Scrap wood junk bugs are a fun little project to add some whimsy to your outdoor decor. If you’re like me you have a pile of scrap wood, pieces of wire and left over findings. I love to make a pile of trash into something cute. It makes for a fun afternoon of creativity and livens up our decor with a personal touch. 
I saw these giant bugs at the store and knew I could create my own bugs back at home for a fraction of the cost, plus I could add my own spin to them. 
Gather your junk, scrap wood, old wire, coat hangers, things for eyes, legs, wings, antenna and other bug parts. Then plop yourself down in your work space and have a creating party. I really thought my kids would want to make these with me. After about four attempts at dragging them to the garage I gave in and went solo on my little project. Given that we are in the middle of quarantine the alone time was welcome. 
The hardest part of these decorative bugs was the sanding. I really wanted to shave down the corners of the wood, make the shape a little different and for sure have a softer look. I used my rotating palm sander to work on the bugs.
You could cut them down if you wanted a more dramatic change in shape. I opted to stain my pieces using two different shades of stain for variation. 
Next I drilled holes to accept things like legs and antenna. I nailed some pieces together and just used wood glue on other. It just depended on how I attached things and what parts would show. 
I used a cut up coat hanger for the legs, stinger and eye pieces, chicken wire wings and miscellaneous junk for the eyes. 
I really want to hunt up some more things to add to the bugs, but since we can’t really get out much I made due with what I had on hand. I would LOVE to see what ideas you come up with if you make these little scrap wood bugs. 
I used a picture hanger on the back to hang them on our fence. I think they are a precious touch to the natural part of our back yard. Have fun with this afternoon project and please show me what you make! XOXO
I love them! I’m going to have to create some bugs.I think they would look cool hanging from a tree limb
These are so cute. I wish I had a yard. But I have a balcony and can make for the condo.
Stinking cute. ????
This is the cutest idea! My husband does woodworking, so I have lots of scrap wood to use for my bugs. Thank you so much for this creative project!! Stay safe and healthy!
yayy – nothing better than a good stash to play with, have fun!
These bugs looks great planning on trying them out.