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A paint-dipped balsa wood candle holder is a simple project for adding a geometric accent to a shelf or tabletop. The design uses two slotted panels that fit together, with gold paint on the upper section and pink on the lower section. Balsa wood is lightweight and easy to cut, making this a manageable project for beginners. Use a glass votive to hold the candle, and take care to keep any flame safely away from the wooden panels.
Supplies for the Paint-Dipped Balsa Wood Candle Holder
- Balsa wood, 3/32 inch thick
- Gold and pink craft paint
- Masking tape or painter’s tape
- Ruler and pen
- X-Acto knife
- Glass votives
- Tea lights
Before cutting, check that your glass votive fits within the planned holder. The original panels were sized for a particular votive, so adjust the template to suit the glass vessel you intend to use. Work on a cutting mat or other suitable protected surface, and cut slowly to help keep the edges straight.
How to Make the Holder
- Cut the first panel. Use the pen and ruler to mark the first shape according to the dimensions shown in the template, then carefully cut it from the balsa wood. At the center of the panel’s bottom edge, cut a slot as wide as the wood. Extend the slot to the halfway point of the base.
- Make the matching panel. Cut a second panel with the same outline. For this piece, the slot begins at the middle of the top edge and continues halfway down. The opposing slots allow the panels to slide together.
- Paint the upper sections. Apply gold craft paint to the top half of each panel. Let the paint dry completely before moving on so the colors remain distinct.
- Add the lower color. Place masking or painter’s tape across each panel to protect the dry gold area. Paint the lower half pink, then allow the paint to dry before removing the tape.
- Assemble the panels. Slide the two pieces together through their slots and check that the holder stands securely. Set the glass votive in place only after the panels are dry and stable.
Adjusting the Size and Height
The template dimensions are intended for the votive used in the original design, but the panel size can be adapted for other glass votives. Measure your vessel first and make sure it fits comfortably without pressing against the wood. To create holders at different heights, keep the same panel template and shorten or lengthen the lower section.
For a clean paint line, press the tape down firmly and remove it carefully once the pink paint is dry. If the panels feel loose after assembly, check that both slots match the thickness of the balsa wood rather than forcing the pieces together.
Candle Safety and Display
Balsa wood and dried craft paint are combustible. Use the holder with a glass votive and tea light, keep the flame well away from the wood, and place the arrangement on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Never leave a lit candle unattended, and extinguish it before leaving the room or going to sleep. For an unlit decorative display, the assembled holder can also be placed on a bookshelf or tabletop.
This paint-dipped balsa wood candle holder offers a straightforward way to combine color, simple woodworking, and a geometric shape. Confirm that the glass votive sits securely and keep the candle safely separated from the wooden panels before lighting. Design by Laura.
