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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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January 24, 2013

Faux Wood Valentine’s Day Candles

 

Faux Wood Valentine's Day Candles from At The Picket Fence

I’ll never forget it.  We strolled down the steep path that meandered behind the cabins.  I’m pretty sure he held my hand…in fact I know he did.   I could feel my palms getting clammy and wishing I could wipe them on my shorts.  I couldn’t help but wonder where we were going…and that nagging worry in the back of my mind, “what if he tries to kiss me?!”

Then he stopped, so proud and pointed. to a tree. I stood for a moment trying to figure out what it was he wanted me to notice.  Then faintly in the bark I saw it.  The heart.  Carved out in the hand of a teenage boy.  Inside it contained our initials. MD + HR.  There it was! His love declared to all of the world, or at least all of the camp! For that week I was his and he was mine.  The heart there as a testimony to our summer love!

That day was decades ago and “MD” is a distant memory, but the sentiment, like that carved heart, still stands forever on that tree and in my mind.

Today my heart and life belongs to another.  After 22 years together it can be hard to find a way to show him how much his love still means to me, especially when it comes to Valentine’s Day.

Faux Wood Valentine's Day Candles from At The Picket Fence

Let’s just face it our guys (at least mine) aren’t much into pink and red and frills and lace. Chocolate…maybe, roses…not so much.  I decided that I needed to find a more simple, clean and masculine gift that was still personal and meaningful.  I came up with these Faux Wood Valentine’s Day Candles.

Because even if they won’t admit it, most guys don’t mind a little romantic candlelight in their lives. smile! Here’s how you can make a set of your own!

Faux Wood Valentine’s Day Candles

Supplies:

Flameless Candles
Wood Scrap Paper (I purchased mine from Michael’s)
Word Tags (I purchased mine at Hobby Lobby)
Jute Twine
Scissors
Heart Stencil or Cookie Cutter
Mod Podge and Foam Brush to apply
Ruler
Brown Sharpie or Paint Pen
Something with a dull point to make an impression in the wood (I used a golf tee since I have a lot of those around..grin)

Faux Wood Valentine's Day Candles Tutorial from At The Picket Fence

Instructions:

  1. Measure and cut each piece of wood paper to fit each size candle.  Make sure to have the factory cute edge at the top of the candle for a clean line.
  2. For the first candle.  Trace and cut out a heart shape in the middle of the paper on the back using a stencil or cookie cutter.  Using Modge Podge apply glue to the paper and roll the candle creating a nice smooth finish.  Fold paper and seam and cut to fit with a slight overlap of edges.  Apply Modge Podge to edges and over overlap for a tight seal.
  3. For second candle, use same technique as above to apply wood paper. String one word tag into middle of long piece of twine.  Knot at top of tag.  Wrap twine around several times and knot and cut on back.  String and knot second word tag and align slightly above first tag.  Wrap around once or twice and knot and cut in back.
  4. For third candle, Cut paper to fit.  Lay out flat and using a heart shape cookie cutter or stencil trace out a heart with something that will leave an impression in the wood.  Add in initials and arrow.  Trace this with brown sharpie or paint pen (I used a copper paint pen).  Allow to dry and apply paper using instructions above.

Faux Wood Candle Valentine's Day Candle from At The Picket Fence

Faux Wood Candle Valentine's Day Candle from At The Picket Fence

I just love how they look lit up at night! The flame shines softly through the paper and the cut out of the heart.  The fact that they are flameless means no worries about my guy accidentally leaving a candle burning.  In fact, I adore them so much I might keep them for myself!

Faux Wood Valentine's Day Candles from At The Picket Fence

LP
+
HP
a reminder of how much I still love my guy!

See you back here soon…..At The Picket Fence

signature 1

33 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Good Ideas, Holidays, Tutorials, Valentine's Day Tagged With: cheap crafts, Valentines Day crafts

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Comments

  1. ange says

    January 24, 2013 at 11:31 AM

    What a great idea! If only I had known this two days ago while photographing my mantel. I only had one birch candle so I photoshopped the other one in. Lol. I think I might need to make these, they are so cute!

    Reply
  2. Monsterscircus says

    January 24, 2013 at 11:56 AM

    So lovely. The paper is so nice and loe the drawing which looks like a real carving, so cute!!! Thank you for the idea 🙂

    Reply
  3. Judy says

    January 24, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    Such a cute idea. I love the faux wood. Perfect for Valentine’s Day.

    Reply
  4. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    January 24, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    Awe, so sweet! And congrats on the 22 years!

