Paint Dipped Balsa Wood Candle Holder

Working with wood can be a really rewarding experience. I’ve only started doing wood projects this past year, but there’s something that’s been extra satisfying about wading into the world of carpentry. I have to admit though, all the saws and equipment that’s needed to do big projects can be a little intimidating, so it’s nice to have smaller projects with balsa wood to start out on. Here’s an easy way to create modern candle holders with a geometric feel:

Supplies:
-Balsa wood (I used 3/32 inch thick wood)
-gold and pink craft paint
-masking or painter’s tape
-ruler
-X-Acto knife
-glass votives
-tea lights..

1. Using a pen, ruler, and X-Acto knife, follow the dimensions pictured in step one and cut out your first panel from the balsa wood. Cut a slot the width of the balsa wood from the bottom middle up to the halfway mark of the base (this slot is what allows the pieces to fit together).

2. Cut another identical pattern, but this time, flip the slot to start from the middle of the top to the halfway mark.

3. Paint the top half of each panel gold and allow the paint to dry.

4. Use masking tape to tape off the bottom half of the panels and paint the bottom half with the pink paint.

5. Once dry, peel the tape off the panels and fit the two pieces together. Now you’re ready to place your candle in your holder!

NOTE: I used these specified dimensions to fit my particular votive, but you can easily adjust the sizes to fit any votives you have.

I used the same template and just shorted or elongated the bottom section to get the different heights. These little guys found a new home on my bookshelf, and I can’t wait to see how they look when they’re all lit up at night. xo. Laura

Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman