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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?

33 thoughts on “Birch Wood Candle Holders”

  2. Anonymous

    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

    1. Anonymous

      Whoa. I know this post is several years old, but maybe you should be careful not to sound like such a bitch. Just some friendly advice…

  3. Jeran Post author

    @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.

  5. Anonymous

    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

  6. Kelli

    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!

    1. Anonymous

      Awesome…Kelli for your added touch of using LED fake candles. That is what creativity is all about. Thanks Jeran & Kelli for sharing your ideas.

  9. Anonymous

    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

  11. Anonymous

    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

  12. Jeran Post author

    @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.

  13. Tracy

    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!!

  14. amberdawn124

    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

    1. Jeran Post author

      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.

  15. Anonymous

    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

    1. Jeran Post author

      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.

  18. Anonymous

    Exactly what I was looking for!! I got a huge long branch to use and I wanted to make candle holders,, Love the idea of the jute tied around them in a set of 3… Thank you ,Thank you!!! P.S~ You weren't being 2 proud or hot headed not sure where Beth was coming from????

    2. Anonymous

      I love these, but I have some concerns about possible combustion. Has anyone burned theirs yet and am I over reacting to the wood/fire thing? Most candle holders are glass or metal or something. I already have mine cut and ready to wrap for gifts… but hmm

  19. GrammaB

    I am soooooo excited to find your Blog and these Birch candleholders. I have 3 on my mantle that were gifts and have been planning to try to do myself. Love Birch trees and bringing nature in. You are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing!
    GrammaB

  21. Anonymous

    My husband made these candle holders from fallen birch from our lake lot. My daughter used them for her outdoor themed wedding – 12 years ago. I still have some of them. They were a big hit for favors for those that helped with the wedding.

  22. Jimbo

    Good job! I've made hundreds of these and yours look as nice or better than mine. One difference though. I make the holes to fit glass T-light candle holders. Maybe overcautious but the risk of fire is almost eliminated by the glass.

  23. jonesing4jewelry

    I have tried these with a birch branch that was found on the ground. I let it sit for a while in a cool dry basement for a bit. I eventually sliced them to make different sizes. Once I drilled into the wood with my drill bit for this purpose, the birch eventually leaked and caused some mold. I threw them out and never went back to try again. I am thinking I didnt wait longer for the wood to dry out?

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