The trick is finding a log that has some character. I have been saving this one for a while just to turn into something special. I really like the different types of moss and the reddish color of the bark. Once you’ve selected a log to use you’re ready to get started…

Supplies Needed:

• Nice looking Log (approx. 6″ diameter)
• Drill
• 1-1/2″ Paddle Bit *
• Masking Tape
• Tea-light Candles (3 or 4)
• Circular Saw
• Bow Saw or Hand Saw for Wood (trimming ends)

*Note: The bit I used has a threaded tip. I DO NOT recommend using this bit. The threaded tip pulls the bit into the wood too quickly and makes it harder to control both the speed and depth of the bit. PLEASE take my advice and if purchasing a 1-1/2″ paddle bit, get a standard one. It will give you cleaner edges and make the drilling far easier.

Step 1: Using your bow or hand saw, trim an end off of your log. You could use a chain saw, but the chainsaw would probably leave chain marks on the end and I prefer the smooth look. Measure your log to 12″ in length, mark it, and trim the other end off.

Step 2: Take some scrap pieces of wood and create a cradle like structure (see above picture) to hold the log in place while you saw/flatten the bottom. This is so the log won’t roll off of whatever you decide to set it on.

Step 3: Choose what side you want to be the top of your log. turn that so it’s facing the left side of your cradle. Then take your circular saw and carefully run it down the right side (bottom of your log). You don’t need to take too much off. just enough to flatten the bottom out. If you need to take more off of the bottom and your saw blade isn’t cutting deep enough, flip your log so that you are cutting the bottom from the other side. When you’re finished it will look something like this…

Step 4: Now flip your log over so you’re looking at the top. Measure out the spacing of where you want your tea-light candles to go. I set them on top, spaced them so they looked even, and marked the centers. You could be exact, but that would be too much math and measuring for me

Step 5: Take your 1-1/2″ paddle bit and using a tea-light candle as a guide, place a piece of masking tape onto your paddle bit. This is an easy way to tell how deep you’ve drilled into your log. Once the top of the log is close to the tape, you know you’re just about deep enough. Test the depth with a tea-light candle. If you need to go a little deeper, drill some more, but go a little bit at a time. You really don’t want to go too deep, or the rim of your candle will sit too low. The tea-light candle will fit the 1-1/2″ drilled hole perfectly. Repeat this process for how ever many candles you have remaining.

Step 6: Place the tea-light candles into the holes and enjoy your new rustic, outdoorsy patio decor.

There you have it! Fun, simple and easy. This will be perfect for our outdoor patio table. I definitely will be making a lot more of these to have in our patio area too.

Thank you once again to the three awesome sisters from Made From Pinterest and I will see you next month.

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Check out these fun projects too:

Faux Drawer Planters with Chalk Paint

Water Bottle Holder with Free Pattern

This awesome post has been shared with Homestories A to Z and Whipperberry.

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