Wooden Christmas Tree DIY

I have had this on my crafting to do list for a long time! Every time I'm looking through Pinterest at Christmas DIY projects this comes up. I wanted to do a pallet Christmas tree but I realized that it would be easier to just go to Lowes and have them cut it for me. I came up with measurements for small trees and liked how they turned out. I made 7 trees total 1 has 5 layers and the rest have 4. Below are measurements.

30" 7 pieces

20" 1 piece

15" 7 pieces 

10.5" 7 pieces 

8" 7 pieces

5.5" 7 pieces 

Here I put out all the wood by size.

I used butcher paper to stain the wood on. The stain I got was dark which was perfect because I only had to do one layer. 

I let everything sit out and dry for a few hours.

Once it was all dry I got to work hammering these trees together. The wood I got was 2" thick so I bought 3" nails. The finished product turned out amazing!

California Hikes

California is nothing but beautiful hills. I have been hiking a bunch and really love the views out here. Ventura and Santa Barbara are the bulk of where I have hiked. It's a really pretty area to explore for vineyards, tasting rooms, and of course beautiful views! Below are some of the hikes with miles and links to plan your hike!

Chumash Trail: Pt. Mugu, Valley trail, and Mugu beach

I have hiked this a few different times and ways and LOVE the view. It's right across from the ocean and you can hear the waves from most parts of the climb. This is a really steep one but when you get to the top it's worth it. There is a beach right across the road if you want to dip your toes in the water after! The trail is 2 miles round trip but a real workout because of the climb.

http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/mugu-peak-hike-point-mugu-state-park/

Inspiration Point:

I got really lost trying to read the directions off hiker speak...but it led me to a really cool view that was off the path. The best way is to double check the trail signs and follow the Jesusita signs to the Inspiration Point. This trail is really cool because it is partly on private land and you can see horses! It also has a water fountain and rest area along the way which worked out because I drank my entire camel back and had to refill! It's 6.7 miles round trip. 

http://www.santabarbara.com/activities/hikes/jesusita_to_inspiration_point/

Rattlesnake Trail:

When getting to here don't search for Rattlesnake Trail search for Skofield Park. It isn't easy to find. Parking is just what you can find there isn't a lot. This trail is pretty cool and I actually saw a little water! Rattlesnake Canyon Trial is 5 miles round trip and a bit rocky. 

http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/parks/features/pathstrails/skofield.asp

Sherman Peak Trail:

This is the highest I have ever hiked in my life! 9,909 ft. looking out over the mountains. Cold at times and not a soul on the trail this was a perfect escape. If you want to hear nothing but the wind and birds this is the trail for you. Lots of tall trees and a huge opening to view the mountains. You will be at the highest point looking down at all the mountains. It's 5 miles round trip in the Sequoia National Forest.

http://www.summitpost.org/sherman-peak/250336

Camp Nelson Trail:

The Camp Nelson Trial is a popular mountain biking trail. We camped at the head of the trail in the Quaker Meadow Christian Camp. I drove shuttle for my bf and his friends so they could ride the trail. When the guys were done me bf and I hiked the trail backwards. It was a really pretty trail with lots of redwoods and even one to hike through! We decided to hike it backwards to watch out for oncoming bikers. This is a 5 mile trail but we only hiked half way to the big tree.

http://www.sequoiamountainadventures.com/camp-nelson-trail.html

Moro Rock:

This trail is in the Sequoia National Forest but I wouldn't really call it a trail. It's a pretty steep stairway to a great view. If you are afraid of heights I wouldn't try this one. During parts of the trail there aren't guard rails! We went around sunset but didn't bring head lamps so we had to go down early. Some people brought picnics for the top to enjoy the view. 

http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/moro-rock-sequoia/

Beer Carrier DIY

This wooden beer carrier with bottle opener attached is a great guy gift. I made two...but I had a lot of help!  I followed the directions from this blog but had to do some of my own measurements for the wood.

Supplies:

1/2" dowel 10" long

32" of 1"x6" pine board 32" long

1/4" plywood 3'x3' 

Wood stain

Wood glue

Tape measure 

Saw

Sandpaper

Nail gun

I started at Home Depot and had them cut down the pine wood into 4 pieces of 5 1/2''x11'' and 2 pieces of 5 1/2''x10''. Then I measured out the ply wood and drew lines for cutting. The plywood pieces hold together the outside part and act as beer barriers.

I got the plywood out and drew where I would be making cuts. I numbered how many of each size I would need. 

Then I got the pre cut pine wood and determined how to cut for the side boards. I took the 5 1/2"x11" pieces and drew lines to be cut. I drew a line at 2" and 3 1/2" across the top. Then I measured 4" down and marked those as well. I met the lines where I would be cutting. 

Once you get all the measurements down it's time to cut and sand!

When everything is nice and smooth it's time to stain the wood. I did about 2-3 layers since my stain was a light color. Once everything is dry it's time to assemble. 

We did a combination of wood glue and nails to assemble. 

The finished product is pretty awesome!