I still remember the first time I peeled a sheet of birch bark off a fallen log, it felt like opening a letter from the forest. Smooth on one side, curling like parchment on the other, it practically whispered to be turned into something beautiful.
Birch bark has that kind of charm: weathered yet delicate, wild but welcoming. It’s a material that speaks to nature lovers, to those of us who find joy in the raw and imperfect.
This collection of 19 birch bark crafts is an invitation to reconnect with nature, slow down, and create something honest with your own two hands.
#1. Painted Tree Bark Santas
If you’re looking for a holiday project that feels like it came straight from the forest, these tree bark Santas are it.
Moreover, each piece of bark already has so much character like gnarled edges, ridged surfaces that when you paint a rosy-cheeked Santa on it, the magic is instant.
Materials Needed
- 12-15 pieces of tree bark (6-10 inches long)
- Acrylic paints (white, red, pink, blue, black)
- Small and fine-tip paintbrushes
- Paper towels and cup of water
- Optional: clear sealer spray
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wipe off any loose dirt or debris from your bark pieces, then let them dry if damp.
Step 2: Paint the top third red for Santa’s hat, then use white for the beard and pinkish tones for the face area.
Step 3: Add facial details like blue eyes, a tiny red nose, and black dots for pupils.
Step 4: Once dry, seal with clear spray if you want them to last for years.
#2. Rustic Bark Angel Family Wall Art
These charming angel family pieces bring such warmth and comfort, especially during the holidays or whenever your home could use a little quiet grace.
If you’ve got bark lying around after trimming a tree or splitting logs, this is your chance to turn it into something heartfelt. These would make a beautiful handmade gift too.
Materials Needed
- 2 pieces of bark, approx. 10-12 inches tall
- 6-8 thin wood scraps (4-7 inches long each)
- 6 small wooden balls (½-1 inch diameter)
- 2 small wood wings
- White and gold acrylic paint
- Strong wood glue
- Small hanging hooks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the wood pieces and wooden balls with white and gold acrylic paint.
Step 2: Arrange your angels by placing taller wood pieces as bodies and the wooden balls as heads, gluing them in place. Then add smaller pieces and tiny balls to represent children.
Step 4: Attach wings to the tallest angels. For a more spiritual touch, place them slightly askew to give a sense of movement.
Step 5: Glue or nail a small hook or twine on the back for hanging.
#3. Rustic Owl Family Wall Art
If you’re looking for a nature-inspired project that feels both playful and earthy, this owl family wall art is a heart-stealer. It turns ordinary bark, twigs, and pinecones into a charming woodland gathering.
This is the kind of DIY that kids love it, guests admire it, and you’ll find yourself smiling every time you pass by.
Materials Needed
- 1 large slab of tree bark (approx. 18″-24″ long)
- 10 pinecones
- 5 small twigs
- 5 googly eyes
- Small felt or paper pieces
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean your bark surface and lay it flat, then arrange twigs to mimic tree branches growing across the slab.
Step 2: Glue down the twigs in a natural, spread-out design.
Step 3: Attach pinecones upright over branches as owls. You can vary their sizes and positions for a dynamic look.
Step 4: Glue on googly or paper eyes, felt beaks, and small wings. Then, you can add playful expressions or slight tilts to their heads for extra charm.
#4. Bark-Wrapped Floral Vase
This bark-wrapped vase is the kind of craft that feels both rustic and elegant. I made this one on a breezy afternoon with just a few scraps of bark and an old glass jar.
Materials Needed
- 1 medium glass vase (about 5-6 inches tall)
- Tree bark strips (approx. 4-6 inches long)
- Strong hot glue gun
- Fresh flowers or greenery
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Begin gluing the bark around the vase, working from the bottom up. You should use overlapping edges for a more natural look.
Step 2: If you have moss or lichen, tuck them in between bark gaps for added charm.
Step 3: Once dry and secure, add water to your vase and arrange your flowers.
#5. Rustic Tree Bark Planter Arrangement
This bark planter, hewn from a thick tree section, becomes a cradle for blooming bulbs, fresh moss, and delicate branches.
Additionally, the blend of textures from soft petals to rough bark and tangled roots feels wild, poetic, and refreshingly low-cost.
Materials Needed
- 1 large hollowed tree bark (approx. 15-20” long)
- 4-6 flower bulbs (tulips, roses, or hyacinths)
- A handful of green moss and decorative twigs
- Floral foam or soil
- Optional: preserved roots
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean and inspect your bark log. If it’s not naturally hollow, carve a shallow channel along the top to create space for your floral base.
