How to Make Birch Log Candle Holders
Birch wood, with its silvery-white bark and pattern of dark knotholes, blends well with both rustic and contemporary decorating styles. You can make a candle holder from a section of natural birch log to use as a holiday table centerpiece, or to sit in a fireplace instead of a fire. Choose a section of green birch log for your candle holder.
Things You'll Need
- Birch log
- Knife
- 3-inch pillar candles, 3 to 5
- Pencil
- Safety goggles
- 3-inch hole saw
- Wood chisel
- Hammer
- Sandpaper
Instructions
-
-
1
Lay the birch log on a table and determine which side is the flattest side. If necessary, trim one side of the log with the knife until the log will sit flat and is stable on the table top.
-
2
Arrange the candles in front of the log. Space them evenly across the log. Rearrange them until you discover the arrangement that's most pleasing to you. Mark the placement of each candle with your pencil.
-
-
3
Put on the safety glasses and cut a two-inch deep hole with the hole saw at each spot you marked where the candles will sit. Hold the hole saw firmly and drill straight down. Shut off the saw and lift it every few seconds to check the depth of the hole and to clear away excess sawdust.
-
4
Remove the cut section of wood from the hole with the chisel and hammer. Insert the chisel at a slight angle in the groove cut by the hole saw and strike the chisel with the hammer to chip out a chunk of wood. Continue working your way around the hole until you've removed all the wood you need in order to insert the candle. Rub the sandpaper around the edged of the hole to smooth any roughness.
-
5
Set a candle in each hole of your birch log candle holder.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Decorate your candle holder with ribbons, greenery or silk leaves.
Always wear the safety glasses while operating the hole saw.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit firewood image by cherry from Fotolia.com
