Primitive Tealight Centerpiece

I decided to try something new – no measuring and no plan. Well, almost no plan. A warped oak board and an oddly shaped piece of cherry turned into a primitive looking tealight centerpiece!

new-skills-010_editedI wanted to make a centerpiece but I had no idea which way this project was going to turn. Surfing the net, I found many fascinating examples of candlelit inspiration. However, nothing inspired me as much as looking through my bin of scrap wood. For whatever reason, I was drawn to a rough cut cut-off (yes, you heard that right) and a twisted branch. I laid them on my workbench and pondered what I would do next.

Anytime my friend Glenn worked in my woodshop, he never had a plan. I would always try to get him to think of his project before he arrived. Often, I would remind him to pick up some materials, so he wouldn’t plunder my lumber rack! He would go with the flow, wherever it would take him. After this reflection, I decided to give his method a try.

I marveled over the natural beauty of these pieces. Previously, this wood was discarded for being flawed. Sincerely, I’m surprised they weren’t relegated to firewood. Today however, these imperfections would be exclaimed and honored for nature’s artistry. The flaws became an integral part of the design. Besides a weathered touch, I did my best to preserve the essence of the materials. I think the imperfections are perfect; how about you?

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Primitive tea light centerpiece with Eli the helper cat in the background