Weathered barn board adds character to this candle holder:
You will need:
Top (1); 7/8" x 3" x 10"
Feet (2); 7/8" x 1" x 3"
Top (1); 7/8" x 3" x 10"
Feet (2); 7/8" x 1" x 3"
This simple candle holder always gets rave reviews when I make it for someone as a gift. The key ingredient here is weathered barn board. Don't make this project with new wood unless you intend to distress it afterward. There is a Canadian product called LifeTime Wood Treatment from Valhalla Wood Preservatives Ltd. that turns new wood grey in an attractive way. It may help you achieve the weathered look.
Dislodge any loose dirt or wood from the material by scrubbing the barn board with a stiff nylon brush. This precaution will prevent dangerous bits from flying across your shop while you are working.
Next, rip a length of stock to width for the top and feet, then crosscut these parts to length. A tablesaw does a great job for both these tasks, but a handsaw also works fine on small parts like these. The materials list includes a 10" length for the top (enough for three candles), but feel free to make the project as long as you like. I've made versions that hold as many as 12 candles that run the entire length of a dining table, offering quite a presence.
Once the top is cut to length, prepare the 45° chamfers on the ends. If you have a tablesaw it will make short work of these cuts. But a sharp chisel or hand plane can do a great job if you're just tooling up or prefer a quieter building experience. The tablesaw really shines at making the dado grooves underneath the top that hold the piece's feet. If you don't have one, make matching pairs of saw cuts the width of the required grooves, then clean out all the waste in between with a chisel that is slightly narrower than the groove.
Move to the drillpress or hand drill and bore the flat-bottomed holes, the seats for the candles. A Forstner bit does an ideal job because of its small central spur, but you can get a similar result by grinding the tip of a spade bit down to half its original size. Finally, attach the feet to the top with glue.
No finish is required here; it would only detract from the candle holder's rustic look. Just remember to use the candles that come in tin cups, commonly known as “tealights.” They won't drip wax on the wood.
Dislodge any loose dirt or wood from the material by scrubbing the barn board with a stiff nylon brush. This precaution will prevent dangerous bits from flying across your shop while you are working.
Next, rip a length of stock to width for the top and feet, then crosscut these parts to length. A tablesaw does a great job for both these tasks, but a handsaw also works fine on small parts like these. The materials list includes a 10" length for the top (enough for three candles), but feel free to make the project as long as you like. I've made versions that hold as many as 12 candles that run the entire length of a dining table, offering quite a presence.
Once the top is cut to length, prepare the 45° chamfers on the ends. If you have a tablesaw it will make short work of these cuts. But a sharp chisel or hand plane can do a great job if you're just tooling up or prefer a quieter building experience. The tablesaw really shines at making the dado grooves underneath the top that hold the piece's feet. If you don't have one, make matching pairs of saw cuts the width of the required grooves, then clean out all the waste in between with a chisel that is slightly narrower than the groove.
Move to the drillpress or hand drill and bore the flat-bottomed holes, the seats for the candles. A Forstner bit does an ideal job because of its small central spur, but you can get a similar result by grinding the tip of a spade bit down to half its original size. Finally, attach the feet to the top with glue.
No finish is required here; it would only detract from the candle holder's rustic look. Just remember to use the candles that come in tin cups, commonly known as “tealights.” They won't drip wax on the wood.
Ms. Genie,
ReplyDeleteThe frogs is a breeze to make .
I called the fabrics stores , they had the fabric in stock , it was very easy you listed the name of the designer .They also have lot more patterns of stuffed animals.We made a lot of frogs and now waiting for the stuffing to arrive from Dallas, Texas.
We haven't started on the treasure boxes , we are collecting enough eggs shells .
We have three gift shops at the Eldarodo Hotel that wants to carry them.
Nanook's helpers thank you.
Della
It was my pleasure Della. And please ask if there is any other way I can assist. Nanook is dear to my heart.
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed how quickly Nanook's helpers respond and get busy with the crafts. I hear you like to sew and craft. Mrs Carano is lucky to have you. She is also very near and dear to me.
Your friend, the Genie
PS: Since frogs are also endangered we would like to add a little tag around their necks that explains what is happening to them.