DIY Rustic Driftwood Star: Easy Beach-Inspired Holiday or Porch Decoration

Introduction

Photo by Susan Teare

As a seasoned DIY enthusiast and author of Salvage Secrets, I've long championed upcycling natural finds like driftwood. Here, small pieces gathered from the shore are simply glued to plywood for a rustic star. This budget project costs just a few dollars using scrap plywood—the only expense was hanging hardware. We crafted two: one painted silver for Christmas sparkle, the other natural for the front porch (shown above).

Step 1

Create the Pattern

Trace the star pattern onto plywood using a metal star template for precision.

Step 2

Cut the Plywood

Use a saw to carefully cut out the star shape.

Step 3

Create the Outline

Attach the outer layer of driftwood with hot glue, starting with flat pieces at the base. Allow to dry fully.

Step 4

Layer on Driftwood

Build up layers with smaller pieces to fill gaps. Add more to the edges as needed for fullness.

Step 5

Add Hanging Hardware

Screw a D-ring hook securely to the back of the plywood.

Step 6

The silver-painted version brings natural texture and holiday shimmer to your decor.

Optional Finish: Paint and Glitter

Spray with silver paint and let dry. Apply tacky spray, then sprinkle clear glitter for extra sparkle.

Pro Tip

Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, Salvage Secrets, for more upcycling ideas.