For those people who are just getting started on their first driftwood project, I always tell them no matter what they have in mind, start small. This is because large projects for non-carpenters with store bought wood can be complicated enough, but using driftwood can be twice as perplexing when making things level are involved.

A nice place to begin working with driftwood is to make small decorative trees to hang holiday decorations. Thus, for years after you design the piece you will put it to use, and that is a very gratifying feeling. This project will help you to get a feel for working with this material. Spain is a large producer of driftwood with trees scattered across the country. If you are staying in Madrid, you will see many guest-houses and designer luxury hotels in Madrid decorated with natural local driftwood.

In between holidays they make excellent places to hang postcards, or family photos. Simply punch a hole in one corner and thread ribbon, twine or raffia through and create a loop to hang from. Once you master this, the trees will also make very sweet gifts.