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You are here: Home / celebrations / Make Faux Birch Logs Using Pool Noodles

Make Faux Birch Logs Using Pool Noodles

This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read our Disclosure Policy.

One of the highlights of my Michaels Makers Santa’s Cabin in the Woods Christmas Dream Tree were the faux birch logs. Real birch logs are so beautiful and bring a bit of the great outdoors into your cozy home. However, they can be hard to find or expensive. I also wanted to place some birch logs in the tree. And of course, the real logs would have been too heavy. This tutorial is a great alternative to keep your budget in tact and get creative in how you can repurpose items from around your house. Who knew you could make faux birch logs using pool noodles?! Some of our birch logs are made out of foam pipe insulation – much easier to get year round.

Make pool noodles into faux birch logs! Find the full tutorial at Designdazzle.com. #diyChristmasdecor #poolnoodlediy

 

This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you. For further details, please see our disclosure policy.

Birch Log Supplies

  • pool noodle or plumbing insulation foam tube
  • roll of brown kraft wrapping paper or brown paper bag
  • white tissue paper
  • white, brown, grey, and black craft paint
  • tacky glue
  • foam paint brush and thin paint brush
  • Buffalo Snow iridescent flakes
  • optional: spray snow from Michaels

 

Make this into a faux birch log! Check out the full tutorial on designdazzle.com! #diychristmas #diypoolnoodle

Step 1: This first step depends on how long you want your birch logs. Since I’m using mine for Christmas decor and put them both into bundles and on my Christmas tree, I wanted mine to be about 2 feet tall. To get my birch logs to be about 2 feet each, I used scissors to cut the pool noodle in half equally. For the plumbing insulation foam tube, I cut it into thirds.

 

Supplies needed to make faux birch logs from pool noodles! Great Christmas decor. Check out the tutorial on Decigndazzle.com #diydecor #diychristmasdecor #diypoolnoodle

Step 2: This picture shows the foam plumbing insulation. We used both the pool noodles and this. First, wrap the craft paper around the pool noodle to measure how much paper you will need. Cut at the proper width, making sure that the whole noodle is covered. Rip the paper into strips horizontally. Crumple the strips into wads so that the paper will be wrinkled. Then, paint the pool noodle with the tacky glue. Arrange the paper on the noodle, covering the whole thing. It is okay to have lumps and wrinkles, they make it look more realistic!

 

Step-by-step tutorial of how to make pool noodles into faux birch logs on Designdazzle.com. #diyChristmasdecor #poolnoodlediy

This is what the birch logs should look like once the paper is all glued on and dried.

 

Step-by-step of how to make pool noodles into your favorite Christmas decor! Check it out at Designdazzle.com! #diyChristmasdecor #diypoolnoodle

Tip: In order to finish the edges, cover with paper and outline a circle. Cut the circle out and glue it on the same way that you glued on the rest of the paper.

 

Step-by-step of how to make pool noodles into your favorite Christmas decor! Check it out at Designdazzle.com! #diyChristmasdecor #diypoolnoodle

Step 3: Take a sheet of tissue paper and rip it into strips. Crumple the strips up and make them into little wads. Glue the wads on, place them spread out on the log.

 

Step-by-step of how to make pool noodles into your favorite Christmas decor! Check it out at Designdazzle.com! #

This is what the wads of tissue paper look like up close.

 

This was once a pool noodle! Tutorial of how to make a faux birch log from a pool noodle at Decigndazzle.com #diyChristmas #poolnoodledecor

Step 4: Paint the entire birch log with white craft paint, including the tissue paper wads. It is okay if the tissue paper wads do not get covered completely. Let it dry.

 

Step-by-step tutorial of how to make pool noodles into faux birch logs on Designdazzle.com. #diyChristmasdecor #poolnoodlediy

Step 5: Once the white paint has dried, make a grey wash by mixing grey craft paint and water. I used about a tablespoon of paint at a ratio of 1 part paint to 4 parts water. This combination may vary, just make sure that it isn’t too dark. Paint the entire log, including the tissue paper wads. *Save the remaining grey wash! You will use the rest later.

 

Step-by-step tutorial of how to make pool noodles into faux birch logs on Designdazzle.com. #diyChristmasdecor #poolnoodlediy

Step 6: Once the grey wash has dried, make a beige wash with the same ratio. Make sure that it is also not too dark. Add water if it seems too dark. Paint the entire log.

 

Step-by-step tutorial of how to make pool noodles into faux birch logs on Designdazzle.com. #diyChristmasdecor #poolnoodlediy

Step 7: After the beige wash has dried, use the remaining grey wash and add a few drops of black craft paint. You don’t want it to be too dark, but you do want it to be dark enough to show contrast. I added about 5 or 6 drops of paint. Paint stripes along the log to give it the birch wood effect.

 

Step-by-step tutorial of how to make pool noodles into faux birch logs on Designdazzle.com. #diyChristmasdecor #poolnoodlediy

Step 8: Using the dark wash, paint the tissue paper wads. They will absorb the moisture and crumple up, to create the knotted birch bark effect. You may have to do a few coats of this wash to get it dark enough.

