Decorating Wood With Barbed Wire

Barbed Wire Basics

• Although many styles of barbed wire have evolved from the original, barbed wire generally consists of two strands of wire that hold barbs -- sharp spikes of metal -- at regular intervals. It's available in large rolls. Barbed wire presents challenges if you're unfamiliar with working with it. Bending barbed wire into a desired shape can present a challenge. Because the strand comes in a roll, it can react like a spring and snap at you if you release the tension on the wire while you're trying to form it the way you want.

Barbed Wire Decorating Ideas

• Barn wood or other weathered wood wrapped with barbed wire provides a rustic-looking base to hold glass votive candle holders. Fastening barbed wire along the edges of a picture frame creates an instant rustic frame for western style art, such as cattle on the plains, cowboys or a horseshoe collection. This technique works on wooden mirror frames, too. Wrapping barbed wire around wooden candlesticks gives basic candle holders a touch of the old West. Wear heavy-duty leather gloves and eye protection when you work with barbed wire.

Barbed Wire Techniques

• Hammering barbed wire into wood will hold the barbed wire in place. A direct hammer blow on the barb can drive it into the wood. Long staples will also hold barbed wire in place on wood, and you can wrap strands of barbed wire around wood and then twist the cut ends with a pair of pliers until the wire tension holds the strands in place. You can use barbed wire to decorate rustic wooden objects. For example, wrap barbed wire around a barrel or old whiskey keg, leaving the strands 6 to 8 inches apart as though you're putting a garland around a Christmas tree.

Barbed Wire Warnings

• Wrap barbed wire scraps in newspaper. Putting them in the recycling or garbage may put other people at risk of injury. Avoid using razor wire and extremely sharp versions of barbed wire to decorate wood. These types of barbed wire carry a higher risk of injury. Keep wood decorated with barbed wire where it won't present a hazard to children, animals or people with visual or mobility impairments. Barbed wire can cause injuries to skin, nerves and eyes. Injuries from rusty barbed wire could involve the risk of tetanus. Seek medical attention if you cut yourself on rusty barbed wire.