From an ordinary piece of log, a few wooden discs, and fragments of bark, you can create a charming autumn owl. The following 20 inspirations show different ways to assemble, decorate, and display this natural decoration.
What You’ll Need
- Evenly cut pieces of branches or small logs
- Wooden discs of various sizes
- Bark pieces for wings
- Small twigs
- Dark flat fragment for the beak
- White and black discs or paint to create eyes
- Suitable glue or another strong way to join parts
- Depending on the chosen version: string, feathers, moss, leaves, or pinecones
When cutting wood, work on a stable surface and use appropriate protective equipment. Before gluing, let natural materials dry thoroughly and remove any loose dirt.
1. Basic Birch Log Owl: Make the body from a short log and the head from a larger round slice. Two smaller discs serve as the base for the eyes, bark for the wings, and autumn leaves tucked on the sides of the head resemble little ears.
2. Tall Owl for the Entrance: Attach a round head to a taller log and add long wings made from overlapping pieces of bark. Above the eyes, add bundles of thin twigs to visually widen the decoration.
3. Hanging Version: Instead of a freestanding body, use an elongated oval slice. Attach a string at the top for hanging, glue bark wings to the sides, and place striking eyes with a beak in the center.
4. Owl with a Robust Body: For a rustic look, leave thick, textured bark on the log. Make the wings from several fragments and set the round head just above the top edge of the body.
5. Simple Compact Decoration: Add a wide head, two wings, and several twigs to a shorter log. Don’t cover natural cracks and wood grain, as they give each owl a unique character.
6. Accentuated Eyes: Place two wooden discs side by side and add light and dark circles. Small white dots in the pupils make the gaze livelier, while a dark pointed piece serves as the beak.
7. Light Birch Version: For a softer look, choose a log with mostly light birch bark. Leave the wings irregular and spread the top twigs to the sides like little tufts.
8. Pair of Owls: Make two similar decorations with slightly different heights and eye expressions. Together they look cohesive, even if each has differently shaped wings and twigs.
9. Family of Three Sizes: Prepare a tall, medium, and small log. Repeat the same basic elements for all: round head, layered eyes, beak, and bark wings, so the set looks unified.
10. Birch Log Set: Arrange three owls of different heights in an irregular group. Scatter colorful leaves, pinecones, and a small pumpkin around them to highlight the autumn character of the decoration.
11. Decoration in a Wooden Tray: Place finished owls in a shallow crate or tray. Fill empty spaces with fallen leaves and chestnuts to give each piece a natural background.
12. Owl on a Wooden Base: Place a wider wood slice under the body for extra stability and a nice finish. This version is especially suitable for taller and heavier decorations.
13. Autumn Door Hanging: Add a string to an oval piece of wood and decorate it with wings, eyes, and twigs. Tie a bow from natural string at the bottom and add leaves or small pinecones.
14. Body Covered with Twigs: If you want to cover a smooth log, line up short twigs vertically around it. Secure the whole with horizontal rods and attach bark wings to the sides.
15. Trio with Different Expressions: By turning the heads and placing the pupils differently, you can give each owl a unique mood. One can look straight ahead, another to the side, and the third can have its head slightly tilted.
16. Big and Small Owl: Turn two logs of different heights into a matching pair. Keep the same style of eyes and wings, but adjust the small details to fit each body size.
17. Pair with Decorative Feathers: Place a few speckled feathers among the twigs at the head. Use them sparingly so the natural wood grain remains visible and the decoration doesn’t look overcrowded.
18. Owl with a Wooden Belly: Attach a light oval slice as a belly to the front of a darker body. Set the whole decoration on a wide wood base and decorate the edges with moss and leaves.
19. Owls on a Round Tray: Arrange a finished pair on a wooden tray. A few pinecones and dry leaves are enough to create an easily movable table decoration.
20. Outdoor Pair: For a bench or covered terrace, choose light birch logs and irregular bark. Place the smaller owl next to the taller one and loosely decorate the surroundings with pinecones and fallen leaves.
Final Tip
Before attaching the parts permanently, lay out the whole owl dry. Try different positions for the wooden discs, beak, and wings, as even a small change in placement can greatly affect the final look. If the decoration is meant for outdoors, place it under a roof and regularly check that all joints are secure.
