rustic mail holder :: diy

so... i'm pretty much in love with this project! it was incredibly easy (although a little sweat labor), but e-a-s-y! and if you're into rustic decor like i am, this is a great addition to an otherwise boring desk or 'catch-all' station.

here's what you need:

• log. i found this one in my yard after my husband trimmed a few trees. tip: you'll want the log to balance flatly on it's side. if it's a perfect cylinder, your log will roll
• flat-head screwdriver
• hammer
• sanding block or paper
• saw

the DIY details:

1. begin by chipping away the bark from your log. bugs and other icky stuff hide under there, so if you plan to keep this in your house, removing the bark is a must.
2. use your flat-head to pry off the bark. hit the end of the screwdriver with your hammer for induced force.
3. once all bark is gone, sand to smooth
4. saw in perpendicular slits and slide in your mail!

options:

• spray paint your mail holder (log). how cute would this be if it was hot pink?!
• use a thicker blade saw so that you can hold more than one piece of mail in each slit. this would allow you to really get this organized... like maybe each family member gets a slit?
• leave the bark on. sometimes, if you buy white birch in the store, it's been de-bugged and treated. this would still give you a rustic look, but with a little more interest

good luck friends! let me know how yours turns out!