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    Home » DIY » Tree Branch & Log Project Ideas

    Tree Branch & Log Project Ideas

    Published by Gail | Published November 4, 2019 | Updated May 16, 2021
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Using tree branches and small logs I made several gifts for friends. Step by step directions so you can make these DIY tree branch projects. #MyRepurposedLife #trees #branch #logs #diy #giftideas via @repurposedlife

    These simple tree log projects are great gift ideas for those who have everything! I’m joining in with some blogger friends this month, the theme being DIY gifts. Be sure to check out their projects at the bottom of this post. You won’t be disappointed! But first, I’m going to show you THREE diy projects you can make with a small log or large tree branch.

    simple log project gift ideas MyRepurposedLifepin this for later!

     

    Cut Branch on Miter Saw

    cut log or tree branch on miter saw

    To get a fresh cut on the dried out tree branch, I used the miter saw. Use caution, particularly if your log is not resting well on the saw base.

    *this post contains affiliate links, read more here*

    Drill Candle Hole in Branch

    use forstner bit to drill candle holder

    A 1 ½” forstner bit was used to drill the small branch. Clamping the branch in the work table is the safest way to do this. I do NOT recommend drilling anything like this while holding it with your hands.

    Back to the Miter Saw

    cut candle holder on miter saw

    After drilling the candle holder, I took it back to the miter saw to do an angled cut.

     

    tree branch candle holder cut on miter saw

    This isn’t what I expected—I didn’t drill deep enough.

    angle to cut vertical candle holders

    The angle I used to cut the log candle holders was 31.6°. Because my miter saw has built in stops, this one was easy to lock into.

    Make Candle Hole Deeper in Branch

    drill deep into the branch candle holder with forstner bit

    I took the branch back to the workbench and drilled deeper with the forstner bit.

     

    Tree Branch Candle Holders

    small log vertical candle holders MyRepurposedLife I continued with two more branches. They are 3”, 4”, 5”. For some texture, I tied jute twine around the log candle holders and put them on a cheese cloche base. I made some similar years ago, but stopped at cutting them off straight. I really like the angled cut so much better!

     

    Horizontal Log Candle Holder

     

    tools for making a horizontal log candle holder

    The long log won’t clamp in my table, but it rested nicely in the gap. Be sure to wear Safety Glasses because the shaving from using this Forstner Bit are large.

    find center for first candle hole

    After drilling the first hole, I divided the log up to make additional holes. Don’t the shavings remind you of when you sharpen pencils?

    Drill Candle Holes in Log With Forstner Bit

    horizontal log candle holder

    Aren’t you loving it already? Only a few more steps to go.

    Sand Bottom of Candle Log

    sand bottom of candle holder

    As I tested the log candle holder, I noticed it didn’t quite lay flat on the table. I opted to give the bottom of the log a good sanding using a 60 grit sandpaper and my orbital sander.

     

    sanded bottom of candle holder

    After sanding the log, it rests better on the table.

    Which Candles Fit?

    testing candle size

    After trying three different candle options in the log, only a small tealight candle works in the 1 ½” forstner bit hole.

    Add Felt Pads to Protect Furniture

    add felt dots to bottom of log

    Small felt rounds were added to the bottom of the log candle holder to aid in it setting properly and protecting furniture.

    Decorate Log Candle Holder for the Season

    horizontal log candle holder for fall decor MyRepurposedLife

    This log candle holder is perfect for Fall Decor. I made one a couple of years ago and used it as Christmas Candle Holder. In that post I show you how you can cut these large branches without a chainsaw. You’ll want to check it out!

    Tree Branch Ring Box

    tree branch and rooster

    Henry, the neighborhood rooster was curious about the branch I chose for my third log project. I used a reciprocating saw  with a pruning blade to trim off the ugly part.

    cut log project on miter saw Again, carefully using the miter saw to choose the best part of the log.

    tree branch ring box

    After getting to the good piece of the branch, I cut a thin piece to use as a lid, and a larger piece to use as the box. Isn’t it pretty?

    forstner bit drills hole for ring box

    I believe this branch is from a walnut tree. It was necessary to rest the ring box on the frame of the work table in order to get enough “push” on the drill to get the hole deep enough.

    wooden ring box MyRepurposedLife

    Do you mind the grain (image) on the top of the wooden ring box? I wanted to put a design on it, and tried using a scorch marker, but it wouldn’t work.

    handmade wooden ring box

    This sweet wooden ring box would be a great sentimental gift for that special person.

    wooden handmade ring box MyRepurposedLife

    Adding a small piece of black velvet makes this the perfect gift box!

    simple log project gift ideas MyRepurposedLife

    So, there you have it, three simple tree branch & log projects! Which is your favorite?

