How to Make a Primitive Candle Holder

Primitive home décor assembles a variety of simple, homemade elements to create a warm, inviting space. Candles and candle holders play a significant role in the primitive design style as candles were the primary source of interior lighting during primitive times. Many of the candle holders and other accessories in a primitive room incorporate natural elements in the design. You can make your own primitive candle holder from items found in nature, possibly in your own backyard.

Things You'll Need

• Thick tree branch, 4 inches in diameter
• Craft knife
• Plastic bag
• Bug spray
• Drill
• Hole drill bit
• Wax paper
• Wood blocks
• Polyurethane spray
• Dried flower sprigs
• Glue gun
• Glue sticks

Instructions

1. Remove any small twigs or loose bark from the branch. Place the branch inside a plastic bag and spray it heavily with bug spray. Close the bag and leave the branch to sit for several days to eliminate unwanted creatures from invading your home through the candle holder.

2. Remove the tree branch from the bag and place it on a flat surface. Drill three to seven 1-inch diameter, 3-inch deep holes across the most level section of the top of the branch.

3. Remove all of the sawdust and debris from the holes. Place the tree branch on a section of wax paper. Elevate the branch from the paper by bracing it on wood blocks, dowels or upside down paper cups.

4. Spray the surface of the tree branch with polyurethane spray to seal and protect the wood. Allow the polyurethane to dry.

5. Decorate the tree branch with sprigs of dried flowers, dried herbs, boughs of holly or other natural embellishments. Attach the decorations to the tree branch with hot glue.

Tips & Warnings

• The branch can be from any type of tree and can be as long as you like. The only stipulation is that part of the branch must rest evenly on a flat surface so the candles will not tilt.

• Alter the size and depth of the holes based on the types of candles you plan to display. A 1-inch diameter hole will accommodate most taper candles. The 3-inch depth will allow you to confidently stand candles up to 12-inches tall.

• To stay as true as possible to the primitive design, make sure to select a low gloss spray.

References

• Desultory Butterfly: Primitive Style Decorating

Resources

• Virginia Wind: How to Drill a Hole