As promised, I’m sharing a video and step-by-step instructions for my DIY birch bark monogram wreath. This project is simple, customizable, and makes a striking, natural accent for any room. I also include a few highlights from a Home Depot Do-It-Herself workshop where I practiced using the tools needed for this build.
This post was sponsored by The Home Depot; the wreath design and video are my own.
The workshop was a great introduction to basic power tools and safety, perfect for beginners who want to try DIY projects like monogram wreaths. If you’re new to tools, these workshops are an encouraging place to start.
I’m no professional at video-making or woodworking, but I had a lot of fun documenting the process. A special note about the music: the song in the video was written and performed by Erin Wirth and my daughter Courtney with their band Friends of Friends. It felt great to use original music from friends in the video.
Below is the tutorial for my version of the birch bark monogram wreath, with tips to make it durable and uniquely yours.
Birch Bark Monogram Wreath Tutorial
This project yields a one-of-a-kind, natural-looking monogram. Cutting the letter from plywood gives it strength so it lasts for years.
Supplies:
1/4 sheet of plywood
Letter template (printed or stencil)
Ruler and pencil
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Birch bark (fresh from a fallen log or sourced from craft suppliers)
Moss (optional, to fill gaps)
Twine for hanging
Tools:
Jigsaw (Ryobi recommended in my workshop)
Safety glasses
Clamps
Dremel Multi-Max with sanding sheet or a Ryobi Job-Plus Multi-Tool for smoothing edges
Step One:
Print or trace a letter template sized to your preference. Use a font and scale that fit the plywood sheet.
Step Two:
Place the template on the plywood and trace the outline with a pencil. Use a ruler to keep guidelines straight where needed.
Step Three:
Set the plywood on a stable work surface such as sawhorses or cement blocks. Make sure there’s room to cut without obstruction.
Step Four:
Extend the plywood beyond the edge of the work surface and clamp it securely so it won’t shift while cutting.
Step Five:
Cut the letter out using a jigsaw with a fine blade for cleaner curves and details. Move slowly and follow the pencil line.
Step Six:
Smooth any rough edges with a Dremel Multi-Max and a wood sanding sheet, or use an appropriate sanding tool. Take your time to achieve a neat finish.
Step Seven:
Paint the letter if you prefer a colored background, including the edges. Once dry, hot-glue birch bark pieces onto the face of the letter, overlapping them for full coverage. Fill any visible gaps with moss for a finished natural look.
Attach a length of twine to the back with hot glue to create a hanger. You can also mount the monogram on a full wreath form for a seasonal accent.
Final Tip: Hang your monogram where it can be admired—you made it yourself, and it’s built to last.
Here are a few photos from the workshop where I learned techniques and tool use in a friendly, hands-on setting.
The store even made me an apron for the event, which made me feel official and excited to try the tools.
This area was set up to demonstrate how to use a jigsaw and the other power tools used in the project.
I met several inspiring women who were eager to learn tool skills from the Home Depot staff. Everyone left with a better understanding of the tools and a bag of supplies to try new projects at home.
Making my own monogram was a rewarding craft experience, and I enjoyed sharing the process. Thanks to the Home Depot workshop for encouraging beginners to pick up power tools and try something new.
Do you ever use power tools?
Share the types of projects you enjoy—small woodworking, home repairs, seasonal décor, or anything else you’ve tried.
Disclosure: The Home Depot partnered with bloggers for their DIH Workshop program. I received compensation for participating, but the project and opinions shared here are my own. The Home Depot supports bloggers’ independent opinions and follows relevant ethics and disclosure guidelines.