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Driftwood, a treasure of the shores
In this article, we take you on a journey to the oceans and rivers where driftwood drifts. From its aquatic drift to its surface polished by the elements, driftwood offers a unique and soothing aesthetic for the pleasure of creatives.
Anne-Laure Compain
What is driftwood?
Driftwood is wood that has been carried by the waters of oceans, seas, rivers or streams and has ended its journey washed up on the shore. It is wood that has been worn and polished by ocean currents, sand and rocks.
Thanks to the salt and the sun, driftwood takes on a very beautiful grey color. This beautiful color will not be found on driftwood gathered from the banks of a river.
When we talk about driftwood, it means the wood has spent several weeks, months or years in salt water. The salt water will sand the wood, removing all traces of pigment and color. Over time, the wood will become rounder and smoother.
Where does driftwood come from?
In general, the driftwood found on the shores consists of dead trees or broken branches that have fallen into waterways and been carried away by the current. But that's not all!
Driftwood can also come from homes or towns destroyed by storms or tsunamis, from items swept out to sea from beaches, from the remains of shipwrecks, or even from pallets or crates lost by cargo ships.
Driftwood, a shelter for aquatic animals
During its journey, driftwood will provide shelter and food for birds and aquatic species. A variety of crustaceans, mollusks and bacteria will help decompose the wood, turning it into nutrients. Then, once the wood washes ashore, it will provide shelter for birds or a niche for plants.
Where to find driftwood?
For the lucky ones living near the ocean, you only have to walk on the beaches to find driftwood.
Otherwise, for those who don't have a beach nearby or who can't find driftwood, you can buy it on the internet or make your own at home!
Little recipe to make your own driftwood
Sodium bicarbonate
Remember to use a container that matches the size of your piece of wood. The wood must be completely soaked in water for the process to work. After putting on gloves and protective goggles, mix the sodium bicarbonate and hot water.
Immersion
Immerse your piece of wood in the preparation and remember to weigh it down or place pebbles on it so that it stays fully submerged.
Then let it soak for 1 to 2 full days.
Drying
Once the soaking is complete, scrub the wood with a wire brush to remove the bark, then rinse it and let it dry in the sun for several days.
The wood should be very dry and free of any trace of moisture.
Finishes
For a more realistic look, flatten the ends of the wood with a hammer and sand the parts of the wood that need to be rounded or polished.
Driftwood, when nature becomes a work of art
What can you do with driftwood?
Driftwood is commonly used in crafts to create everyday objects such as frames, tables, armchairs... But it can also be used by artists to make sculptures.
Discover below some of Jeffro Uitto's beautiful works.
Interior decoration — the driftwood trend in your home
Driftwood is ideal for bringing a natural, maritime touch to a home! It also lets you create inexpensive, DIY decorations if you wish.
Here are some examples of creations to make with driftwood:
- Creation of a driftwood table with driftwood or iron legs
- Creation of a lamp by reusing an old lamp and covering the base with several glued pieces of driftwood.
- Creation of a mirror by covering the edges of a mirror with driftwood, round or rectangular shape, it's up to you!
- Creation of a wardrobe for your entryway or for a child's room.
- Creation of a cat tree with several levels.
- Creation of a headboard with several branches attached side by side.
Discover the incredible versatility of wood through various species and the world of woodworking. By subscribing, you will receive information about wood and its species once a week.
Would you like to know more about wood?
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Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
Anne-Laure Compain
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