The Nifty Way To Transform Craft Sticks Into A Unique Door Covering

Humans have been creating art for at least 45,000 years, and it's easy to see why. Beyond communication and expression, scientific research backs up the role of viewing artwork in relieving stress, boosting brain activity, developing empathy, and fostering community. This doesn't just refer to capital "A" museum art. You can make your own beautiful abstract pieces to hang around the house, using inexpensive materials like hot glue and popsicle sticks. In fact, that's exactly the kind of project recommended by YouTube creator Yoduvh Essentials, who demonstrates how to DIY a custom door or window frame using an abstract pattern made from Dollar Tree craft sticks.

This perfect popsicle stick DIY home project can become standalone art on the wall, but it can also serve as something of a privacy screen for a window or door. Start by measuring the size of your frame (go by the outside edge of the door or window, not the inner recess) then lay a painter's tape outline on the floor, based on those measurements. The pattern of craft sticks within is up to you, and it's as easy as hot gluing them to one another. Just make sure you have multiple sticks hanging over the outline on every side so you can use screws and glue to attach the finished product to a custom wood frame held together in this case with mending plates and L-shaped brackets. Yoduvh Essentials also creates a custom base with those original measurements, bolting four pieces of painted wood around the window, then attaching the popsicle stick display piece to the base using hinges and screws.

One of the best parts about this Dollar Tree craft stick project is you can make it entirely your own. Rather than creating a random layout of sticks, you could instead try to trim them into patterned shapes like spirals. There's nothing to say you have to work with only popsicle sticks. You could create layers within the design by incorporating taut twine or twisted wires behind the main pattern . If you want this project to act as a proper screen for your window, you could run options like a home privacy window film behind the craft sticks to create a removable frosted effect.

Keep in mind that this project is literally thin strips of wood, held together with glue. To better protect your abstract artwork from the elements, coat the craft sticks in sealant or by using an all-natural waterproofing ingredient like beeswax. Such a construction may likely sag and fall apart over time thanks to constant movement of the frame and glue warming up in ambient sunlight. Delay this reality by displaying your framed artwork on a wall, rather than using it as a door or window cover. Or consider starting anew: Restarting this DIY project with a new pattern might just be part of the fun.