Scrap Wood Cross

With Easter upon us, I thought I would come up with (which means create I guess) some crosses.  This one is quick and easy I promise, even though my directions don't sound like it.

I start with two different widths of wood.  The larger is pallet wood, the smaller some reclaimed oak.  

I paint the wood and sand it and then from the wider wood I cut three pieces.  The horizontal piece is 16 inches, the bottom vertical piece is 15" and the top is 5".  I then cut the smaller width pieces--the vertical I cut an inch shorter than the length of the vertical piece of the wider cross (could I be any more confusing?).  In other words, the vertical height of the bigger cross is 25" (the 15" bottom piece plus the 5" top piece plus the 5" width of the horizontal piece).

I then use the miter saw to picket the ends of this piece at 45 degree angles.  I don't mark the middle of the board, so they aren't perfect.

For the smaller horizontal pieces I cut the length of the larger horizontal board, minus the width of the smaller board (because it will be in the center) and minus 1 inch.  So my wider horizontal piece was 16" long, so the smaller board was cut 12".  I picket the ends and THEN cut it in half because it is much easier and safer to do the miter cuts on a longer board.  

I lay the smaller vertical piece on the larger cross and then hold it carefully and flip it over and screw in from the back.  I do this with the side pieces as well.

Some dark wax mixed with coconut oil finish it.  I have been using this instead of clear wax because it is cheaper, and definitely more environmentally friendly, food safe and does not go rancid--you need to wipe it well and let it soak in.  I made many of these in all different colors and love having the visible reminder of Jesus's sacrifice.

Linking up at Funky Junk Interiors