DIY: Make an Advent wreath from firewood
It's very Christmassy! Fairy lights, mulled wine, the smell of freshly baked cookies... Are you already in the Christmas spirit? Who isn't? For those who prefer a more classic look for their home, alongside the Christmas kitsch and holiday hustle and bustle, we've designed the perfect Advent wreath: rustic, natural, no frills, yet still beautiful: the classic Advent wreath made of firewood!
Advent, Advent, a little stick is burning...
You don't need much for this DIY idea. All you need is the right selection of wooden pieces and the right tools. This way, you can create a beautiful Advent wreath for the upcoming pre-Christmas season in just 1-2 hours!
What you need
- 4 wooden parts (untreated)
- A saw
- Sander or sandpaper
- Drill with 39 mm hole saw (suitable for tea lights)
- Hard oil
Step 1: Selecting the wood
I was lucky when it came to choosing the right wood: I was able to happily rummage through my parents' stored firewood to find the four matching pieces. It's also possible to take a whole slice of a (very) thick branch or (better) log and then saw it into four pieces (similar to a cake). I found four different pieces of wood that, when arranged correctly, fit together fairly well.
Step 2: Cutting to size
The Advent wreath can, of course, vary in size and height. In this example, I sawed the wooden pieces to heights of 8, 12, 16, and 20 cm. This creates a kind of staircase that can be beautifully draped on a dresser or dining table.
Alternatively: Of course, it's also possible to saw the wooden pieces to the same height. However, this would lose the wonderful effect created when the light from the lowest step illuminates the side wall of the higher step. 
The 4 wooden parts of different heights
Step 3: Sanding
To achieve the right look, I used untreated firewood. To get the surfaces really smooth, a sander is the right tool. If you don't have one, you'll need a lot more patience and physical effort, but you can still sand the surfaces nicely by hand with sandpaper. Depending on your taste, work until the look is just right and you don't end up with splinters, especially when using the beautiful wreath.
Step 4: Drilling the holes for the tea lights
The right drill bit is available at hardware stores or online . A 39 mm diameter is perfect for tea lights. Position the drill bit straight and apply sufficient force, otherwise, there's a risk of the bit slipping! Drill the hole deep enough to completely cover the tea light and flush with the edges.
With countersunk holes for the tea lightsStep 5: Regrind again
The drilled holes also need to be finished to prevent splintering and ensure the wood is nice and smooth. This requires physical effort! Avoid using a power tool.
Step 6: Proper care
To ensure you can enjoy your Advent wreath for a long time, you should oil the wood before using it for the first time. Natural hard oil is best for this. Saving money and resorting to household oils is not a good idea! Cooking oils like olive oil or sunflower oil never absorb completely and, over time, begin to smell unpleasant or even grow mold. Natural hard oil can be purchased here , for example. Simply rub it in with an old rag and let it dry overnight.
Advent, Advent, a little light is burning
Let's get started! The first Advent season is just around the corner, and it's time to light the first candle! If you're still missing the right tealight, we have a great idea for you! Simply make your own candles – from your own herbs! It's incredibly easy and allows you to create your very own personal room fragrance!
I wish you lots of joy with this wonderful Advent wreath and a wonderful pre-Christmas season with your very own herbal candle scent!
Did you know...?
The tradition of the Advent wreath dates back many years, around 1840. The term "Advent" comes from Latin and means "arrival." Originally adapted from the Christian faith, people used it to prepare for Christ's birth. But now this beautiful tradition can also be found in non-Christian households and accompanies people through the pre-Christmas season. The typical Advent wreath is a ring woven from fir branches and decorated with (usually) red candles. Originally, there were 28 candles (one white for each day and four red ones for the Sundays of Advent), but due to a lack of space in households, fewer candles were used over time. To slowly prepare for the upcoming Christmas celebration, the first candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent, followed by another candle each Sunday of Advent. By the time all four candles are lit, you know: Christmas is just around the corner!
