Fall-friendly craft for your own home or to give as holiday gifts
By ALDONA BIRD
Newsroom@DominionPost.com
As coronavirus numbers tick up and the weather starts to cool, it’s the perfect time to combine nature with crafting.
Before you settle into creative mode, get outside and hike. Whether it’s around your neighborhood, in a state park or a local wildlife preserve, get out before we all have to hibernate for the winter.
While out, grab a tree branch or two. A two and a half to three inch diameter is best, but while picking up sticks, grab a few different sizes.
When you get home, use some power tools to turn the branches into candle holders. This nature-themed craft makes a beautiful side table display, or center piece — making it to fit tea lights or votives keeps it low so as not to interfere with dinner time family conversations.
To make branch candle holders, you’ll need:
- branches
- saw
- drill gun
- spade drill bit
First, examine the branches you brought home. Decide whether you want your candle holder to sit upright, with the candle set into the end of the branch, or if you want the branch to lie horizontally with places for one or more candles set into the side.
If you opt for upright holders, consider making a set with a variety of heights.
Saw your branch to your desired length. Circular saws work for this project if the branch isn’t too thick for the saw to cut all the way through — otherwise a chop saw is easiest. Be sure to cut the branch all the way through at once using one continuous cut — cutting part way, then turning and cutting farther will likely result in a jagged edge which won’t look as polished when the candle holder is finished.
To make a horizontal branch candle holder find a branch that sits firmly without rocking. You can also split a larger log down the middle to create a flat edge for the candle holder to rest in.
If you take a walk by a river or lake, keep an eye out for drift wood — it works especially well for horizontal candle holders.
A spade/flat wood drill bit works well to make a holder for candles to set in the branch. Center the drill bit where you want the candle to rest, and drill to create a hole that does not go all the way through your branch.
Measure the candles you plan to use against the holes you drill. If planning to use tea lights primarily, drill deep enough that they sit flush with the edge of the branch. Votive candles look nice sticking most of the way up.
If your branch is deep and stable enough, use a smaller drill bit to make a snug hold for candle sticks to sit in.
While tall branch candle holders can be visually appealing, just make sure they are stable, since wobbly branches with candles would be fire hazards.
You can use the candle holders as is, or varnish the ends. Add an edging of paint to match your décor, or leave them as is for a rustic and natural look.
Form a cluster of vertical branch candle holders, and cut them to various heights — using branches with different types of bark can up the interest of these simple decorations.
Gather branches, cut and drill now to be prepared for holiday gifts. Paired with a locally made beeswax candle, these are perfect for everyone from your mom to your bestie.
Alternatively, make a bunch and keep them for yourself to help make longer and colder nights bright and warm in your house.
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