If you’re a beginner turner, these candle sticks are a great starter project.

Thanks to Clink Harp for the idea! They’re all random designs and the turning is ‘go with the flow’ – a bead here – a cove here – you get the idea.
I used blocks that were 2 3/4″ square that gave me tops that fit a 2″ candle just right. The heights I used were 9″, 10 1/2″ and 13 1/2″ but go with whatever size you want.
I turned between centers with a 3/8″ spindle gouge and a rounded nose scraper.
Before painting I rubbed a dark stain on, particularly on the protruding edges that would get sanded for a worn look.
I painted several coats of chalk paint and used a steel wool pad to smooth out. Lastly I used 220 sand paper to rough up the edges to show the contrasting dark wood underneath.
I finished the sticks off with some paste wax which really gave them a smooth finish and a buffed look.
Happy turning!
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