DIY: Gold Wood Block Candle Holder

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I love being inspired by things I see around me.

I love it even more when Im inspired by something and then knock it off for only a few dollars.

The Nake Berkus collection at Target is a favorite of mine. All the pieces are rich, dynamic, and bold. One item, in particular, that caught my eye when recently browsing the latest additions was the gold tapered candle holder. Pretty fab, but maybe not for $20. Did I really need it? Not so much. But I kept thinking about it and thinking about it. Then an idea popped in my head, I can knock it off. And this is the result

And guess what, I spent less than $4 to create it. Score!

Heres what I used:

1. Let me start by saying there is no right or wrong to this project. Its kind of like a jig saw puzzle that anyone can figure out and put together. That being said, I took a 36 long wood baluster that I found at Lowes for 98 cents and made random cuts in varying lengths, making sure no two pieces were the same height.

2. Once cut, I clamped the wood block so one end was exposed.

3. Then I used a 3/4 drill bit (which was slightly smaller than the size of my tapered candle. Smaller is better so the candle fits tightly) and drilled about 1/2 3/4 deep.

4. And it was done. I tested the hole and the candle fit as snug as a bug in a rug!

Once the pieces were done. It was time to play. Again, no right or wrong here!

I just played with the blocks until I found the right combo that looked good to me.

When it got the thumbs up, I was ready to glue.

I carefully took each block and hot glued it to the next. I attached one piece at a time so not to lose the perfect design configuration I created.

About 5 minutes later I was done! What I fell in love with the Nate Berkus candle holder was that from every and any angle, the piece was interesting. I wanted to make sure to achieve the same effect with mine. So from 360 degrees, this candle holder is interesting and is an experience.

When I was in Architecture school, each project was about the experience. What was to come in front of you and what was behind you. Every view and vantage point should tell a story. At the time, that was a difficult concept to grasp and implement, but now I get it 10+ years too late. Well actually, I guess its never too late. For this project, I think I would have got an A+ for experience.

Anyway, I totally went off-track, but take a look at all sides of this candle holder

So here comes the glitzy gold part. And the easiest, fastest go-to is spray paint.

A few coats later, heres the result

And without candles, this is how the holder turned out

Pretty neat. My kids call it the city because the blocks look like buildings.

And lastly, all lit up

What do you think? Good knock off? The finish isnt as shiny as the N.B. style, but it definitely was fun being inspired.

As an Apartments.com Brand Influencer, I strive to share ideas + do it yourself projects not only for those who live in homes, but also easy & affordable ideas + creations for apartment dwellers. Next time youre looking for something unique + meaningful + free for your walls, turn to the outdoors.

Via: DIY: Gold Wood Block Candle Holder