Last year I had disassembled so many pallets and had so many lose boards laying around I began to rack my brain as to what I could do with these boards.  One afternoon I thought up this art project idea to get the kids involved with. I apologize that these pictures are not the highest of quality.

Naturally the first step is to pick out a board that you would like to use.

Then you need to measure and cut your board. I cut my board into 4 equal lengths. For a more unique look you could cut the board into slightly different lengths.

Then I clamped on my Kreg Jig and drilled a few pocket holes into the boards.

After I drilled the holes, I screwed the boards together to make a rectangle. Instead of lining all the boards up perfectly you could have them be slightly uneven for a different look.

Next I sanded it smooth with a belt sander. Depending on what you are doing you might want to leave it a rough finish.

After that was finished, I got an old piece of cardboard and made a cut-out.

I then taped my cut-out to the board so it could be an outline for my boys.

After only being able to watch, the boys were finally able to get their hands dirty. I told them to paint the inside of the cut-out green, with the trunk at the bottom brown. I wasn't sure exactly how we were going to do the ornaments when my oldest son had a great idea.

He came up with the idea to use their fingers and make "finger-print ornaments." I thought it was a great idea and they had a fun time putting the ornaments on the tree. Now we have a great little homemade decoration that the boys are proud to show off.

I did this as a Christmas project but once you have the wooden "pallet canvas" created, your possibilities are nearly endless. So get out there and make your project. Show me what you can do!