Log Style Candle Holders

I had some extra dowel rods left over from another project and got the idea to make a "cabin" style candle holder. I love candles, real or faux. Different styles of candle holders have always intrigued me. This one is my favorite.
The simplest way to color the "logs" for the cabin holder was to use simple shoe polish. I put a paper towel under them and worked on an old board, but it really went on easily with very little mess. I covered them with the brown and accented the brown with the black to make the wood grain stand out a little better.
They were 36 inch dowels, but you can use any size. I cut them 4 times or 9 inches each for my large candles. I figured I would need nine or ten to a side. It depends on the candle or faux candle you use. I played with the cut ones to estimate how many I wanted before I "shoe polished" them.
After the polish I laid the "logs" out to determine the shape, size, etc. I used a hot glue gun to attach them. One shape might have been a parallelogram. I finally decided on a "cabin" style.
I used a faux candle for this one on the dresser.
This is what it looks like with the lights off and the candle on. I love the western look. I plan to make two smaller ones for smaller candles. My husband loves it. If I put a plate or tray in the bottom I might use a real candle.
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