Transform a log from a birch tree into a stunning DIY centerpiece with this simple birch vase tutorial!
Birch bark vases can be wonderful for any time of year, but they are especially pretty for fall and winter, when you’d naturally enjoy the white birch bark outdoors.
Learn how to make a birch vase of your own!
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.
DIY Birch Vase
I love the simplicity of this vase – yet it adds a striking touch. It’s the perfect neutral tone to work with any style of decor. I’m particularly 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.
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!
Materials
- a birch log (or any other type of wood)
- tri-flute drill bit
- saw
- sandpaper
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.
Tip
- Birch vases are not waterproof. Drill a hole large enough to slip a glass vase inside to line it.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not unless they are lined or waterproofed in some way.
Check out the birch logs for sale on Amazon and other online resources, or check your local garden centers and nurseries.
This pretty birch vase and winter table was featured on Better Homes and Gardens! Click here to see more Christmas table setting ideas!
How did you stop the bark from wrinkling when the wood shrinks? The vase looked awesome for a couple weeks and now the birch is all wrinkled.
How did you hold the wood to drill the hole without damaging the bark? Yours look beautiful.
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? Â Â
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?