yards and other landscapes is crepe myrtle. It flowers annually and sheds its thin bark, leaving a very smooth surface (which could save you some work). I believe it would be ideal for what you do. Because crepe myrtle trees require pruning and grow somewhat irregularly - not straight, the pieces would tend to have "character." It's a very dense, typically light colored, wood, akin (I've been told) to a type of darker wood found in the U.S. called mesquite, which is used in crafts and as firewood. Perhaps you have these or similar trees where you live.

[@annabaginova01]

Thanks for the suggestions! I looked up tung oil and that seems to be easy to get here in the Czech republic. As for the tree though it’s not something I’ve noticed here before so it doesn’t seem to be that common here…

[@richardg2904]

@@annabaginova01 Thanks for replying and taking the time to research my suggestions. Having seen a few of your other posts I know that you must be very busy now taking care of your baby daughter! Congratulations! I have a suggestion for a project (something you could likely sell), assuming you haven't already made this - a lift for senior dogs with joint problems, especially in their rear legs and hips - arthritis, recovering from surgery, etc. I recently purchased a commercial product for my large senior dog who sometimes needs help getting up from hard slick floors. You might envision a lift as a special kind of macrame plant hanger or perhaps a baby carrier or swing. Based on my search, I believe there is some room for improvement in the overall design of many of these products. A macrame lift could be tailored to an indvidual dog's needs, size, and shape, and owner's preferences. I prefer something that can be left on the dog for extended periods (essentially clothing), so that the dog can be lifted quickly and easily. I believe a macrame lift would be more "breathable" for warm weather.

[@valhavard5557]

Hi Anna. Why do you have to take the bark off? I've just got some branches from my mum's garden & I think the bark gives added interest

[@Glim246]

I love the look of the bark too but unfortunately it will eventually pull away from the branch. You can research different ways of preserving it but some are rather labor intensive or expensive for supplies. I love the look enough for different projects that I'm going to try some procedures one day and see what works.

[@annabaginova01]

Right, that's one reason - that the bark would come off eventually. But also usually the bark is not smooth at all and so there is a risk that you would damage your cords as you are putting them on over it. And it would be really hard to slide them to the side if needed (that happens to me a lot as I am adding new sections to the project).

[@cindy1274]

There are also wood pieces at fish store

[@annabaginova01]

Oh really? Well I guess some could sell that too...

[@michellesylvestre-d7g]

I’m in Canada , birch , red pine , white pine , cedar is the best , very lasting

[@silviagamez-marin3595]

Love your channel. I started a project on a lemon tree branch my husband cut in our yard. My 6 yr old son is very upset and keeps trying to take my project because he says I took his "gun". Every stick he finds he makes his gun. Oh we live in Southern California.

[@annabaginova01]

😁😁😁 that's funny, but then it sounds like he should be able to find a new gun very soon....

[@xtugbakoyuncu]

Thank you ❤

[@annabaginova01]

You're welcome 😊

[@debbiefrancis4484]

3:31 I’m wanting to use a limb from my woods that is wrapped with dead vines. I want to keep the bark and vines but I’m not sure how to prepare it. Any suggestions for debugging and then sealing?

[@jennifervanarsdale481]

Ohhh...goodness..wood is wood..no matter where you get it..I grew up next to ocean...I've wood recently from a lake in North Dakota...drifts from lake..I've polyurethane and an sooo excited to use...

[@_aliaxis_1117]

Do I have to remove the bark or this is optional step?

[@carolgunn6527]

The different grades of sandpaper, I think, are grits?

