3 EASY Ways to Make DIY Tree Bark!

Recently I made some DIY Log Bookends and explored 3 different ways of making fake tree bark with common art and craft supplies. This article will summarize the three methods I experimented with. You can also watch the build video on my YouTube channel here.

Our three faux tree bark methods include; the egg carton method, the spackle method, and the air-dry clay method. Scroll down! You'll definitely know how to make fake tree bark for your art or craft projects at the end of this article!

Option 1: How to Make Fake Bark with Egg Cartons

Step 1: Rip Patches of Egg Carton

• Rip short strips from the flat portions of a pressed cardboard egg carton.

• Use a hot glue gun to apply the strips in loose layers along the intended growth direction of the tree.

Step 2: Cover the Surface

• Continue to place strips of egg carton until the bark surface is completely covered.

Step 3: Trim the Edges

• Use a sharp pair of scissors or a craft knife to trim the edges, if needed.

​ Step 4: Paint with Glue and Water (Optional)

• Paint the egg cartos with a generous coat of watered-down glue if you want your bark to have a strong, hard finish.

• When dry, you can paint and finish your project however you'd like. I'd recommend a dry-brush paint finish for an authentic look. You can check out my deep-dive video into the dry-brush paint technique here.

Option 2: How To Make Fake Bark with Spackle

​​ Step 1: Grab Some Spackle

• Our second method of DIY tree bark requires some regular household spackle. It might also be called wall-patch or drywall compound

Step 2: Apply Spackle with a Palette Knife

• Using a palette knife or spatula, apply the spackle in short irregular strokes.

• Practice on a paper-towel or toilet paper roll and wipe off any mistakes with a damp cloth.

Step 3: Sand and Paint

• When the spackle is dry, any sharp corners can be removed with some 200 grit sandpaper.

• When using this method, I recommend a good primer or gesso before painting. Spackle is really absorbent and might suck all of the moisture out of your paint.

• Check out this video, which includes  a recipe for a really good DIY primer.

Option 3: How to Make Fake Tree Bark with Air Dry Clay

Step 1: Creative a Negative Mold

• Roll out a slab of air-dry clay and press it firmly into the bark of a real tree.

Step 2: Trim and Dry the Mold

• Gently peel the clay off of the tree. Back inside, trim off any excess clay.

• Allow the negative mold to dry completely.

Step 3: Prep the Mold and Roll a Slab

• Use a fluffy brush to apply a bit of cornstarch to the dry mold.

• Roll out another slab of clay.

Step 4: Creative the Positive Impression

• Press the fresh clay into the mold. I'm using a small wooden pasta roller.

• If you find the clay sticks to the roller, it might be beneficial to dust the slab of clay with cornstarch.

Step 5: Remove the Slab of Clay

• Gently remove the slab from the mold to reveal the positive impression. It looks just like real tree bark - because it IS real tree bark!

Step 6: Attach and Trim the Clay

• Attach the air-dry clay to your project. If you're using a paper-based (cellulose) clay, a good quality white glue can be used to stick the damp clay to your project.

• Trim the clay to size with a sharp craft knife.

Step 7: Dry and Paint  the Bark

• When the clay is dry, it can be finished and painted in any way you'd like.

• If you use paper-clay, it can be painted with watercolours, which gives a really interesting effect!

Check out the videos below for examples on how I used two of these faux bark making technique. I'd also recommend checking out my deep-dive into dry brush painting; it has some great tips for painting your DIY tree bark!