I can take little credit for this project. I know how it is made, but my son (now 13) made it a couple years ago. So if an 11 year old can do it, you can too! :)
I set this votive out with my fall decor, and I leave it all the way through Christmas. I just change the table runner and what I set around it. At Christmas I put pine cones and boughs, ribbon, and red and gold glass ball ornaments. I love the versatility. Every year my display looks a little different than the last!
To make this Branch Votive you will need:
- A real wood tree branch. Ask around--people are always pruning trees or having them removed. Ours came from our old yard (back when we had trees...). It needs to have a diameter of at least 2.5 inches. Bigger is great, too.
- Power Drill
- 1.5 inch spade bit (pictured below)
- Some good clamps to secure the branch while you work
- Battery powered votive candles (I found mine at Dollar Tree--4/$1 if I remember right)
1. Measure and mark where your votives will sit on your branch. I suggest an odd number for aesthetics.
2. Clamp the branch securely to your work surface. This is crucial for safety and sanity as you work.
3. Place the 1.5" spade bit into the power drill.
4. With tip of bit on the center of each marked spot for your votives, drill to at least 1/4 inch depth. This photo is not "in action." The real deal is much messier. (Wear safety glasses!) Depending on the sharpness of your bit, each indentation can take a few minutes to drill.
5. Place the battery-powered votive candles into the branch. Real votive candles are fine, too, if you are comfortable with real fire burning in a branch on your table. I'm not, so I went with the fake candle option.
See? Here I caught little hands touching the "flames." Thank goodness for fake fire!
I love seeing it "lit" at night. Enjoy!
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