Bring The Backyard Indoors By Memorializing A Tree's Unique Bark

Many of us have had, at one point or another, an emotional attachment to a particular tree. Remember the one in your front yard when you were a kid? The one that had the tire swing? Or perhaps you have a memorial tree — one you planted when you got married, lost a loved one, or when your child was born. Memorializing your favorite tree with this project allows you to create a unique piece of fall décor for your living space, and bring the backyard indoors. You can take your DIY tree bark art with you no matter where you go — and it will last until long after the tree itself falls. All you need is some molding clay, plaster, and a bit of paint to craft your one-of-a-kind topiary memory keeper.

First, you'll take a "fingerprint" of your tree bark with some clay, such as the Van Aaken Modeling. Remove any loose bark, dirt, and other debris from the trunk with a light brush, then press your clay onto the trunk. Be sure to use enough clay so that you will have a robust edge — at least a full inch — around the print. And you don't need to aggressively work the clay into the crevices – in fact that will likely result in a mold that's full of bark pieces. Next, gently remove the printed clay and lay it on a flat surface with an old photo frame around the mold. Work the edges of the clay up the sides of the frame to help contain the plaster that you'll pour in the next step.

When you've got your mold finished, remove the frame, then mix and pour in your plaster. Let it dry (up to three days, depending on the thickness and variety of your pour) and then remove the mold. Now, you can pull out your paint and brushes and give it a little color. Most types of paint will work, but remember that plaster is very porous and will likely absorb a good amount of the paint, which, incidentally, will also likely give the final piece a very matte finish and a natural look.

Of course, there are lots of ways to get creative with this project. Maybe you'd like to carve your initials into the clay before you pour the plaster to give the effect of having them carved in the tree bark — without actually damaging the tree. If you're memorializing the tree under which a beloved pet was buried, consider adding a paw print to the clay mold. Or, simply create various prints of the tree and give them to your family members. Maybe you'd like to add a little whimsy and detail to your biophilic interior décor by repeating the process with a few of the leaves or a small evergreen bough. Then, hang the bark piece and the bough or leaf art together in your entryway. You could even add a woodsy theme to your child's bedroom; hang the plaster print at the center of a painted tree, and share your memories with them as they grow. Whether they serve as a memorial piece or a unique art installation, these tree prints will bring wonderful memories into your home.