Save The Twigs From Your Yard To Create A Custom Privacy Screen

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There are many privacy fence and screen ideas from HGTV stars that you can use as inspiration for your own outdoor living areas. Some ideas are super easy to complete, while others might take a bit more time and patience. If you have several large trees in your backyard, they're probably dropping twigs and even whole broken branches from time to time. Save them somewhere dry, and once you have enough, you can use them to craft an absolutely stunning, wholly bespoke three-panel outdoor privacy screen. The inspiration comes from a YouTube video demonstration by former home improvement writer and show host Mag Ruffman.

To replicate this project at home, you'll need to start by collecting as many twigs and branches as you can from your yard. You'll use them to fill in the frame of your screen, where they'll act as a trellis for climbing plants. You're also going to need six long and six shorter pieces of two-by-four timber to make the rectangular frames, as well as a large piece of leather, some weather-resistant screws, and some Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue. You should also purchase a 9-inch by 12-inch sheet of Jack&Chris Full-Grain Tooling Leather, which you'll use to make the hinges for your screen. One piece should be big enough, depending on the size of the hinges. Don't forget your drill, a range of drill bits, and a sharp knife to whittle the ends of the branches. You'll also need your trusty pruning shears to cut the twigs to size.

Assemble three frames with the two-by-fours, screwing the corners together with the weather-resistant screws. Use a pencil to mark rows of dots along the insides of the frames, right in the middle of each plank. This is where you will drill holes to fit the whittled ends of the branches. You can leave the frames raw for a gorgeous rustic look. However, since they're going to be used outdoors, it's better to paint them or stain them in a color that matches your existing outdoor decor. If you go this route, do it before adding the twigs and branches and re-mark the location of the holes.

After removing any foliage, cut all your twigs and branches to size with a straight cut using the pruning shears. Use a sharp knife, like a Felco High Carbon Steel Grafting Knife, or the open blade of your pruners to remove the bark from one end. Make the ends as evenly round as possible so they make good contact with the timber once inserted. Choose a branch and position it in an appropriate place on the frame. Use a drill bit that matches the diameter of the whittled end to make a hole in the frame. Cover the whittled end in wood glue and push it into the hole. Repeat the process until the frame is filled with twigs.

Once all your twigs and branches are fitted to the frames, you can weave them together so they sit relatively flat. This process is much easier with green wood, which is more pliable than dead, dry wood. If you wish, you can add some classic Cinnvoice Fluted Molding to the top inside edge of each frame. You'll need a miter box to cut the corners so they fit together neatly, keeping in mind these genius tips for the perfect miter cut. Apply some glue to the trim, then clamp it in place until the adhesive dries. If you don't want to fuss with miter cuts, affix Leinuosen Flexible Peel-and-Stick Bead Trim to the edges. It's water- and oil-proof and damage-resistant.

Finally, you need to make the leather hinges that connect the three panels together. Cut several small rectangles from the sheet of leather and use a General Tools Leather Punch to make four rows of three screw holes. Using the holes as a guide, screw the leather hinges onto the frames to complete your outdoor privacy screen. For a more luxe look, dab gold paint onto the twigs. It will sparkle in the sunlight. Or, for a magical glow after the sun goes down, weave some solar- or battery-operated string lights through the branches. Got some leftover twigs and branches? Use the simple pile of sticks to make eco-friendly storage baskets for transporting snacks and drinks from the kitchen to your patio.