How to Make a Vase Decorative Using Sawdust

Three Methods:Sourcing the SawdustColoring the SawdustDecorating with the Colored Sawdust

When you've got large pieces of sawdust lying around after a woodwork project, instead of sweeping them away, get artistic with them. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to arrange sawdust in a decorative and innovative way that allows you to experiment with your artistic flair.

Method 1
Sourcing the Sawdust

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    Collect a few decent-looking springs of sawdust. For the purposes of this project, you'll be looking for large curls of sawdust.
    • If you haven't got access to sawdust from a woodwork project, ask someone who does woodwork to make some sawdust curls for you, perhaps a friend or a neighbor.

Method 2
Coloring the Sawdust

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    Pour a little poster paint into a glass or jar of water. For the best effect, try different colors in different jars.
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    Put the sawdust curls into the colored water. If using different colors, add a few curls to each jar of water.
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    Remove the curls once you feel they have adequately colored. Place the damp, colored sawdust on a newspaper so that the color doesn't spread. Let dry.
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    When the sawdust dries, it is ready to be added to the display (see next). It's a good idea to keep back some naturally colored sawdust curls to mix in with the colored curls, as this breaks up the color and makes for a more interesting effect.

Method 3
Decorating with the Colored Sawdust

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    Select a suitable glass vase, tumbler or bowl for display.
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    Arrange the sawdust in the chosen vessel. The images show two different possible ways of displaying the colored and natural sawdust curls:
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    Place the filled vessel on display. Suitable places for display include on the dining table, on a windowsill or any other place where it is safe from falling off or breaking.

Tips

  • Glitter can added to create a shinier look.
  • Other embellishments like buttons, plastic and paper flowers, etc., can be added for decorative effect.
  • Food coloring could be used in place of the poster paints. Use only 2-3 drops though; you can always add more if needed.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass vase, tumbler or a bowl for display
  • Sawdust curls, large and in good form
  • Poster paints, in different colors suited to your theme
  • Water (and a vessel such as a jar or glass for holding it)
  • Newspaper for covering your workspace surface

Article Info

Categories: Flower Arranging and Floral Art