Transform a log from a birch tree into a stunning DIY centerpiece with this simple birch wood vase tutorial!
This past spring, I kept waiting and waiting for my favorite birch tree to bud, but it didn’t make it through the winter. I have always loved the silvery white bark of a birch tree – it reminds me of the logs my Grandma had stacked next to her fireplace when I was growing up.
Birch bark also reminds me of the holidays. I love incorporating the logs as part of my Christmas decor, whether they are stacked in the fireplace, added to a planter with evergreens or even as part of a Christmas table setting.
Since the birch tree in our yard was going to have to be removed, I decided to use some of it for a few creative projects. One of them was this simple birch vase.
I love the simplicity of this vase on, yet it adds a striking touch. It’s the perfect neutral tone to work with any style of decor. I’m particially partial to the pop of red from the berries, though, which really serve as a pretty wintery arrangement.
A homemade vase like this would also make such a beautiful gift. Even more so if it the wood came from somewhere significant, like a from a family member’s tree.
Materials
- a birch log (or any other type of wood)
- tri-flute drill bit
- saw
- sand paper
How to Make a Birch Vase
- Cut to Size – Saw a piece of branch down to the height needed. 10 to 14 inches is appropriate for a vase.
- Drill a Hole – Using the drill bit, drill a wide hole until about 2″ from the base of the branch.
- Sand – Sand the top to give it a smooth, beautiful finish.
Optional: Insert a glass vase or waterproof the interior if you plan to add fresh flowers.
While I’m sad that my favorite tree is no longer, I’m happy to see it repurposed into something beautiful for my home that will continue to bring happy memories for many more years.
It fits seamlessly into this birch Christmas table setting which is casual and simple – how we often entertain!
In lieu of a traditional table cloth, I used a piece of osnaburg. It imitates linen, without the expense. I never iron it and if there’s a hard to remove stain, I toss it without a second thought!
Rinsed pinecones from the yard make great place card holders for each place setting. I like to add pillows to each of the end arm chairs to add another layer and comfort.
As seen on Better Homes and Gardens! Click here to see more Christmas table setting ideas!
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More Christmas Ideas You’ll Enjoy
- Scandinavian Christmas
- Christmas Gift Tags
- Thoughtful Hostess Gifts
- Berry and Pinecone Centerpiece
- 30 Easy Christmas Decoration Ideas
DIY Birch Vase
A simple but striking vase made from a birch log
Materials
- 1 birch log
- sandpaper
Tools
- saw
- tri-flute drill bit
Instructions
- Cut the birch log to the desired height for the vase.
- Using the tri-flute drill bit, drill a hole in the center of the log until it's approximately 2 inches above the base.
- Sand the drilled edges for a smooth finish.
- If using real flowers, place a glass container inside the vase or line it with plastic, first.
how do you waterproof the interior of the vase?
I didn’t. You can make it so you can insert a glass vase if you prefer.
I am trying to make these but the drill bit in my drill press just stalls when it touches the wood. What speed did you use?
I have some birch log pieces and was wanting to make candle holders, but am having trouble keeping the log still while drilling the hole without damaging the fragile paper bark. Any suggestions?
So pretty! Just wondering how large the drill bit is? It looks like a pretty large hole.
I can’t recall, but it is! I took my vase to Lowe’s to find a good fit. Enjoy!
Thanks for getting back to me.
Noat sure I will have the patience to wait that long!!!
Then go for it now! Enjoy!
Hi Julie, beautiful project!!!
Question for you: My tree will be cut down in a few weeks – How long do I have to wait for the Birch wood to dry to start cutting it to make creative projects?
Thanks for your help!
I’m not sure to be honest, I know it takes a year to really dry wood, but we didn’t wait long at all, maybe a matter of a couple weeks. Enjoy!
What was the diameter of the log you used?
4’ish inches, but you can use any diameter
Hi Julie,
What branches did you use in this vase?Real or not? I LOVE the look and am trying to find something similar. I already have the white birch but was wondering what height you cut it down to?
They’re some type of berry that Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods have Year after year. I’m sorry, I don’t know the name.
I love this! I also want to make these for centerpieces for my September wedding this year! However, someone told me that white birch will dry out and that I shouldn’t cut it down until a couple months before the wedding. Has your vase held up? Do you think I should wait to cut down the birch? Or do you think the vases will hold up for 6 months + until September if we start making them now? Thank you in advance! I’d love to hear your opinion!
I’ve had them for 2 years and while they’ve slightly changed, they work just perfect!
These are so beautiful! I’m doing this with aspen logs that were cut down on my parent’s property. What do you recommend for waterproofing the inside?
That will be beautiful! There’s no perfect way, but you can drill the hole wide enough to insert a slim vase or use a sealer, like tung oil.
Now I am off to find a birch tree. Beautiful.
Thanks, Janet! Post on Facebook or Craigslist! Last year I had more than enough to share!
Hi there, I am attempting to make these vases for my July wedding, but we can’t quite get the hole to be as large as yours appears to be. How did you do this with the tri-flute drill bit? Ours only has about a 1 1/2″ diameter opening, which doesn’t seem to be large enough for wedding flowers. Any advice?
Congratulations on your engagement, Kristi! That’s how large our opening is as well…experienced florists can fan out flowers with a small opening, but you can certainly use a larger bit {like one for creating door knobs} to make a larger opening. I hope that helps! I’d love to see them when they’re done!
This is beautiful! I’ve always loved birch trees and this seems like the perfect DIY to bring them into the home. Love the way you decorated as well 🙂
Thank you Rachel! I’m ready to make some candleholders for the holidays as well.