11.16.2012

Birch Wood Candle Holders

It seems like I'm making or attempting to make things all the time.  My projects don't always come out the way I envision them in my head, but this one's a winner!  I LOVE how these turned out. 

When our birch tree died, I cut up some of the smaller branches and put them on our mantel in the living room.  I've been trying to figure out how to use the rest of the tree.  I decided some sort of candle stick or tea light holder would be great.  So, this is what I made.


Last week I started working on these candle holders.  I made them in sets of 3.  I cut an 8", 6" and 4" piece of a branch and then I drilled out the top with a 1 1/2" bit.  I had to figure out how to clamp them down for the drilling, so the I bought a large C clap, that only cost $12.  Then I just fit placed a tea light in each one.  Now when the candle burns out, I can just replace it with another one.  These are going to last for years and years.  I'm just so pleased with myself.  Do you ever do that?  Surprise yourself with a "Wow, I did it!".


These are going to go really well with all my Christmas decor.  I have a lots of woodsy, pinecone and nature like decorations with some sparkle of course.  I love natural elements in my home.


I'm selling the sets at a craft fair tomorrow and my family might be getting some for Christmas.  Don't birch trees just have the most beautiful bark?
Labels:

17 comments:

  1. What a great idea and DIY! Love them. - Heidi

    ReplyDelete

  2. We love birch wood on oh deer. We made some like these before on our blog. Be careful not to sound too proud or hot headed. It might be a turn off for your readers. Just some friendly advice!

    Beth

    ReplyDelete

  3. @Beth, I'm sorry if I came across Hot Headed. That was not my intent at all. I don't think this is a super skillful craft, I am just pleased that I figured out how to do it. I believe my readers get my sense of humor and tone.

    ReplyDelete

  4. totally not getting Beth's comments! Love them! Great job! Donita

    ReplyDelete

  5. Love them! You are so creative Jeran. I love that what some may see as disposable , you see as art. And make it even prettier. Julia

    ReplyDelete

  6. I love these! They would also totally work with the LED fake candles I use a lot. And I loved what you wrote about how good it feels when a craft turns out well- it totally resonated with me. It's so fun when you try something new and it turns out to be this great! (So I'm not getting Beth's comment, either.) Thanks for the awesome blog!

    ReplyDelete

  7. These are lovely! I'm envisioning how beautiful these would look on my fireplace mantle...thanks for sharing the how-to!

    ReplyDelete

  9. Super idea - simple yet so effective. I completely get how excited you are and pleased with your accomplishments. You certainly don't come across as 'too proud or hot headed'?! Well done - you rock!!! xx Jacquie

    ReplyDelete

  10. giftxoxo
    I am really wonderful to see your candle handler.

    ReplyDelete

  11. Hi Jeran. I love the way you describe your crafts and your passion really comes through and reminds me of my little niece's delight when she discovers something new. It's very endearing and I really hope that you don't take notice of any comments to the contrary. Not sure whether I'm quite ready to tackle the candle holders yet (not sure my partner would trust me with a drill!). But I made the salt dough ornaments and they turned out really good. Looking forward to seeing some more of your inspiring crafts soon! Hollie x

    ReplyDelete

  12. @Hollie Thanks for your sweet words. I'm glad you had good success with the salt dough ornaments. I bet you could figure out the wood candles. Thanks for reading.

    ReplyDelete

  13. Hi Jeran, I just stumbled upon your blog when I was looking for a tutorial & measurements for the birch candle holders! Very inspiring blog, and I too will be ecstatic if I can pull this off (with the hubby's help)! I am excited to give gifts we made together......if it turns out!!

    ReplyDelete

  14. Hi Jeran- How long did you let the wood dry before you made the candle holders? I want to make these as table decorations for my wedding this summer. I have several limbs from recently fallen trees, but I imagine I need to let the wood dry for a while before cutting into them. Any tips? Thanks and great project! -Amber Dawn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Well, I'm not an expert, but these branches I used probably dried for about 6 months. But, I would like you could use your wood in a month or two. Good luck, these would be beautiful for a wedding.

      Delete

  15. Great idea! I think I'll try this with trimmings from our Palo Verde. It has beautiful green bark and will give the project a "southwest" flair.

    Jacque

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. That sounds beautiful. I hope you share a picture of your finished product on Oleander and Palm's facebook page. I'd love to see them.

      Delete

Friends, thanks so much for taking the time to comment on my blog. I appreciate your support of Oleander and Palm through reading, commenting, and sharing my posts. It means a lot to me. Have a great day!
Jeran

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)