How to Make Birch Log Vases

Birch trees have a distinctive white, papery bark that gives a rustic touch to any table, centerpiece, office or party. A simple craft for bringing nature into your home is birch log vases. You can use these vases to hold artificial flowers, grasses, pencils, knitting needles or decorative moss. Since the vases are made of wood, they should not be filled with water like a traditional vase, as this will cause the wood to crack and warp.

Brace the wood securely against the work bench or something solid. Hold the log using your non-dominant hand and grasp the saw in the other hand. Glide the saw forward and back using long strokes. A typical flower vase is about 1 to 2 feet tall. Cut the log a little longer or shorter depending on your personal preference.

Fit the drill bit into the drill. A spade drill bit carves out a circular area around the drill without going right through the wood.

Line the point of the drill bit with the center of the log. Activate the drill by pulling the trigger.

Press down gently on the drill to carve out the center of the log. Use one hand to pull the trigger and the other to steady and push the drill from behind. Use an even, constant pressure to carve in a straight line.

Stop drilling down about one inch from the base and bring the drill back up and out of the log.

Check out the hole you've created to determine if fine-tuning is necessary. You may want to widen the hole or smooth out an edge. If more carving is required, start the drill and press down against the areas that need smoothing.

Sand around the opening of the hole to remove splinters and even out the cut edge. Run the paper back and forth along the lip until it's smooth to the touch.