Creating this piece is like painting with wood. Every shim becomes a brushstroke, forming snowy peaks, earthy bases, and skies that stretch endlessly.
Don’t be afraid to experiment as the beauty of this project lies in your choice of shades. Some might go for icy blues and greys, others for sunset pinks or golden browns.
The process itself is therapeutic: measuring, cutting, staining, arranging until the peaks line up just right. When finished, it feels less like a craft and more like a window into a peaceful world.
Materials Needed
- 20-24 wood shims (6″ length, trimmed as needed)
- 1 wood panel or plywood board (12″ × 12″)
- 1 thin wood trim or craft sticks for the frame (about 48″)
- Wood stain (light brown, dark walnut, and natural)
- Acrylic paint in white and blue
- Sandpaper (120-150 grit)
- Wood glue or hot glue gun
- Small paintbrushes
- Clear matte spray sealer
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Begin by lightly sanding all your shims so they’re smooth and splinter-free. This makes staining and painting easier.
Step 2: Trim shims into angled pieces. Cut them into “V” shapes to form peaks, longer strips for the sky, and smaller angled blocks for mountain bases.
You now arrange them loosely on your board until you see the mountains take shape.
Step 3: Start staining the mountain base pieces with a mix of light and dark browns for depth.
Then paint the top snow caps white and let them dry fully. For the sky, brush your shims with blue paint and wipe back lightly to create a weathered, streaky effect like clouds drifting by.
Step 4: Glue the pieces down, starting at the bottom (mountains) and layering upward toward the sky. Work carefully to keep lines neat and aligned.
Step 5: Frame your art by gluing thin wood trim around the edges for a finished look. Once everything is dry, spray with a matte sealant for lasting protection.