Art deco

50 ideas for Scandinavian birch bark and birch trunk decoration

Subtle colors, minimalism, simplicity – this is what the Scandinavian furnishing style is known for. Natural patterns and materials are predominant and ensure a cozy living environment. Evergreen trees and bushes, but also the tender birch, which we focus our attention on this time, are preferred. The bark and trunks of this slender but sturdy tree are used for a variety of purposes. Because of its versatility, water resistance and rot resistance, many hobbyists like to work with this type of wood. We’ll show you 50 great ideas for birch bark and birch trunk decorations, as well as some interesting facts about them.

Christmas decorations with a difference

Ideal as a wedding decoration due to the white look

Hanging wedding decoration made from straight branches

Bring a piece of earth energy home with birch bark and birch trunk decoration

With its saturated green leaves and black and white trunk, the birch has a unique look. But that’s not the only reason why the Scandinavian design direction feels so much inclined towards it. It is one of the most sacred trees in Norse and Celtic mythology and symbolizes the new beginning. It quickly repopulates areas damaged by forest fires and can withstand harsh conditions well.

Birch branches used to be tied in wreaths and hung over doors to bring good luck. Trees were often decorated with red and white cloth and then leaned against stable doors to ward off evil. The leaves are still used today to make an infection-inhibiting tea, the bark into clothing, furniture and boats, the birch sap into honey wine and the cambium even into a very nutritious bread and cookies (of course in combination with other types of flour)!

Maple and oak leaves tied to a wreath on birch bark

Unprocessed birch bark remains rolled and crooked, which can also be used as an effect

Bring lucky charms from nature into your home

Process birch bark and birch trunk decorations into great works of art

If you live in an area where birch trees are abundant, broken branches and twigs are usually easy to find. The whole tree does not have to be felled in order to make beautiful decorations out of it. From branches, the bark can very easily be harvested with a sharp knife and the wood underneath can still be used. With a hand saw you can cut small wooden slices from them and then turn them into beautiful Christmas tree ornaments.

Pyrographed wooden discs as Christmas ornaments

Cones ornament made from small pieces of bark

Straight branches can be made into towel rails or bed headboards or cut to size. This can then be used to make benches or shelves. Due to its beautiful appearance and symbolism, the birch is also being used more and more in wedding decorations. This is used to make flower vases, candle holders and numerous other table decorations. Skilled hobbyists can even make whole bouquets of roses out of thin strips.

Birch bark cut very thinly and shaped into roses

Excellent wedding decoration with long birch branches and white flowers

The birch tree has little effect on high humidity, which is why it is very suitable for the bathroom

The branches do not support these wall shelves, but they do add a lot to the Scandi flair

Build your own headboard from branches

Prepare birch bark properly for handicrafts

In order for birch bark to be converted for handicraft purposes, however, it must first be softened and only then cut into strips or pieces. Otherwise it’s just too fragile and crooked. To soften the bark, you need to boil it in a large saucepan of water for at least half an hour. Then pull out the bark with grippers and let it cool under weight.

Now the bark can be processed more like leather, actually in the same way. It can be cut into strips and woven into pieces of jewelry, ornaments or rattan-like furniture. You can also let them dry completely under the weight and then decorate picture frames or as paper for whole personal love letters use. Wrap a few tin cans with it and you get a nice vase. You can glue the birch bark with ordinary wood glue, but it can also be sewn. The bark is then used to make threads for sewing. You can also make numerous practical and decorative objects from the versatile birch here find yourself some crafting instructions.

Simply wrap tin cans in birch bark and make great pencil holders

So easy to do, but so impressive

Beautiful and practical – this basket is more sturdy than it looks

Conclusion: As you can see, the millennia-long love for the birch is not at all accidental. It is beautiful, diverse and an excellent material for handicrafts. Regardless of whether you make whole works of art out of it or simply lean a few branches on the wall, the birch bark and birch trunk decoration undoubtedly bring a lot of luck and positive energy into your home.