    🙂 Linda

    Reply
  5. Karryann says

    January 24, 2013 at 3:50 PM

    What an adorable idea- So so Cute- what a great gift for just about anyone-
    Your Amazing- Thanks for Sharing-
    (Cute party favors as a wedding too)

    Reply
  6. Shelia says

    January 24, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    Aww…you cute little thing! What a sweet little tale. I love your idea of these little log candles and love initials! You’re amazing on all that you come up with.
    Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  7. Courtney says

    January 24, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    So cute Heather!!! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Michael Reddin says

    January 24, 2013 at 6:14 PM

    I think I remember that boyfriend from long ago. I like the permanent one you have now the best! Love the candles and love you! Happy Valentine’s Day! Mom

    Reply
  9. Natalie (@fashionatalie) says

    January 24, 2013 at 6:21 PM

    Love these! This is always my favorite concept on Valentine’s Day…it’s just so fun.

    Reply
  10. Robin says

    January 24, 2013 at 7:21 PM

    Oh how adorable. I love them.

    Reply
  11. Carol says

    January 24, 2013 at 7:28 PM

    This is such a sweet thing to do, Heather!

    Reply
  12. Aly Mashrah says

    January 24, 2013 at 8:30 PM

    That looks like such a great gift! My husband’s not really all that into candles, but I bet if I made something like this that would change his mind. Thanks for posting!

    Reply
  13. Kimberly ~Serendipity Refined says

    January 25, 2013 at 4:55 AM

    Oh my gosh I LOVE your candles…especially lit! Pinning! xo

    Reply
  14. Chrisitina says

    January 25, 2013 at 5:37 AM

    These are adorable! love the “carved” heart-! and the story makes them all the sweeter!

    Reply
  15. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    January 25, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    What an amazing craft idea! I love it! Have a great weekend.
    Leslie

    Reply
  16. The French Hens Nest says

    January 25, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Wow, Heather and Vanessa! Beautiful candles- very masculine but romantic.

    Thanks for hosting a beautiful party! Have a great weekend.

    Linda and Jeannie@ The French Hens Nest

    Reply
  17. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    January 25, 2013 at 2:31 PM

    I heart it!!
    Kelly

    Reply
  18. Jen says

    January 26, 2013 at 2:15 PM

    These are adorable! Such a cute and simple craft idea 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  19. Dom says

    January 26, 2013 at 11:57 PM

    love these! Such a great project. 🙂

    Dom.
    Craftedblog.com

    Reply
  20. debbiedoos says

    January 27, 2013 at 6:04 PM

    These are darling! I love them, how sweet.

    Reply
  21. kate says

    January 28, 2013 at 5:48 PM

    these are adorable! love ’em

    Reply
  22. Thistle says

    January 29, 2013 at 7:46 PM

    LOVE these! What a super cute idea, Heather! Pinned it!

    Have a great day rock star!
    karianne

    Reply
  23. Debbie says

    January 29, 2013 at 7:52 PM

    These are so precious! I love them, such a great idea.
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  24. Melissa Ellens Loft says

    January 30, 2013 at 5:45 AM

    Just discovered this blog.. and I LOVE this project!:) I am so excited to read more!:)

    Reply
  25. herbeeness says

    February 5, 2013 at 1:47 PM

    So very, very cool and totally man-lious. I think when I make these (and I’m definitely going to) I’ll use a burlap heart.

    Reply
  26. Jane says

    February 7, 2013 at 8:48 AM

    I wanted something unique for my honey on Valentine’s Day, so I just tried this idea. I love it!! I couldn’t find just the right faux wood paper, but found some close enough. I can’t wait to present these to him next week! Thanks for sharing this awesome idea.

    Reply
  27. China says

    March 6, 2014 at 6:20 PM

    Fire insurance was initially created in Birmingham in 1667. Why subsequently? Because in 1666 the city was devastated by a major fire, departing 200,000 QuotesChimp desolate and ruining 1,400 properties. It could happen to be fortunate the Fireplace Workplace, as the business was called by creator Nicholas Barbon, wasn’t available during the fireno one could happen to be prepared to danger trying to sell hearth insurance again.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Valentine’s day | The Craft Cake Mama says:
    January 31, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    […]  DOS […]

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  2. Faux Wood Valentine’s Candles · Candle Making | CraftGossip.com says:
    February 4, 2013 at 12:41 PM

    […] Heather from At the Picket Fence shared a sweet Valentine’s candle idea made with wood grain print scrapbooking paper. Check it out. […]

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  3. DIY Homemade Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas – 80 Handmade Valentine’s Day Gifts You Can Craft says:
    April 15, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    […] Homemade Conversation Heart Fudge Recipe from Hungry Happenings | 2. DIY Faux Wood Valentine’s Day Candles from At the Picket Fence | 3. DIY Valentine’s Day Game of Love from East Coast Creative | 4. […]

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  4. 25 DIY Rustic Candles | DI1 says:
    January 4, 2014 at 7:09 AM

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  5. DIY-ify: 23 Budget Friendly Handmade Valentine's Gifts! | BHG Style Spotters says:
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  6. 25 Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men | Dodo Burd says:
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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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