Fence-post candle holder
Using what you have to create beautiful decorative items is a great way to recycle, and candle holders made from old fence posts is a wonderful example. This candle holder is a primitive design that will work well with a country-cottage-inspired decor. It can be crafted using old fence posts or cut pieces of newer ones that have been distressed to look old. Save all those steel tuna and cat-food cans that seem to fill up our landfills for a wonderful earth-friendly craft. These candle holders made from old fence posts are economical to make for gifts and they will be best sellers at local craft bazaars.
Instructions
1. Measure and cut the 4-by-4 fence post, 6 inches long, using the miter saw. Sand the edges of the fence post and grind the corners down. Since this is a primitive craft, the corners do not need to be equal or precise. Dip a paint brush into the white acrylic paint and wipe most of it off. Dry brush the fence post with the white paint.
2. Dip the sea sponge into the burnt-orange acrylic paint. Sponge the inside and outside surface of the tuna or cat-food can. Allow the paint to dry. Dip the sea sponge into the brown acrylic paint. Sponge over the burnt orange paint on the can, allowing the orange to show through to give the illusion of rust.
3. Set the fence post on end and set the can on top, right side up. Drill a pilot hole through the center of the bottom of the can and into the top of the fence post. Screw the wood screw through the pilot hole to attach the can to the post.
4. Draw an elongated heart 2 1/4 inches wide by 5 inches long on metal roofing flashing using a marking pen and cut out using the tin snips. Paint the heart in the same way as the can and allow to dry.
5. Lay the fence post on its side. Set the heart on the uppermost side of the fence post. Hammer two brad nails 1/2 inch apart: place one 1/2 inch below the top right heart hump and the other 1/2 inch from the right edge. Hammer the nails in only about 1/2 inch. Bend the nails over each other to form an "X." This should be accomplished by hand, but if needed, cover the "X" with a washcloth and tap with a hammer. Hammer two more nails in the bottom peak of the heart and create another "X." Paint over the nails to blend with the heart.
6. Cut a 24-inch length of baling wire using the wire cutters. Wrap the wire around the sides of the can and twist in the front, over the heart. Curl the ends of the wire over the handle of the paint brush. Tear a strip of homespun fabric 1 inch wide by 12 inches long. Tie the strip into a bow around the twisted connection of the wire at the front of the fence-post candle holder. Place the pillar candle inside the can to finish.
Tags: fence post, acrylic paint, candle holder, fence posts, inches long
