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
45 Comments
These look really modern, I love them 🙂
Carina
http://www.carstina.com/
Beautiful candle holders! I love paint dipped goods.
Liz
http://www.liz-makes.com
These look really cool and interesting! I’m still loving the paint dipped trend too–hope it continues all the way on through 2014 🙂
well, these seem rather clever and easy to do!
grace
http://herumbrella.com
http://outsidetheboxpapers.com/blog
I love these! They’re awesome and such a fun way to add some color to something so simple.
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
The shape of the candle holder is really interesting and modern
Always love seeing what DIY’s you come up with! Might just have to make some for my next cheese and wine party. 🙂
These are genius!
Awwwww, goodness! I don’t keep a whole ton of candles, even though I love them. Maybe a cute craft like this will inspire me to light ’em up more!
http://cuddlyasacactus.wordpress.com/
I adore these. What a great idea.
Leanne xx
So cute, unique, & whimsical!
xo, Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop
This is certaintly unique! And beautiful!
So sweet and simple! Thanks for sharing ladies!
http://sometimesgracefully.com
I love these! Such a great idea 🙂 xo Kristin
So cute! Love the simplicity of it!
So cute, love the simplicity!
They are super cute
Lauren
livinginaboxx
that’s so amazing, thanks for sharing!
mfashionfreak♥blog
Absolute Genius! Love this!!!
I’ve never seen anything quite like these–very original. Here’s to that.
So many of the DIY posts are incredibly simple but so lovely! I love love love what Laura has added to the site! <3
These are so cute! Going to have to try this.
xo
http://thewearwithal.typepad.com/
Whoa. A cute craft!! I can’t wait to make one for my date this evening. I’m too excited to introduce this new idea to my kids. xoxo
I LOVE these.
Really really loving this.
Not to get technical, but votives, votive holders and tea lights are not interchangeable words.
These are so pretty, and such a quick and easy thing to do 🙂
great idea! 🙂
I’ve become quite fond of wood crafting myself. I love this project!
Wow, loving this idea! Very cute! 🙂
ANDREA
Fantastic idea!!!
So beautiful 🙂
http://mademoisellejuliet.blogspot.com/
Soooo cool. 🙂
i love these
Love this DIY! Definitely one of my faves. Thanks Laura!
Those are adorable and would make great presents!
http://poshpurpose.blogspot.com
these are darling! can’t wait to try it! i love how easy it is to work with balsa wood.
I love the simplicity of this! It’s lovely
Ok… I LOVE these! They are crazy cute! You guys always have the best DIY projects… seriously. I’m totally “pinning” this for a rainy day. Yes, I must make a few of these…! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve noticed a lot of projects on here using balsa wood recently and was wondering if you’d ever used basswood before. It’s still really easy to cut through using an xacto knife, but much sturdier than balsa.
wow, this is so unique and adorable! HeartofChic.com cute DIY!
LOVE these! So cute and simple. Definitely something I’ll have to try soon!
sarah
thesurznickcommonroom.blogspot.com
Super cool
I just wanted to say how much I have been enjoying Laura’s contributions to ABM! I’ve been a long time reader, and it makes me happy to see your team evolve and grow. Keep up the good work! 🙂
Fabulous idea! These would make a stunning display, with flowers, for rustic/country style or beach wedding reception centerpieces. I’d like to try “double dipping” – using 2 or 3 shades of the same color.
OMG! This is a perfect DIY for The Mister and I to do together.
xo
Taylor