Step 2: Insert floral foam or a bit of soil snugly inside the cavity.
Step 3: Nestle in the bulbs or fresh flowers, making sure they’re well-supported.
Step 4: Add moss around the base, tuck in twigs or decorative roots, and adjust until the arrangement feels wild but balanced.
#6. Cozy Forest-Inspired Bark Candle Holder
You can see this tree bark candle holder wraps your flickering flame in rustic charm, like a little woodland lantern carved from the forest floor.
With its jagged bark edges, mossy touches, and delicate rope trim, it’s a piece that whispers quiet winter evenings and peaceful woodland walks.
Materials Needed
- 3-4 large pieces of curved tree bark (approx. 6″-10″ tall)
- 1 small glass votive (2-3″ in diameter)
- 1 tealight or votive candle
- Decorative moss, twine, and stars
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean and dry your bark thoroughly. You should choose pieces that naturally curve to form a cylinder or semi-shell shape.
Step 2: Hot glue the bark pieces around the votive, leaving a bit of space for airflow and easy candle access.
Step 3: Wrap twine or rope around the base and tuck in moss and wooden stars for texture.
Step 4: Place your candle inside the jar, light it up, and enjoy the cozy glow that feels like a campfire in miniature.
#7. Rustic Bark Christmas Trees
Whether you place these bark-covered cone trees on a mantle or your dining table, they’ll lend a raw, woodland charm without costing much. I made mine from foraged bark and cardboard cones, and the result felt like winter magic made by hand.
Materials Needed
- 3 cardboard cones (small: 5″, medium: 9″, large: 12″)
- A mix of bark strips, approx. 1.5-2″ wide pieces
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Optional: twine, ribbon, or pine picks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Start by trimming your bark into roughly even rectangles, you don’t need for perfect lines.
Step 2: Begin at the base of the cone, gluing bark pieces around in a layered pattern like shingles.
Step 3: Work your way upward, overlapping layers slightly to add depth and texture.
Step 4: Once fully covered, press down any curling edges and add optional ribbon or twine around the base for extra charm.
#8. Whimsical Tree Bark Owl Shadow Box
With layers of bark forming a cozy tree hollow, and a hand-painted owl peeking out with wise little eyes, this shadow box adds a magical, forest-inspired charm to any shelf or wall.
Moreover, creating it feels like building a secret world with your hands and honestly, you might catch yourself smiling every time you glance at it.
Materials Needed
- 1 wooden shadow box frame (approx. 6″x8″)
- Tree bark pieces
- Small owl figurine (around 2″-3″ tall)
- Craft moss
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Acrylic paint (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Position your owl figure first and mark a hollow around it to build your bark pieces around.
Step 2: Arrange and glue bark pieces inside the frame, overlapping edges to make it look natural and nest-like. Then leave a central hole where the owl will peek through.
Step 3: Add moss around the base, corners, and edge of the hollow for a more realistic forest feel.
Step 4: Insert your owl and press firmly to glue in place. Optionally, you can aadd a painted background like a night sky or stars to complete the scene.
#9. Nature-Inspired Bark Photo Frame
If you want something special for hanging your photos, this frame holds a little forest around it.
Also, made from bark, pinecones, feathers, acorn caps, and even tiny beads, it’s a tribute to the beauty of raw materials and childhood wanderings through the woods.
Materials Needed
- A plain wooden photo frame (8×10 inches)
- Assorted bark pieces, approx. 2-5″ long
- Small pinecones, acorn caps, twigs, feathers, moss, and dried seed pods
- Decorative extras: beads, buttons, or tiny crochet pieces
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean your frame’s surface and decide on the orientation (portrait or landscape).
Step 2: Arrange your bark pieces loosely along the frame edges, mixing textures and thicknesses.
Step 3: Glue down bark, then fill the spaces with natural materials like cones, seeds, feathers.
Step 4: Add the fun bits like beads, tiny flowers, or anything that gives it personality.
#10. Rustic Tree Bark Mirror Frame
This DIY mirror frame has the soul of the forest wrapped around it. Each layer of bark brings raw texture and depth, creating a bold, earthy piece that feels as if it was plucked from a woodland cabin.
You don’t have to be a professional to pull this off, just a little glue, a lot of bark, and a love for the imperfect beauty of nature.
Materials Needed
- 1 basic square mirror (12″x12″ or larger)
- Tree bark pieces (at least 1-2″ thick)
- Strong wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Optional: clear sealant
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Lightly sand the mirror frame edges if they’re too smooth or glossy for glue to stick well.
Step 2: Arrange your bark pieces around the mirror to get a sense of spacing, you can stack and layer for a chunky, wild look.
Step 3: Glue bark pieces one at a time, starting with the outer edges and working inward.
Step 4: Once dry, lightly seal with a matte clear spray if you want to preserve the texture and avoid crumbling bark over time.
#11. Rustic Bark Monogram Wall Hanging
This natural bark letter brings woodland charm straight to your walls. The uneven birch bark, speckled with moss, creates a perfectly imperfect texture that feels like it was peeled off an enchanted tree trunk.
No matter how you’re making a personalized gift or marking your own cozy nook, this hanging letter project is a bold, earthy statement that costs nearly nothing but adds so much soul.
Materials Needed
- Wooden letter base (12″ tall recommended)
- Birch bark (approx. 4-6″ long)
- Dried moss (reindeer moss or forest moss)
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Twine (about 18″)
- Optional: spray adhesive and matte sealer
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut out your chosen letter or buy a pre-cut wooden one, then break or trim the bark pieces to loosely fit the shape of the letter.
Step 2: Begin gluing the bark onto the base, layering uneven edges for a rugged look.
Step 3: Fill gaps and add visual interest with small clumps of moss, pressing them into the crevices.
Step 4: Flip over the letter and hot glue a looped twine piece for hanging. You can also seal with matte spray to protect against flaking.
#12. Natures Winter Wreath
If you ever wanted your door to whisper enchanted forest, this wreath is how. Built from birch bark curls, moss, acorns, and other foraged treasures, it feels alive like something a woodland creature might hang as a welcome sign.
Specially, you don’t need perfection here as the charm lies in the wild, the unexpected bends of bark and scattered pinecones.
Materials Needed
- Grapevine wreath base (12-14″ diameter)
- 8-10 birch bark rolls (approx. 4″ each)
- Handful of preserved moss
- Assorted acorns, pinecones, seed pods
- Dried brown leaves and twigs
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Floral wire (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Start by fluffing your grapevine wreath and tucking in moss to fill any gaps.
Step 2: Gently glue curled birch bark pieces around the wreath, spacing them irregularly for a more organic look.
Step 3: Layer in acorns, seed pods, and pinecones, focusing on asymmetry for a natural style.
Step 4: Add finishing touches with dried leaves and small twigs poking out from behind the bark. Let the whole piece rest before hanging it up to ensure everything is secure.
#13. Rustic Tree Bark Ornaments for a Woodland Christmas
These bark tree ornaments are the kind of decoration that tells a story, maybe from a winter walk where you found just the right bark or shared a quiet craft moment with someone you love.
You can hang them on your tree, tie one to a gift, or scatter them across your table for a natural touch that softens the season.
Materials Needed
- 1 large sheet of tree bark (approx. ¼” thick)
- Tree stencil or template (around 4″ tall)
- Craft knife
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Twine (6″ per ornament)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Use your stencil to trace tree shapes onto the flat side of the bark with a pencil.
Step 2: Carefully cut out the tree shapes using a craft knife or saw.
Step 3: If edges are too rough, lightly sand them for a cleaner look while keeping that rustic texture.
Step 4: Attach a loop of twine to the back using hot glue. Let it set, then hang wherever you need a bit of nature’s magic.
#14. Birch Bark Wall Cones
These elegant bark wall cones bring the quiet beauty of the forest right to your entryway or porch.
Whether filled with dried lavender, pine sprigs, or fresh blooms, they instantly turn a bare wall into a charming, rustic display.
Materials Needed
- Flexible birch bark sheets (approx. 6” x 9” per cone)
- Hot glue gun
- Thin cardboard
- Grapevine
- Scissors or craft knife
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Form a cone shape using cardboard or felt as the base, then wrap birch bark around it. You should trim edges for a snug, neat fit.
Step 2: Secure the bark with glue along the seam, then hold in place until fully set.
Step 3: Wrap grapevine or twigs around the top of the cone to form a rustic rim. Then attach ends securely with glue.
Step 4: Create a handle using additional vine, you just simply loop and glue to each side of the cone.
Step 5: Fill with seasonal greens, dried herbs, or faux flowers and hang anywhere that needs a little woodsy charm.
#15. Layered Bark Heart Hangers
These bark heart hangers bring warmth and rustic charm to any outdoor space or cozy nook inside your home. This project is all about patience, precision, and love for organic textures.
