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.
Cut 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.
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Drill Candle Hole in Branch
A 1 1/2” 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
After drilling the candle holder, I took it back to the miter saw to do an angled cut.
This isn’t what I expected—I didn’t drill deep enough.
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
I took the branch back to the workbench and drilled deeper with the forstner bit.
Tree Branch Candle Holders
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
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.
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
Aren’t you loving it already? Only a few more steps to go.
Sand Bottom of Candle Log
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.
After sanding the log, it rests better on the table.
Which Candles Fit?
After trying three different candle options in the log, only a small tealight candle works in the 1 1/2” forstner bit hole.
Add Felt Pads to Protect Furniture
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
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
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.
Again, carefully using the miter saw to choose the best part of the log.
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?
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.
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.
This sweet wooden ring box would be a great sentimental gift for that special person.
Adding a small piece of black velvet makes this the perfect gift box!
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
Gail I love all these!! The candle holders are so pretty and the ring box, what a cleaver ideas! You are so inspiring! Pinned!
Thank you Mindi! I appreciate you pinning!
gail
i really like the grain pattern on the box lid. I see a bird or dove!
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
Love these ideas Gail! I can picture those candle holders on my table during the holiday season…thanks for the idea! 🙂
Thanks so much Angie! I love using that forstner bit. I saved the shavings to make another awesome project. 😉
gail
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!
I appreciate your kind words Cara! You can’t beat free, Mother Nature is so awesome, eh?
gail
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!
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
These are so cute, Gail!
Thank you Sarah! They were all very fun to make. 🙂
gail
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.
You always have the best ideas Jennie! 🙂
I had so much fun making these gift projects!
gail
Gail, these are adorable! What a great way to use up the extra pieces we trim in our yard.
Thanks Cristina. I love drilling those wood shavings. They smell so good!
gail