Driftwood can be used to create all sorts of beautiful items, such as mirror or picture frames, lamps, rustic-looking clothes hangers, candleholders, or even great centerpieces for landscaping. The list is endless if you use your imagination. The trick is knowing where to get driftwood. If you’re interested in collecting driftwood as a hobby, or as a way to make some extra cash from time to time, then read on, and learn how and where to get driftwood treasures.
Buying Driftwood
One of the advantages of buying driftwood, is that you can look at the pieces on offer, and choose the ones that suit your needs best. Driftwood pieces of all shapes and sizes can be bought from craft and hobby shops, florists, souvenir shops, aquarium shops, at flea markets, on eBay, and at many other online stores.
The downside about buying pieces of driftwood is that they can sometimes be rather pricey, especially if you are browsing through online stores. Some of the pieces advertised online can be big and heavy, and shipping costs can add a significant amount to the actual price of the item that you want to buy. Prices vary a lot but you need to keep in mind the shipping costs. HighTideGirl on Etsy.com is a good source for different size pieces of driftwood at reasonable prices. I’ve been happy with orders from HighTideGirl. There are also other sellers on Etsy with varying prices - TrinidadTides from California has a good assortment, JamesRiverDriftwood or BuyDriftwoodForSale although I find the prices somewhat high on the latter especially when you consider shipping.
Where to Find Driftwood That Won’t Cost You a Cent
Apart from the fact that finding your own driftwood won’t cost you anything at all, it is also a great way to spend a few healthy hours in the outdoors – either on your own, or with your family or friends. This is because most driftwood is found along riverbanks, at the edges of lakes, or along the beach. A lot of people have the misconception that driftwood can only be found on a beach but riverbanks and around lakes are all good places to get driftwood.
The best time to find driftwood on the beach is early in the morning or late afternoon, after a storm, or when it is low tide. All sorts of debris will have been washed up onto the beach, including rusty nails and jellyfish, so it would be a good idea to protect your feet with a pair of beach shoes.
You may also have to do a bit of digging through the debris and sand to get to a piece of driftwood that catches your eye, so if you don’t like getting your hands dirty, bring along a pair of gloves as well. Having a bag is a good idea, because those prized pieces of driftwood that you find can become rather awkward to haul around as you stroll along the shore. I see a lot of beautiful driftwood pieces here in Florida when I kayak in the coastal areas. Unfortunately, my kayak cannot hold the larger pieces I’d love to cart home. These are the times I wish my kayak was a canoe.
You also need to be aware that some areas are protected and you will not be allowed to carry out driftwood or anything else for that matter. Beware of protected natural areas, parks and private property. Public beaches and waterways are fair game.
Once you find a great spot, you may be the one selling to others on line and making a handsome profit. Some pieces are so unique and beautiful that they can fetch a hefty price from a willing buyer. You may need to clean your driftwood before using or selling it.
Knowing where to find driftwood, as well as a vivid imagination, will allow you to create those beautiful, interesting pieces of art for your home or to sell online, at a craft show or flea market.
If turning a flea market find into a beautiful piece of driftwood furniture is more what you’re looking to do – try applying Driftwood Weathered Wood Finish to bare, unfinished or sanded wood to create a beautiful driftwood finish in 15 minutes without a lot of fuss.
