One of my very favorite holidays is the 4th of July. I love the 4th of July! Maybe it is the spirit of our Founding Fathers, the red, white, and blue colors, the flag itself, fireworks, America...I really don't know but I have looked forward to this holiday since I can remember.
Of course, I decorate our home in patriotic decor, inside and out, beginning in May. May has Memorial Day, June has Flag Day, and July has.....well, you know.
Some years ago, at a craft class at my church we made these cute wooden candle holders. My youngest daughter, Ali is 15 and I know it was before she ever came along. I made a set for our family and a few more to give as gifts. They were a big hit!
This is a photo of my "old" ones from many years ago. If you would like to make a pair (or even one) here are the instructions and supplies:
4 x 4 wood post, UNTREATED
* have the wood cut into one 12" piece and one 9" piece
Drill a hole in the top of each piece of wood (mine measure 7/8" and are 1 to 2 inches deep--this should fit most candles)
Base or sealer for wood (can buy at craft stores--mine is Country Colors Simply Wonderful Water Base and Varnish)
Acrylic paints in patriotic colors
Red, white and blue garland or tinsel to place with candles
Wooden stars in various sizes (I bought my new ones at Michael's--Lara's Crafts brand in 1" and 1.5" sizes.
Reflections brand adhesive glitter stars, also at Michael's
After cutting and sanding wood, apply seal and allow to dry about 30 minutes or per instructions.
You don't have to paint them in the design that I did so use your imagination. I painted the entire block white and then allowed to dry (I did two coats). If you do want to paint three different colored areas, I marked the 9" block off with painters tape or masking tape. I measured 1.5" from the top and placed the edge of the tape at the mark. I did the same on the bottom.
I then added red and blue to my project:
Again I allowed the colors to dry in between coats--I added three coats total of each color. Make sure your tape is pushed down firmly or the colors will seep underneath.
After the paint was dry, I added another coat of the above-mentioned sealer/varnish. It added a bit of a glossy look. Let that dry for 10--15 minutes and then you can decorate with painted wooden stars, glitter stars, even ribbon. I used hot glue gun to add the stars or a wood glue would be fine. Add the tinsel (twirl around your finger or a pencil) and then place that and a candle in the hole that was drilled on top.
That is the new one made today in the middle, with the older ones on either side. It really is a fun craft and hope that you will give it a try.
Finished two more candle holders on the 3rd. Giving those as gifts. The one on the right I simply glued fabric ribbon around and added the painted wooden stars and press-on glitter stars. Pretty easy!
Happy 4th of July!
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Pretty! You did a wonderful job painting these! I love the stars! Pinning to my Patriotic Pins board!
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