Make a Wooden Vase – Beginner Jigsaw Project

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If you’ve been following A Crafty Mix for a while, you’ll know how much we love using scrap wood to make all kinds of things for our home. From large stump stools to miniature grandfather clocks. Working with wood always makes me happy. And the wood doesn’t have to be perfect either. In fact, it’s often the knots and cracks that make a piece of scrap wood so perfectly imperfect. Case in point, this wooden vase that we made a few weeks back.

Don’t you just love how the knot in the center looks like it was meant to be? And how the grain almost follows the shape of the vase.

I was originally only planning on making one wooden vase, but when I saw how lovely it looked and how easy it was to make, I just had to rustle up another one. Since the vases aren’t sealed it’s best to use them for something that doesn’t need a lot of water. I added some yellowwood branches in ours, but pampas grass or any other dried flower will work too.

You can dolly the vases up with beads, tassels, and feathers

Or keep it plain and let those beautiful woody imperfections be the stars of the show.

Right, before I share this easy wooden vase tutorial, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!

What you need

• Scrap wood (at least 3.5cm or 1.5″ thick)
• Jigsaw
• Drill and spur wood bit (the biggest one you can find)
• Sandpaper (80, 100 and 120 grit) and sander
• Beads and twine to decorate the vase
• Vase pattern

How to make a wooden vase

This is a super easy tutorial. Start by sketching a vase shape or downloading this simple vase template.

The template contains two vase shapes for you to use. If this is your first time using a jigsaw, I would suggest you make the long-necked wooden vase first. The cut lines are super straightforward. BTW, you can find a whole bunch of beginner jigsaw tips here if you’re still a newbie.

Don’t worry too much if you go outside the lines, as long as the bottom of the vase is as straight as possible. You don’t want it falling over ;-) Grab the biggest, fattest wood bit you have ……

……. And drill a big hole downwards into the neck of the wooden vase.

Use 80-grit sandpaper to get rid of any big splinters and smooth out any rough bits. Follow up with 100-grit and 120-grit sandpaper to get a beautifully smooth finish.

Apply a clear wax to protect and seal the wooden vases.

Add a tassel and some beads and you’re all done.

The vases look beautiful on their own

or filled with long-lasting greenery.

I put some branches from our Outeniqua yellowwood in these vases. We have a huge tree in the garden that my Mom-in-Law gave me many moons ago.

They last about a week without water. You can also put some cut branches inside.

Other plants and greenery that last without water

Some of my favorite plants that can live for a week or so without water include:

• Israeli or Italian Ruscus
• Baby Blue or Silver Dollar Eucalyptus
• Salal
• Cotton Branches
• Aspidistra
• Asparagus Leaf
• Mertle

I don’t know about you, but nothing gives me more pleasure than knowing I can create something unique and special in less than an hour.

And when that creation celebrates the knots in life, so much better.

These wooden vases would make such lovely gifts too.

If you like the idea of making your own wooden vase, don’t forget to pin it for later.

Sharing is caring

Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you ;-)

And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.

And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.