Crafting Your Own Yule Log Traditions
Yield: 1 Yule Log Candle Holder
Equipment
- A hot glue gun & glue
- Pair of scissors
- Handsaw, sander, or other equipment to level the log lengthwise to create a flat stable surface for the log to rest on.
- Drill & 7/8-Inch High-Speed Steel Forstner Bit
- Marker, pen, or pencil (must be able to leave visible marks on your log)
Materials
- 1 Log 14 – 18” long
- 4 Taper Candles Tapers should be 7/8" wide at the base. you can get less or more candles depending on the amount you would like your candle holder to have.
- 1 Bunch Cuttings of mistletoe, holly, pine needles, and ivy
- 1 Bunch Dried mosses
- 1 Bunch Dried decorations such cranberries, pine cones, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Step 1: First you need to choose the side of the log (lengthways) that you would like to be the top of your candle holder. The opposite side needs to be made level so that the candle holder will sit securely on a flat surface. Depending on the log you selected, you can make the underside flat with a sander, hand saw or another saw that you might have on hand. The goal is to make the log sit sturdily on a surface. Plugin your hot glue gun so that it begins to heat up.
- Step 2: Next measure out the distance you would like between each candle. Keep in mind that there should be a bit of buffer space between the ends of the log and the outer candles. You also might want to consider not placing your candles too close together, as the closer they are the faster they will burn down. Mark the places you would like your candle holes drilled with the marker.
- Step 3: Now it's time to drill the holes for your candles. Take your drill with the 7/8" drill bit and drill a hole on top of each of your marks on the log. The hole should be about 1.5" deep, your candles should fit snuggly in the hole and should not be loose, if you need to drill a slightly deeper hole, do so.
- Step 4: Place your candles in the candle holders, and to tidy up the place where you made the holes glue some of the mosses around the base of where the candles meet the log. If the candle fit is a little loose you can use the mosses inside the holes to tighten up the space around the candles. You may want to remove your candles while decorating to avoid them being broken.
- Step 5: Next, begin decorating your log with the cuttings, dried berries, pine cones and/or orange slices, and cinnamon sticks. When creating your layout, think about balance and continuity in your design. How much of the log would you still like to see? Be mindful that when the candles melt they may drip, so you may want to leave a space around the candle base. But most of all, just have fun!
- Step 6: Place your candles in their holders and display your log!
Notes
This makes a great centerpiece on the Christmas table but also is a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of Yule and the Winter Solstice (also known as the shortest day of the year - sounds like a perfect night to light some candles if you ask me!).
Consider using beeswax candles, as they burn cleaner, burn longer, are typically dripless (except in drafts), and naturally smell amazing.
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