assistant editor Emily Evans turns an abandoned log into a work of art.

If you’re like me, you never understand when or where you’ll discover your next diy inspiration. Lately I’ve been seeing great deals of tree stump relief prints popping up on Pinterest as well as Etsy. The method isn’t new, in truth people have been doing nature printing as well as gyotaku — an ancient Japanese technique utilizing fish to make prints — for centuries. right here in North America, artist Bryan Nash Gill has perfected the craft, transforming tree stumps into unique works of art. feeling inspired, I decided to try the method for myself utilizing a little log I discovered on a recent hike.

Like most Pinterest projects, this diy was trickier than it looked, however I believe the end result is well worth the additional effort! Click with to see exactly how I did it.

You’ll requirement a log or tree stump, ink (I utilized Speedball’s super Black India ink), little roller, palm sander with coarse sandpaper or sandpaper as well as elbow grease, hand or chain saw, blowtorch, cable brush, spoon, white paper (I utilized routine mapping out paper), photo frame.

Find the right fallen log as well as slice it. You may get lucky as well as area one on a hike, however if all else stops working you can get one where they offer firewood. The more irregular the shape, the more fascinating the print will be. when you’ve got your log, cut a slice of it a few inches thick utilizing a hand or chain saw.

Editor’s tip: Make sure the log isn’t wet. If it’s somewhat moist provide it time to dry out in the sun after you’ve sliced it.

Prep the side of the log you’ll utilize for printing by providing it a great sanding. A palm sander with coarse sandpaper will speed this process along, however a bit elbow grease works, too. continue sanding up until the surface is smooth as well as flat.

Editor’s tip: prevent sanding as well close to the bark. You want the bark to stay intact for the printing stage.

Burn the sanded surface of your log utilizing a blowtorch. This removes the new spring growth, leaving only the older rings of the wood grain behind.

Brush off the top layer of soot utilizing a cable brush. when the majority of it is off, carefully rub the surface with a paper towel to eliminate any type of leftover black soot.

Editor’s tip: If you’re utilizing a colored ink (other than black) you’ll requirement to ensure all the black ash is off the log.

Apply ink utilizing an ink or sponge roller (an ink roller assists save the amount of ink used, however a routine sponge roller does the job, too). I utilized black ink, however would like to try a bolder color like red or orange next time.

Editor’s tip: when your ink is used you’ll want to move quickly to the next step before it dries. You may have to reapply a second coat of ink in smaller sections as you do the next step if your ink is drying quickly.

Carefully location your paper (I utilized basic white mapping out paper) onto the inked surface of your log. utilizing the rounded surface of a spoon apply pressure to the paper to imprint the ink from the log onto it. slowly work your method across the entire inked surface of the log, pressing bit by bit up until the entire log has been imprinted on your paper.

Editor’s tip: select a paper that has a bit of weight to it — it will provide the completed print a richer look as well as prevent the ink from bleeding with the paper.

Leave your print to dry for an hour or so. When dry, trim your paper, leaving ample white area to truly let the print shine. You may notice a couple of creases on your paper, however don’t stress — your print is meant to look handmade after all!

Editor’s tip: look for a simple frame with clean lines, so it doesn’t take the spotlight from your incredible work of art. feel free to indication the bottom of your print with pencil (like a true artist) before framing it. Hang as well as enjoy!