Dynamite Faux Candlestick Tutorial by Jodi G. Warner

So, I'm going to post for Jodi until we get everything worked out. She sent me a word file and photos, so this is actually from her, just not posted by her. Thanks! -Kenzie


From Jodi G. Warner:

DESCRIPTION:

Instead of using wax candles, I put together this ensemble using pieces I cut from a cast-off wooden drapery rod, and then painted. The ribbing on the rod gives it extra flare, and inserting a small piece of leather lacing into a top-drilled hole makes them look real. I had two decorative candle bases, and made a third with three stacked wooden cubes.
As I planned my paper embellishments, I opted for a more rustic scheme, and sub’d in cream and tan for white. I chose Snapdragon Snippet's American Doily and Star Banners Layered designs to make the layered rosettes. I even found the wonderful Dandelion Burst that I cut and glitter sprayed to make them more sparkly. Then I tied them on with multiple ribbons and curly-end wire, including some lace I “tea” dyed (I prefer using Rit taupe dye).

SUPPLIES:

Pieces of wood drapery rod, cut to 8” lengths (or to preferred size)

3 wood cubes (2½”)

Acrylic paint for candles, cubes

Gesso basecoat paint, medium stain & varnish, optional

3” of brown leather lacing, divided into 3 pieces

Multiple, varied color and width ribbons, lace, and wire

Cardstock: red, beige, tan, blue, dark blue

Paper adhesive of choice, clear glue like Fabri-Tack

Gold glitter spray

Other embellishments (6 rusted mini stars)

STEP 1 (drapery rod candlesticks):

 Paint the cut and end-sanded pieces of rod. 
*To help with a slick finished surface like drapery rod, I painted a couple of coats of gesso first. I attached a screw in the bottom to help me hold on so my fingers interfere less with the painting.

STEP 2 (wood blocks):

Sand and paint the cubes. 

*I used 2-3 base coats of gesso (sanded and wiped between coats) and a holding screw. I chose to paint my cubes two shades of beige.

2A. I sanded the edges to expose the wood a little…

2B. Then antiqued with medium stain. 

As a final coat, I used a matte varnish. I drilled a small hole in the top center of the candle rods. Then inserted and glued a 1” piece of leather lacing.

STEP 3 (paper embellishments):

Prepare Silhouette files and cut the paper rosettes and other details.

Here are the cut components, including ribbon threaded through slits of back circle.

*Below are the details of each candlestick's embellishment measurements and assembly 

plus "USA" wooden blocks*

LEFT Candlestick embellishment:

• American Doily: scale whole design to 4”. Outer doily red, second circle blue, the third circle beige, star circle dark blue.
• Dandelion burst: resized to 3.5”, cut 3 total for all rosettes. Cut tan cardstock, spray with gold glitter. Layer one between third & star circles.

Before assembling the layers, cut a pair of 1” vertical slits about .75” apart centered in outer doily so ribbon can pass through completed rosette to attach to candle.

RIGHT Candlestick embellishment:

• Star Banners Layered: scale whole design to 7”. Separate circle from inner circle, then resize to .875” & duplicate to cut separate 6 red circles and 6 1.125” dark blue circles for narrow ribbon end tassels. Cut outer circle red, second circle beige, sawtooth third circle blue, extra star dark blue.
• Dandelion burst: see previous instructions. Layer between second & third circles.

CENTER Candlestick embellishment:

• American Doily: cut only the third circle red, star circle dark blue. See previous instructions for Dandelion burst, but resize to 3.25” to cut a second to place in front of larger one. Layer these behind circles. Punch small holes above star to allow for attachment with ribbon.

USA BLOCKS

Prepare text letters “u” (red) “s” (beige) “a” (dark blue) from Elephant font 288 pt. NOTE: it may be necessary to restyle the narrow connections of the “u” and the “a” so parts don’t disconnect. Separate each and size each to approx. 1.8” width x 1.79” height. Cut each from different red, cream or blue cardstock, attach to front of a block, alternating block colors if painted differently.

STEP 4 (wire & ribbon):

Cut a 12” piece of red wire and wrap ends around paintbrush handle or narrow dowel.

Cut beige, tan, lace, blue & red ribbons and bundle with wire, then tie at center with one of the narrower ribbons. 

STEP 6 (Final Assembly):

Tie ribbon bundle to candlesticks. Select a narrow ribbon to thread through rosette cut slit (may be easier prior to paper layering and assembly) or punched holes to attach rosettes.

Cut ends to pleasing but varied lengths. Leave one pair of narrow ribbons longer, glue between punched or cut circles. Embellish with tin stars, buttons, cut stars, etc.

You can unstack the cubes for a shorter center stack….

...or stack them tall.

Now enjoy your finished ensemble.