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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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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:
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  6. 25 Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men | Dodo Burd says:
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