How To Make A Crepe Myrtle Walking Stick

Making a crepe myrtle walking stick starts with finding the right branch, and it’s a project that rewards patience with a beautiful, personalized tool.
 
You can make a crepe myrtle walking stick from a straight, dead branch, and the process is simpler than you might think once you know the steps.
 
Whether you’re looking for a hiking companion or a rustic piece of art, a crepe myrtle walking stick is both functional and stunning due to the tree’s smooth bark and interesting grain.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make a crepe myrtle walking stick from start to finish, covering selection, drying, shaping, and finishing.
 
Let’s dive into the craft of building your own crepe myrtle walking stick.
 

Why a Crepe Myrtle Walking Stick Is a Great Choice

Before you start cutting, it helps to understand why crepe myrtle is such a favorite for walking sticks.
 
Crepe myrtle wood is dense yet lightweight, making it ideal for a walking stick that’s easy to carry all day.
 
The bark on a crepe myrtle walking stick peels naturally to reveal a smooth, mottled surface in shades of tan, gray, and cinnamon.
 
Because the trees grow with naturally straight shoots, you can often find a branch that needs very little correction to become a proper walking stick.
 
The wood also takes stain and sealant beautifully, so you can customize your crepe myrtle walking stick to match your style.
 

1. Selecting the Perfect Branch for Your Walking Stick

The very first step in how to make a crepe myrtle walking stick is choosing the right piece of wood.
 
Look for a branch that’s about one to one and a half inches thick at the base, tapering slightly to a thinner top.
 
Your crepe myrtle walking stick should be roughly shoulder height, so measure from the ground to your wrist to get the ideal length.
 
Find a branch that’s already dead and dry if possible, as this cuts down on the drying time considerably.
 
If you must cut a living branch, do it in late winter before the sap starts rising, which helps prevent cracking.
 
Avoid branches with cracks, splits, or heavy bends, unless you love the character of a crooked stick.
 

2. Cutting and Seasoning the Wood

Once you’ve found your branch, cut it cleanly with a sharp pruning saw to avoid crushing the fibers.
 
Leave about two inches of extra length at each end, because you’ll trim it again after drying and shaping.
 
Now, this is a critical part of making a crepe myrtle walking stick: you must dry the wood slowly to prevent splitting.
 
Seal the cut ends with wax, glue, or latex paint so moisture escapes evenly from the sides rather than rushing out the ends.
 
Stand the branch upright in a cool, dry, ventilated area for at least three to six weeks, depending on thickness.
 
You’ll know it’s dry when the weight feels noticeably lighter and the bark begins to loosen on its own.
 
For a crepe myrtle walking stick, a slow season is your best friend, as rushing this step often leads to warping.
 

3. Removing the Bark for That Signature Look

Here’s where your crepe myrtle walking stick starts to look like the finished product.
 
Crepe myrtle bark peels in thin flakes, so you can often just rub it off with your hands when it’s fully dry.
 
If the bark is stubborn, use a dull knife or a paint scraper to gently lift it away from the wood underneath.
 
Work in the direction of the grain and be careful not to gouge the surface, as the smooth wood beneath is the star of the show.
 
The exposed wood will have a gorgeous, almost polished feel, and it’s this step that makes a crepe myrtle walking stick so unique.
 
After peeling, lightly sand the entire stick with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.
 
Follow that with 220-grit sandpaper for a buttery finish that feels great in your hands.
 

Shaping and Customizing Your Crepe Myrtle Walking Stick

With the bark off, you can now shape your crepe myrtle walking stick to fit your grip perfectly.
 
This is where you turn a simple branch into a personal companion.
 

1. Carving a Comfortable Handle

Decide whether you want a natural crook, a straight knob, or a wrapped handle on your walking stick.
 
For a classic look, leave a small branch stub at the top and carve it into a smooth, rounded knob.
 
Use a carving knife or a rasp to shape the handle area, making it slightly thicker than the shaft for a secure grip.
 
Sand the handle with fine grit until it feels perfectly smooth against your palm.
 
Some folks wrap the handle of their crepe myrtle walking stick with leather or paracord for extra cushioning, and that works great too.
 
Just make sure the handle is comfortable before you move on, since you’ll be gripping it for miles.
 

2. Trimming to Final Length and Adding a Rubber Tip

Once the handle is done, it’s time to cut your crepe myrtle walking stick to its final length.
 
Stand the stick upright next to you and mark it about two inches below your wrist when your arm hangs naturally.
 
Trim the bottom with a saw, then round the cut edge with sandpaper so it doesn’t snag on anything.
 
For safety and durability, glue a rubber cane tip onto the bottom of your walking stick.
 
This tip provides traction on wet leaves and pavement, and it also protects the wood from moisture damage.
 
Your crepe myrtle walking stick is now structurally complete and ready for finishing.
 

Finishing and Sealing the Wood for Long Life

The final stage of making a crepe myrtle walking stick is protecting the wood so it lasts for years.
 
Unsealed wood will absorb moisture, which can lead to rot and cracking over time.
 
Apply a thin coat of boiled linseed oil or tung oil with a soft cloth, letting it soak in for about 15 minutes.
 
Wipe off any excess and let it cure for 24 hours, then add a second coat if you want a deeper sheen.
 
For extra protection outdoors, you can follow the oil with a coat of polyurethane or a spar varnish.
 
Let the finish dry completely in a dust-free area, and don’t rush this part of your crepe myrtle walking stick project.
 
If you want to add a personal touch, you can also burn a design into the wood or add a leather strap near the handle.
 
Once the finish is fully cured, your crepe myrtle walking stick is ready for adventures.
 

So, How to Make a Crepe Myrtle Walking Stick Easily?

Making a crepe myrtle walking stick is a straightforward weekend project that anyone can tackle with basic tools.
 
You can make a crepe myrtle walking stick by selecting a straight branch, drying it slowly, peeling the bark, and shaping a comfortable handle.
 
Then you just sand, seal, and add a rubber tip, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind walking stick that’s both strong and beautiful.
 
The key is patience, especially during the drying and finishing stages, to avoid cracks and ensure a smooth grip.
 
Whether you’re crafting it for yourself or as a gift, a crepe myrtle walking stick is a rewarding project that connects you to nature.
 
So grab your saw and start looking for that perfect branch, because your new walking stick is waiting to be made.