Christmas decorations, and/or Christmas gifts do not have to break the bank. Create your own using scrap wood, along with a few supplies you already have in your craft closets. These scrap wood Christmas candles are quick to make and didn’t require me to make any new purchases. Make a set to place in each of your windows, or give them as gifts to neighbors, teachers and the mailman.
Things You Will Need:
1-by-2 wood scraps
Measuring tape
Jig saw or miter saw
Sandpaper
Drill and –inch bit
Hunter green acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Rag
Rusty baling wire
Wire cutters
Needle nose pliers
Yellow acrylic paint
Gold glitter
Craft glue
Hot glue gun
1 1/2-inch red, wire-edged ribbon
Scissors
Step 1
Cut scraps of a 1-by-2 into 10-inch, 6-inch and 4-inch lengths using a jig saw or miter saw. Sand the surface and edges to remove bumps and rough edges. These are your candles.
Step 2
Stand each candle on end. Using a drill with an 11/64-inch bit, center and drill a 1-inch deep hole in the top of each candle.
Step 3
Paint all sides and both ends of each candle using hunter green acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry and repeat is needed.
Step 4
Lightly sand the surface and the edges of the painted candles to distress the paint. Wipe away the sanding dust using a dry rag.
Step 5
Cut three 4-inch lengths of rusty baling wire using wire cutters. Bring the ends of one wire length together, forming a teardrop shape. Using needle nose pliers, twist the ends together. Repeat with the remaining wire lengths. These are the flames for your candles.
Step 6
Paint each flame using yellow acrylic paint. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle with gold glitter. Allow the paint to dry.
Step 7
Fill the drilled hole in the top of each candle with craft glue. Insert the twisted ends of the candle flames in the holes. Allow the glue to dry.
Step 8
Stand the 10-inch and the 6-inch candles on end. Apply hot glue between them and hold together until the glue has cooled. Stand and center the 4-inch candle on the front of the two larger candles. Attach the small candle with hot glue.
Step 9
Cut a 36-inch length of 1 1/2-inch-wide red, wire-edged ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around the candles and tie into a bow. Trim the ends and adjust the ribbon as desired.
I used rusty baling wire for this project. I like the texture and the wire is easy to manipulate. Craft wire or a wire clothes hanger could be substituted.
