wilderblog

Making a Wall Hook

Cut a piece of privet (or other shrublike tree) where a sturdy branch meets the trunk. Scrape off bark with knife. Carefully use drill to drill in holes. Attach to wall - use a long screw and rawlplug matching the wall type if the hook will carry any real weight.

This hook can be used for coats, curtain-poles, decorations or? It looks woodsy and attractive, is simple and satisfying to make, and prevents you from having to purchase something.

Green Woodworking 101

• How to sharpen an Opinel knife

Lessons

I harvested some branches from a newly fallen tree. Truly green wood is a dream to carve the bark off but leave it even a month and it's tricky. It's hard to find useful sticks or trust that sticks will be a good material compared to trunk. Willow carves oddly, like it's in layers. The woodcarving tutorials on youtube are basswood, an expensive but dreamy wood for good outcomes. Sharpening this knife is REALLY difficult.