How to Decorate Walking Sticks

Walking sticks serve a valuable purpose to the user and can be used during many different activities. Whether you use a walking stick for a stroll around the neighborhood or for heading around the 56th switchback up the peak you've been climbing, make your walking stick your own by giving it personality. Take time to personalize your walking stick with what you've got around the house, or take a trip to your local craft store for some inspiration.

Things You'll Need

  • Any wooden walking stick
  • Pocket knife or sharp knife
  • Beads
  • Several colors of string
  • Several leather straps
  • Electric drill
  • Drill bits
  • Craft paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Wood glue (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Carve a design into the stick using a pocket knife or other small knife. The design can be as intricate or simple as you want. Carve your name, initials, different patterns or a design that wraps around the entire stick.

    • 2

      Add color to the carved design using a paintbrush. You can fill in the carving with different colors or accent the designs by outlining the carvings using paintbrushes of different widths.

    • 3

      Lay the stick on a hard surface above the ground with one end sticking over the edge. Rest your weight on the rest of the stick to secure it while you are drilling.

    • 4

      Drill a hole through the stick a few inches down from the top using the electric drill. This will be for your wrist strap or decorative leather strips. Use the proper size drill bit that corresponds with the thickness of your strap.

    • 5

      Bead the leather strands you have gathered. String the beads so they cover most of the strand, or just add a few beads to the end of the strand. Leave some room at each end of the string for tying a knot.

    • 6

      Place the beaded strings and leather straps through the hole in the stick and tie a knot using the ends of the string. You can tie two ends together for a wrist strap or tie a knot in one end of the strand so it doesn't slip through the hole and let it hang down parallel to the stick.

    • 7

      Tie the beaded string or leather straps around the stick wherever you prefer, as an option to drilling a hole in the stick. To prevent the string or leather from sliding off, use a little wood glue to secure the pieces to the stick.