 

Step-by-step tutorial of how to make pool noodles into faux birch logs on Designdazzle.com. #diyChristmasdecor #poolnoodlediy

Step 9: Once your birch logs are completely dry, paint glue on random spots on the log. Press buffalo snow onto these spots to give the logs more texture. If you are going to use spray snow to add more texture, do this before you put the buffalo snow on.

 

Step-by-step tutorial of how to make pool noodles into faux birch logs on Designdazzle.com. #diyChristmasdecor #poolnoodlediy

The great thing about this faux birch log technique is that it is very versatile! I did it on wooden dowels, as pictured above. I also made it on an 8 inch concrete tube form to put over my Christmas tree stand to look like the trunk of a tree, as shown in the first picture of this post.

I wanted to add extra height to my Christmas tree, so I attached a metal rod to the Christmas tree pole to extend it, and then put the faux birch log tube over the extension. However, because this was not the most sturdy extension, I also have a hook in my wall and wrapped wire around my Christmas tree to anchor it. I love how this turned out!

I am so excited to try this faux birch log look in many different ways!

Make pool noodles into faux birch logs! Find the full tutorial at Designdazzle.com. #diyChristmasdecor #poolnoodlediy

 This faux birch log look is so easy to achieve and a cheaper and more functional alternative to buying the real deal. I hope this fabulous tutorial will complete your holiday decor!

Make sure to check out…

 

Santa-Sack-slideshow

All 200+ of our Christmas ideas

 

The actual Santa’s Cabin In The Woods Tree

My Christmas Tree Decorating Tips & Hacks post

How to create Designer Ribbon Using a Glue Gun

And for those who want to make Elf Spaghetti

 

 

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Reagan Favreau

Reagan Favreau

Editor at Design Dazzle
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    You are here: Home My Projects Make Faux Birch Logs Using Pool Noodles
    Title:
    Make Faux Birch Logs Using Pool Noodles
    Authors:
    • Reagan Favreau
    Categories:
    • celebrations
    • christmas
    • crafts
    • DIY/Decor
    • My Projects
    Mentions:
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    Keywords:
    faux birch logs
    Last Updated:
    July 15, 2020
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lynda says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:37 am

      I love your ideas! thanks for sharing them all with us.

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 12, 2014 at 10:28 am

        Thank you Lynda I appreciate your kinds words!

        Reply
    2. Debbie says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:55 am

      So cool! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 12, 2014 at 10:27 am

        Thanks Debbie!

        Reply
    3. Nikki @ Tikkido says

      November 12, 2014 at 12:47 pm

      Absolutely brilliant, Toni! You got the texture and the color absolutely perfect.

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 12, 2014 at 6:42 pm

        Thank you Nikki! That means a lot coming from you!
        Toni

        Reply
    4. Michele @ The Scrap Shoppe says

      November 12, 2014 at 9:50 pm

      No WAY, Toni!! That is amazing!!

      Reply
    5. Crystal @MyBlissfulSpace says

      November 19, 2014 at 5:26 am

      Love this!!! Great job!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 19, 2014 at 1:37 pm

        Crystal,
        Thank you very much! I appreciate your kind words.
        Toni

        Reply
    6. Katie says

      November 19, 2014 at 7:15 am

      Love your ideas!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 19, 2014 at 6:40 pm

        I appreciate your comment Katie! Thank you : )

        Reply
    7. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says

      November 19, 2014 at 8:40 am

      This is such a great project…love the technique…I can see lots of possibilities! Thanks for sharing the great tutorial!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 19, 2014 at 1:32 pm

        Thank you, Linda!

        Reply
    8. Virginia says

      November 22, 2014 at 3:01 pm

      This is fantastic! I can’t wait to try it. Saw your project featured on Country Living Magazine’s Facebook page.

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 22, 2014 at 5:33 pm

        Thank you Virginia! I so appreciate your sweet comment!!

        Reply
    9. Debi M says

      November 23, 2014 at 9:45 pm

      Toni, you amaze me with your creativity. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 23, 2014 at 9:50 pm

        I appreciate your sweet comments. Thank you so much Debi!

        Reply
    10. Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says

      November 29, 2014 at 10:09 am

      This is genius! Totally doing this this year for Christmas. It would be perfect by our living room fireplace!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 29, 2014 at 4:17 pm

        Karen –
        So happy to help out! I had a a large site share this on their Facebook page. It was 99.999999999% positive – with a few people asking why?? People don’t understand that not everyone has access to these logs or they can be very expensive. I wanted to place them on my Christmas tree and the real thing is too heavy to do that with. Also, it was going to cost me $100 to buy just a few logs at the local craft store. So I decided to craft them instead.
        Have fun making them!

        Reply
    11. debbiedoos says

      December 7, 2014 at 8:20 am

      Those are pretty darn Amazing Toni! WOW, you would never know. Thanks so much for sharing at the Dollar party. Merry Christmas. XO

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        December 8, 2014 at 9:20 pm

        Thank you Debbie! I appreciate you sweet comment.
        Merry Christmas to you!!

        Reply
    12. the cape on the corner says

      December 9, 2014 at 9:23 am

      that is insane! in a good way. i am so super impressed with the idea and the execution.
      b

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        December 9, 2014 at 10:13 pm

        Thank you!! They are fun to make!

        Reply
    13. Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage says

      December 9, 2014 at 8:16 pm

      Those are fan freaking tastic Toni!!!!!
      I can not believe you made Birch logs.
      And coincidentally, they are exactly what my fireplace is missing. 😉
      Those knocked my socks off.
      Bravo!!!!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        December 9, 2014 at 10:12 pm

        Thank you, Shannon!! Wow, that means a lot coming from you!! I really appreciate your sweet comments!

        Reply
    14. Lorey says

      January 17, 2015 at 6:48 pm

      I really like this idea! I just moved to FL from RI and I’m going to miss all things New England. This will help cut down on some of that homesickness for sure! I can see using this to cover a foam wreath as well. Great idea!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        January 18, 2015 at 4:51 pm

        Lorey,
        Probably not too many birch trees in FL ; ) I’m so glad that you’ll be able to use this idea!
        Thank you!

        Reply
    15. Tracy says

      December 22, 2015 at 9:18 am

      Hello! I’m visiting from Better After! These are sensational. Well done and thank you for the inspiration. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        December 27, 2015 at 10:10 pm

        Thank you, Tracy. I appreciate your kind comments! Merry Christmas to you too!!

        Reply
    16. Billie Souto says

      December 13, 2016 at 9:27 am

      I Have Been Lookin For The Directions For These Logs For So Long. Thank You So Very Much, I Love Them. The Log’s Look So Real.Thank You Again. Merry Christmas.

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        December 13, 2016 at 7:16 pm

        Billie – so glad you found them. Have fun while crafting!

        Reply
    17. Susan Wood says

      March 10, 2018 at 7:02 am

      Please add me to your list.

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        March 13, 2018 at 9:28 pm

        Hi Susan,
        I just checked our subscribers list and it looks like you haven’t confirmed your email you received. Once you click on that link you will be directed to our free printables. Thanks.

        Reply
    18. Rhett says

      June 11, 2018 at 12:49 pm

      These are very realistic and really look nice with Christmas decor, you are very talented. I am going to try this soon

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        June 17, 2018 at 6:47 pm

        Rhett – so glad to help. I hope you enjoy crafting these!

        Reply
    19. Karen says

      October 31, 2018 at 9:22 am

      Lovely! I will definitely be trying this.

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        June 21, 2022 at 10:36 pm

        Thank you, it’s a fun project.

        Reply
    20. Jenna says

      November 8, 2018 at 7:14 am

      I made these for a store window display! I kept the ends open, attached a dowel to a base and slid the noodle on to the dowel so they can stand up in the window! Now they look like real trees with the fake snow! Great idea! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        November 27, 2018 at 9:10 am

        Wow, that sounds awesome!! I would love to see pictures!

        Reply
    21. Sharon Wagoner says

      January 4, 2019 at 6:54 pm

      Love the idea of diy Birtch logs.

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        January 5, 2019 at 12:07 pm

        Awesome! So glad to help!

        Reply
    22. Kathryn A Wall says

      January 21, 2019 at 8:21 am

      This is an oak wall-mounted paper towel holder I revamped into a jewelry organizer. I painted flowers on outside ends and stenciled “pretties” on top of back board. Added cup hooks on bottom edge and now have necklace and bracelet storage w/o tangles!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        January 29, 2019 at 6:27 pm

        Kathryn, I love your ingenuity! So clever. Thank you for sharing.

        Reply
    23. Meghan says

      August 13, 2019 at 4:01 pm

      This is what I was looking for. Thankyou! I have new furniture this year and I’m already trying to plan for Christmas. I am going to half to do the half tree thing on my Christmas tree to make it fit and I had the idea to cover the bottom exposed pole with pool noodles but was searching for an idea on how to best make it look like wood. YOU are a lifesaver!!!! Thankyou so much!!!!! Wonderful!!!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        February 19, 2020 at 12:16 pm

        I hoped it all turned out fabulous!!

        Reply
    24. Shirley Coleman says

      October 15, 2019 at 3:01 pm

      Thank you sooo much for your help!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        December 27, 2019 at 5:22 pm

        You are more than welcome!

        Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        December 27, 2019 at 5:28 pm

        You are very welcome!

        Reply
    25. Rebecca says

      November 2, 2019 at 9:00 am

      Thank you so much for this idea
      I have never seen this before but I will definitely be making these for my home this xmas x

      Reply
    26. Rebecca Gallagher says

      August 24, 2020 at 8:59 am

      You have such great ideas. Thanks for sharing with us.

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        September 11, 2020 at 12:31 am

        Rebecca, thank you!! You made my day : )
        xoxo

        Reply
    27. Pamela says

      December 29, 2020 at 4:26 am

      Love this idea

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts - Design DazzleToni - Design Dazzle says

        December 29, 2020 at 8:31 pm

        Thank you, it’s easy and fun!

        Reply

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