You will need
Step 1 Using a pencil and ruler, draw lines across the timber at the heights you want your candleholders to be (ours were 8cm, 12cm and 18cm high). With the handsaw, saw along each of the lines.
Step 2 Using 100-grade sandpaper, sand off any rough edges or chips. Sand again all over with 320-grade sandpaper to prepare for painting.
Step 3 Use pencil and ruler to mark the centre of the tops of the woodblocks. Using a spade drill bit, drill a hole only slightly bigger than your candles, and about 2.5cm to 3cm deep. Test that your candles fit in the holes. Use a damp cloth to wipe your blocks, removing any dust.
Step 4 Use masking tape to tape areas of the woodblock for painting. Use the Stanley knife to cut the ends of the masking tape for sharp lines.
Step 5 Apply two to three light coats of paint on the candleholders, allowing paint to dry between coats. Carefully peel off tape, then use the Stanley knife to scrape off any paint that has bled through.
Step 6 Place your candles in the holders. Just be safe when you light the candles and don’t let them burn to their bases.
Project For our woodblock candleholders we used 1 x pine length (1.8m x 70mm x 70mm), $17.10; Trojan handsaw (360mm), $12.65; non-clog 100- & 320-grade sandpaper, 75 cents a sheet; and Irwin “Speebor” 19mm spade wood drill bit, $9.25, Bunnings. For similar white candles, try Kmart. Candleholders painted in Taubmans Endure Interior Gloss in Crisp White, $39.90 for 1L.
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