Materials Needed
- 6-8 thin strips of tree bark (approx. ¼” wide and 12″ long)
- Strong craft glue
- Clothespins
- Twine (8″ per heart)
- Heavy-duty scissors
- A heart-shaped template (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Soak bark strips in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften them and make bending easier.
Step 2: Carefully bend two strips into heart shapes, overlapping the ends slightly, and glue them together.
Step 3: Layer more strips around the original shape, gluing and clamping them in place as you go. You should let each layer dry a bit before adding the next.
Step 4: Once the heart is as thick as you like (usually 6–8 layers), let the glue dry overnight.
Step 5: Tie a loop of twine through the top for hanging, and you’re ready to add a little love to the landscape.
#16. Rustic Birch Bark Pumpkins
This bark-covered pumpkin is everything I love about fall with earthy textures, warm tones, and a handmade spirit that feels deeply personal.
Materials Needed
- Foam pumpkin (6-8 inch diameter works best)
- Birch bark sheets
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Small branch (about 2″ long)
- Optional: jute twine
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Begin by cutting your birch bark into manageable strips if needed.
Step 2: Working from top to bottom, glue the birch strips onto the pumpkin form. Then overlap slightly for a layered look.
Step 3: Press each piece firmly into the curves and grooves of the pumpkin to create natural contours.
Step 4: Attach a small branch to the top as a stem using strong glue. You can add a twine bow curl for a whimsical finish.
#17. Rustic Bark Birdhouse
This bark-covered birdhouse is like something straight out of a woodland fairy tale. Its thick, textured walls blend seamlessly into the garden, offering the perfect disguise for shy little birds.
Not only does it look stunning in a natural setting, but it also provides warmth and protection against the elements. If you’re looking to create a welcoming haven for feathered friends, this project is a must-try.
Materials Needed
- Large pieces of bark (approx. ½” thick)
- A wooden box (6″x6″x6″ minimum)
- Strong outdoor wood glue
- 1 sheet of coconut liner
- Saw (~1.5″ diameter)
- Drill and weatherproof screws
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut an entrance hole near the top of the front panel of your box using a hole saw or jigsaw.
Step 2: Attach bark pieces to each side of the box using glue or screws. Make sure they overlap slightly for insulation and texture.
Step 3: Cover the top with a piece of coconut liner, then glue or screw bark panels over it to create a weather-resistant roof.
Step 4: Finally, add drainage holes to the bottom and optional ventilation holes near the top.
#18. Miniature Birch Bark Canoe
This miniature birch bark canoe is a work of quiet reverence. Inspired by Indigenous traditions, it blends function with artistry and makes an unforgettable centerpiece or gift.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or someone who just appreciates the beauty of handmade things, this tiny canoe captures something timeless.
Materials Needed
- Sheet of birch bark (around 15″-18″ long, 6″ wide)
- Thin wooden craft sticks
- Natural sinew
- Wood glue
- Sharp craft knife
- Optional: moss, lichen, or pine bark
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Soak your birch bark in warm water for 15-20 minutes to make it pliable. You should gently shape it into a curved canoe form with raised sides.
Step 2: Cut and glue thin wood strips along the inside edges to help the canoe hold its form. Then secure with clothespins or clamps until dry.
Step 3: Add internal ribs along the base and sides using thin craft sticks.
Step 4: Stitch or glue the ends of the canoe closed. If using thread, punch tiny holes and sew with a thick needle.
Step 5: Decorate the outer surface with moss or bark if you want a rustic finish, or leave it clean to highlight the natural grain.
#19. Birch Bark Books with Hidden Flower Vials
Designed to mimic stacks of well-worn novels, each piece cradles a glass test tube vase inside, giving you a hidden place to tuck in fresh blooms or dried wildflowers.
Materials Needed
- Sheets of birch bark (approximately 6″-10″ tall)
- 1 empty test tube per piece
- Thin cardboard
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Twine (optional)
- Sharp scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut your birch bark into book-cover sized strips, about 6″ wide and 8″ tall. Then gently curl the bark to mimic an open book or roll it tightly for stacked volumes.
Step 2: Place a cardboard insert or rolled kraft paper in the middle to help it hold a spine shape, and glue it in place.
Step 3: Secure a glass vial inside using a few dots of hot glue at the base and spine. You should make sure the top of the vial stays open for easy flower placement.
Step 4: Arrange your birch books upright in rows, leaning them gently together like a library shelf.
Step 5: Insert flowers into each test tube. You can change the look by varying flower height and colors or adding a few dried sprigs for a forest vibe.