[@annabaginova01]

Yes, thanks for the word, I am sure it will come in handy in the future :)

[@janettejohns2432]

Drift wood comes mainly from the sea or rivers that's been washed up. Then there's fallen wood that you can collect the woods. Or wood from park trees that the winds have broken. Always tap your wood first to allow any creatures to escape before bleaching if that's your thing. I do this and then keep my wood in the shed for a few days more and keep tapping it to let the poor creatures out. Its there home by the way that your interrupting. I personally don't see the need to bleach the sticks. That pretty branch you found with other branches reaching out? I'd make a dream catcher alongside with your macrame, or use it just for that and find another branch that doesn't have other branches sticking out. Use each branch for the purpose needed. I collected a few fallen branches from the woods after a massive storm in UK after taping them hard to let the creatures out, I left them in our shed to dry a little bit. I'll go back each day and tap some more. I'd feel just awful bleaching them before the creatures had time to vacant there home. So many Creatures are hibernating in fallen rotten wood especially woodlice earwigs etcetera. So please be mindful of this and tell your KZbin fans 🙏

[@annabaginova01]

Ah, that makes sense with the difference between drift wood and fallen wood. And thanks for the tip with the tapping, that's really good to know 😉 I agree that I don't really see the need to use bleach on the wood, it just seems like an unnecessary use of chemicals and I prefer the natural color of the wood anyways...

[@seancewomynson]

I find my driftwood from my fruit trees or by the ocean!

[@ElaynalMathiellis]

Lake Erie Drift wood on the beach

[@annabaginova01]

Sounds like the perfect spot

[@katkamunzova]

Super 😉

[@annabaginova01]

Diky ☺️

[@ReaTexas]

Driftwood Is wood that has been out in water like ocean etc. and it drifts onto the shore. Well it looks like you’re gathering is dead wood.

[@annabaginova01]

Right, I think a few people mentioned in the comments that it's fallen wood, makes sense!

[@kayce2012]

Just saw worm lines on your pieces. Check from time to time if you hear noise from inside the branch.🐛

[@patriciadiel2872]

Driftwood comes from the ocean, a lake, or river. It “drifted” in water to become driftwood. I’m not sure what wood from the forest is called - I usually just think of it as branches or twigs.

[@annabaginova01]

Right, quite a few people have pointed that out to me. Many said that what I use is called deadwood...

[@maribabette2205]

They say you should Boil your wood to get ride of the Mold and buggies

[@annabaginova01]

Hmmm, that might be a complicated process for the larger pieces but I could see this working well for something small...

[@lulajuliavaisanen1096]

Even tho my wood I found was easy to peel the bark of already in the forest I wanna soak it anyway just Incase any bugs are crawling living in the stick

[@veramilhomens6014]

Pena que está sem legenda para o português! 😢

[@annabaginova01]

Not for this one yet....the subtitles are very expensive so I have to go slowly

[@veramilhomens6014]

@@annabaginova01 Grata pela resposta (usando o Google Tradutor! 😅) Eu nem sabia desses custos! Compreendo perfeitamente! Obrigada, de qualquer forma, pelos vídeos! 🌷

[@Chris-fj7dq]

In the United States, we called them termites. They eat the wood.

[@shereneliscom6736]

I can just go looking in the woods for branches cuz i could get shot. I hear guns going off all the time, since i live close to a shooting range, but people around here have guns.

[@annabaginova01]

Oh wow, that sounds very dangerous, I am sorry to hear that you can't enjoy the nature around you with all its benefits 😔

[@tonyaharmon1383]

Wear Orange!

[@MistyEyed]

This is not driftwood. I live in Florida in the USA by the ocean. Driftwood is found by the water after it has been “drifting” in the water for awhile. It usually has no bark left and and has a gray tone.

[@annabaginova01]

Yep, quite a few people pointed that out already 😉

[@maribabette2205]

So ok she is just using Normal wood. Driftwood is wood that has been washed onto a shore of a sea, lake, or river by the action of winds, tides or waves thus being worn away with no bark.

[@annabaginova01]

Yep, a couple people pointed it out and now I know that there is a different name for what I use 🙂

[@cleocomyn2760]

Lol thats not "driftwood" its just fallen wood. Drift wood is battered by water and drifts in off the water.

[@annabaginova01]

Right, I didn't realize there is a different word for that, now I have another one in my vocabulary 😉

[@sandybay5718]

Talking way to much. Show us already.

[@annabaginova01]

Thanks for the feedback, it is difficult to judge the best balance of talking vs. showing as many people appreciate all the comments around it as well...Well it's a good thing that you can simply skip ahead on the video if the beginning is too slow for you 😉