This DIY Candle Holder was made from the scraps that I collected while making a photo prop frame for my wife. The thin pieces were the perfect size for a small candle holder, reducing the amount of wasted wood.
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I have been telling woodworkers for a long time that they need to have a side project or two. Not only does it make you a better woodworker, but it also gives you something to do with your scraps.
Wood is not cheap. Every little bit you can use makes a difference in how much your hobby makes or costs.
If you can find a use for your smaller scraps, you can make more projects for the same cost. If you start selling those smaller projects, you can also turn profit from your hobby, or at least break even on your expenses. This is how you further your woodworking without breaking your wallet.
How to Make the DIY Candle Holder
Rip five 1/4″ strips from the edge of a board that is 16″ long, and 3/4″ thick. The drop I had from the picture frame was longer than this, so all I did was cut them down to size.
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Bevel the edges to 45 degrees using a miter saw or a band saw. Bevel them all the same way on both sides. This is a rustic project, so do not worry about the bevels being perfect, or the pieces lining up exactly. A little variance will add to the look.
Line up four pieces with the bevels all facing the same way, and apply a little glue between the pieces. All you need is a thin layer. Once you apply a little from the bottle, run your finger along the glue to spread it evenly.
Do this between each piece of wood, then start stacking them together. You are making the top for the wooden candle holder, which will resemble a table made from boards. Clamp the pieces together, and allow them to dry.
The fifth strip that was ripped off earlier can now be made into the feet for the candle holder tray. I really like the style of the low standing holders that I have seen, so this will be the same.
Cut the strip into four pieces that are 3″ long, which will be the same length as the width of the candle holder top. This will be perfect for the low standing look, and be a nice addition to a dinner table as a center piece.
Stack two of your smaller pieces on top of each other, and apply glue between them. Then, apply glue to one of the outside faces, and glue it two inches from the end of the top.
You can put these closer to the ends if you like, but I think that two inches from each end looks the best. I measured from the end, made a mark, and the outside of each foot is right up against the two inch point. As long as your feet are even, they will look nice.
Here is what the holder looks like after the glue has dried. Now, you need to sand the piece before finishing.
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Since this is a rustic piece, you really do not need to sand very much. I recommend sanding to remove any glue residue or squeeze out, and then breaking any sharp corners.
If your top did not come out completely flat, do not worry about it. This will only add to the look of a rustic piece. A little variation is a good thing.
For the finish, I used the Shou Sugi Ban method of burning the wood, and then applying an oil finish. This is a simple and quick way to get a nice dark finish without much of a time commitment.
Use a propane torch to toast the surface of the wood. Be careful when doing this, as you can easily burn yourself or start a fire. Toast all visible surfaces evenly, and then allow the piece to cool before moving to the next step. Be careful as you are working on this piece. The surface will be hot for while, and you can easily burn your hand while moving it around.
Sand the cooled piece to remove the burned portions of the wood. The goal is to knock off the loose burned areas only.
Burned wood becomes char that sticks to the surface but is not very stable. A scratch or a rub can remove it. Use 220 grit sandpaper to lightly remove the loose areas, making sure to hit all the surfaces.
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Afterwards, wipe down the piece. You want to make sure that all of the residue from sanding has been removed.
Finish the diy candle holder with a hand applied oil. This can be any oil finish you have in the shop. For my candle holder, I used Danish Oil
, and it came out nicely.
Apply the oil with a small cloth, and work it into every surface. If you have never finished before, my 10 Step Guide to Wood Finishing can show you how to finish by hand easily. Wipe on the oil, and be sure to coat it evenly without leaving any deep puddles on the surface.
Allow your homemade candle holder to dry completely before using it. This will vary depending on the type of oil finish that you use. Danish Oil is ready to handle in several hours, but I typically give it overnight to make sure.
If you have any questions on my Diy Candle Holder, please leave a comment and I will be glad to answer them. Happy building.
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