    For more great gift ideas, be sure to visit my friends below.

    Remodelacasa DIY House Advent Calendar

    My Love 2 Create DIY Step Stool

    DIY Huntress DIY Easy Concrete Planter

    Anika’s DIY Life DIY Wood Tray

    Jaime Costiglio DIY Handmade Wood Gift Box

    Ugly Duckling House Desk Planter Card Holder

    Reality Daydream Hanging Macrame Planter Tutorial

    House Becoming Home How To Make A Wood Cake Stand

    Addicted 2 DIY Wooden Headset Stand

    100 Things to Do DIY Charging Station

    The Created Home Service Spoons

    The Inspired Workshop DIY Wine Dispenser 

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    1. Linda

      April 24, 2021 at 10:26 pm

      Gail, I know you posted these log ideas back in 2019 but they are new to me! I love the ring boxes but wondered how you keep the lid on it? I have seen similar ides but they included either a small brad nail or a small dowel pin to be able to spin the cover open.

      I enjoy your projects and look forward to the warmer weather and the time to try some out. Keep the projects coming!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        April 26, 2021 at 9:30 pm

        Linda,

        This lid just rests on top of the ring holder. A small brad nail or tiny dowel (toothpick?) would be great ideas! So happy you enjoy the ideas. Even though it's an older project, I read EVERY comment. 🙂

        gail

    2. Mindi

      November 07, 2019 at 1:22 am

      Gail I love all these!! The candle holders are so pretty and the ring box, what a cleaver ideas! You are so inspiring! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        November 07, 2019 at 3:48 pm

        Thank you Mindi! I appreciate you pinning!

        gail

    3. Shirley Dykema

      November 05, 2019 at 2:32 pm

      i really like the grain pattern on the box lid. I see a bird or dove!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        November 05, 2019 at 5:05 pm

        Thanks Shirley, I see a bird as well! 🙂 At first I was disappointed about the design, until I actually looked at it and saw a bird. 🙂

        gail

    4. Angie @ House Becoming Home

      November 05, 2019 at 11:54 am

      Love these ideas Gail! I can picture those candle holders on my table during the holiday season...thanks for the idea! 🙂

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        November 05, 2019 at 5:06 pm

        Thanks so much Angie! I love using that forstner bit. I saved the shavings to make another awesome project. 😉

        gail

    5. Cara

      November 04, 2019 at 11:19 pm

      Gail, all of these log gift ideas are so cute! You did such an amazing job on them and how clever to use something that doesn't cost you anything, but looks that great! Love all of them!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        November 05, 2019 at 5:07 pm

        I appreciate your kind words Cara! You can't beat free, Mother Nature is so awesome, eh?

        gail

    6. Katie

      November 04, 2019 at 10:39 pm

      These projects are so cute, Gail! I wish we had access to logs or branches at our house so I could make things like this. They’re such a fun idea!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        November 05, 2019 at 5:08 pm

        Katie,

        Thanks for all of your hard work on putting these challenges together. I really enjoy joining the gang! I have so many branches and logs.... the ideas are endless.

        gail

    7. Sarah @ Ugly Duckling House

      November 04, 2019 at 12:30 pm

      These are so cute, Gail!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        November 04, 2019 at 9:28 pm

        Thank you Sarah! They were all very fun to make. 🙂

        gail

    8. Jennie Wallick

      November 04, 2019 at 11:07 am

      I love these. The candles holder are so versatile. They’d be great on the porch or the long one in an empty fireplace. Oh, you could make 5 or 6 of the 3 that are tied together and line the driveway.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        November 04, 2019 at 9:28 pm

        You always have the best ideas Jennie! 🙂

        I had so much fun making these gift projects!

        gail

    9. Cristina

      November 04, 2019 at 10:44 am

      Gail, these are adorable! What a great way to use up the extra pieces we trim in our yard.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        November 04, 2019 at 9:29 pm

        Thanks Cristina. I love drilling those wood shavings. They smell so good!

        gail

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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