Introduction: Make a Simple 'natural' Wooden Tea Lite Holder
I have made around 20 of these in various forms, I have used branches with smaller branch stubs on and trimmed to about 20mm and smoothed them to leave a more rustic look, or cut the top at a slight angle, I have Also used a larger thickness branch and set 3 or 4 T-lites in. Once, at the point where I was going to start sanding I thought No!, leave it like that! - Just a slice of Oak with a hole in one end with some twigs and leaves still attached, - now that's rustic...
So you may not want the sandpapers Oil or wax, or you could take it even further and do some carving/sculpting
There are so many variations to experiment with... I would like to see what other people come up with.
WARNING! WARNING! - For those without common sense...
Sharp tools and power tools are dangerous, you may hurt yourself if you don't take care.
Some wood finishes are flammable, so don't use them to finish a candle holder.
Never leave a burning candle unnattended.
Making things is addictive so you might be making lots of these or similar for your friends and family.
I have more effective tools but not everyone has, so I've kept it basic so that most people can try this project.
So you may not want the sandpapers Oil or wax, or you could take it even further and do some carving/sculpting
There are so many variations to experiment with... I would like to see what other people come up with.
WARNING! WARNING! - For those without common sense...
Sharp tools and power tools are dangerous, you may hurt yourself if you don't take care.
Some wood finishes are flammable, so don't use them to finish a candle holder.
Never leave a burning candle unnattended.
Making things is addictive so you might be making lots of these or similar for your friends and family.
I have more effective tools but not everyone has, so I've kept it basic so that most people can try this project.
Step 1: Tools and Materials:
Suitable branch wood.
Saw - the finer cut the better = less sanding.
Drill and bit. - Forstner better but a spade bit would do. (an auger would make a real mess).
Sharp knife.
Various sandpapers.
Oil, wax or your prefered finish. - I go for natural wax or Danish or Tung oil.
Saw - the finer cut the better = less sanding.
Drill and bit. - Forstner better but a spade bit would do. (an auger would make a real mess).
Sharp knife.
Various sandpapers.
Oil, wax or your prefered finish. - I go for natural wax or Danish or Tung oil.
Step 2: Find a Suitable Piece of Branch Wood
One with an interesting bark - Cherry is a nice example or Maple, as I'm using here.
Some types of green wood can be used but it will usually shrink and split as it dries, so best go for something seasoned...
Some types of green wood can be used but it will usually shrink and split as it dries, so best go for something seasoned...
Step 3: Cut It!
Cut a piece around 50 - 75mm long from a branch 70 - 90mm thick, keeping
the the base straight and level.
the the base straight and level.
Step 4: Drill a Hole in the Top
Drill a 40mm hole in the top approx 15 - 20mm deep depending on the depth of your T-lite, a T-lite candle is almost 40mm in diameter, so I have used a 40mm Forstner bit as it will leave a neater hole with a tidier, flatter bottom as most other drills would leave a larger pilot hole and a rougher finish - although this can be cleaned up with a sharp chisel.
Step 5: Chamfer the Edges
Using a sharp knife, cut a chamfer around each edge to trim.
Step 6: Sanding
Sand the bottom progressively using rough, medium then fine sandpaper, although the
finish isn't too important here, then sand the top giving it a finer finish, then lightly sand the
side just to clean up the bark.
finish isn't too important here, then sand the top giving it a finer finish, then lightly sand the
side just to clean up the bark.
Step 7: Finish
If required give the piece a coat or two of wax or oil and allow
to dry completely.
to dry completely.
Step 8: Done!
Insert a T-lite, ignite, stand back, and admire.
Thanks for taking the time to follow this.
Thanks for taking the time to follow this.