Last year, I tried my hand making a Yule log for the first time. It turned out pretty good:
So this year I thought I’d try another one and add some candles- and a tutorial. 🙂
The Yule log has been a tradition in European countries for centuries. Like the Christmas tree, it’s origin has Pagan roots (pun intended) that were incorporated into Christian traditions. But whether you celebrate Christmas or Yule (or both!) the Yule log is a fun way to begin a new tradition with your family and friends. Go here if you’d like to learn more about the Yule log’s history.
The following are is Yule log tutorial to make the Yule log you see pictured here, but there is no law saying you have to make it the same way using the same materials. Traditionally, one would use materials found on their land or grown locally. Also, the tree the log came from and the plant materials were chosen for the spiritual properties they represent. For more information on spiritual properties and correspondences of wood and plants you may want to add to your Yule log, go here.
Important safety warnings! Please read before making this project!
After posting this project, I received some feedback from concerned readers about the safety of this project. I really do appreciate the concern, and I have updated the project to make this project as safe as possible. With that said, it does not replace common sense in that you should never leave lit candles unattended for any length of time.
Please note some of these plants such as mistletoe are toxic to pets, so make sure to check if any of the plants you plan to use are toxic. If they are, make sure to keep them where your pets can’t get to them.
To make a Yule log similar to the one I made here, you will need the following materials:
- A wood log (I used almond) with the base cut flat so it doesn’t roll. (I did cut the base flat on the log I used for this tutorial; it’s just hard to see in the pictures).
- Redwood branches
- Ivy branches
Mistletoe - Holly berries (I didn’t have Holly so I used Pyracantha berries instead).
- Pine cones (not pictured)
- Cinnamon sticks (not pictured)
- 3 Taper candles
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Drill holes in the log base the size of the candle ends, fill bottom of holes with hot glue, insert candles, pressing down into the glue. Add extra glue to the sides of the hole if necessary to fill them and hold candle securely. 
Glue on the redwood branches. I crisscross two branches between the middle and the end candle on one side, then do the same on the other side.
Glue the ivy branches over the redwood branches.
Glue the pinecones right on top of the greenery. Don’t be stingy with the glue. Press them down gently until the glue cools and hardens so they will be secure. They don’t have to be so secure that you need a jackhammer to get them off again- you’re not going to run a marathon with it. (But if you do, please send me pictures!) Everything just needs to be secure enough to sit on top of a table and look pretty.
Glue on the cinnamon sticks. I glued them on strategically to cover up the pileup of glue around the middle candle.
Glue on the mistletoe. I applied some strategic gluing around the candles here as well.
Finally, glue on the Holly (or Pyracantha) berries. 
And there you go! A beautiful Yule log! 🙂
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!
Merry Christmas and Happy Yule!
Michelle
This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much for sharing this tutorial…yours came out so nice 🙂
You’re welcome Farrah! 🙂
This is absolutely gorgeous…I found you via a link on Hometalk. Pinning immediately, thank you for sharing!!
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you like it 🙂
this looks dangerous to me but still very beautiful. maybe using the battery operated led candles would be better. there would be no risk of fire hazard.
Thank you for the great suggestion Shirl! 🙂 There is always a risk involved with burning candles, so no matter how secure the holder, no one should ever leave lit candles unattended for any length of time.
After seeing your beautiful yule log on pinterest, and reviewing your tutorial, I made 7 yule logs for friends and family. They loved them! Thank you for sharing your ideas and talent.
Wow that’s a lot of Yule logs! 🙂 You’re welcome for the tutorial; thank you for letting me know you enjoyed it and put it to excellent use! 🙂
That is just gorgeous and I am off to make my own Australian version for my (urban) June Yule celebrations. The perfect centre piece for the table.
Many thanks Michelle.
You’re very welcome Jamie, and a very happy Yule to you! 🙂
I love these! I hadn’t heard of Yule Logs before so I’m glad I stumbled upon this tutorial! If only I can get my hands on a nice suitable log and manage to saw it into shape… not sure if I can do that but I might.
Do you have tips for how to drill the holes that hold the candles if one doesn’t have a specialised drill for that? Or a workaround?
I’m just thinking, instead of the glue gun, one could use wax to glue in the candles, and thin (ornamental) wire for the rest. Depending on preferences and what one has lying around the house I guess.
Hi Bellis! The only way I can think of to drill holes without the specialized bit is to use a regular bit and drill a bunch of holes together until you have a hole big enough to insert the candle base. Not the most eloquent workaround and I’ve never tried it myself, but this would be what I would try if I didn’t have the specialized bit. I hope that helps! 🙂
Where did you get these supplies?
Hi Markie 🙂 The natural materials are from my yard; the rest can be purchased at any craft store. I hope that helps! 🙂
Hello. Michelle I don’t know why I seem to have made a Yule log once before in my lifetime unless it came in a dream, and last year I happened upon a log so we went out and gathered cones and berries and gave them to my girlfriend to dress the log ,it’s so much nicer using natural materials and yours looks very special ndeed .though I did actually drilled three holes with a wood drill bit to secure candles to a depth of an inch is safe ,this year they were cutting back trees and log not so good it’s green but it will be ok as am drying it out and getting pests of it ,did use three red candles but this time I will look for a green and a white aswel as they must represent somthing I don’t know and as you say there’s no rules as to how it should look so I made a start and cut a base for the log ,cheers
Thank you so much for sharing this with me! I’m happy my yule log was an inspiration for making yours. Happy Holidays!
I am making a Yule log from my daughter ‘s in-laws Birch tree. Love the tutorial!
Went looking for yule log ideas and came across yours – looks really good!
For folks asking about drill bits and cutting the sides flat – I found a 7/8″ forstner bit was perfect for the common taper candles we had in the dining room.
To cut the side flat, it’s hard to beat a good bandsaw. Just screw a piece of board on the log so it has something to ride against the fence. your flat will be parallel to the board you screw on. You can hid the screw holes with fancy stuff later. If your bandsaw goes and throws a blade just when you need it most (like mine did) – your next best bet is to use a block plane and do things all old-timey. You only need to plane down the side of the log by about 1/2″ and you’ll have a nice bearing surface. It will take a while so just whistle a Christmas carol or something while you work.
Thanks again for the tutorial and the ideas, really like your arranging on there. Here’s hoping Momma likes the one the boys and I have made up. The best thing about these is that you can toss ’em in the fire after Christmas dinner and you don’t have to store it with all the other decorations up in the attic.
Very cool, thank you. Saw many of these in Germany, with red, white and black candles. I see nothing here safety-wise to cause concern, common sense being the quality I base that statement on.
With so many traditions evaporating, this is a truly refreshing thing, thank you again.
You’re very welcome Endyr! I’m glad you like it. And I agree – I like the old traditions and I’m glad I could preserve this one.
Thank you for this! I am trying it with my Girl Scouts in a few weeks ! Can I ask the length and width of your log?
Hi Lucinda! I didn’t measure the log so I don’t have the exact measurements, but I’d say it was approximately 18″ long with a 5″ diameter.