Planning and preparation
- We are going to show you how to build DIY light fixtures, step by step.
- They utilise repurposed and recycled materials to help reduce waste and create something out of spare parts.
- The sconces are fully customisable, so you can brighten up any wall in your home with a design that perfectly complements your aesthetic.
- It should take a DIYer with moderate skill approximately a few hours to build, plus any time you allow for drying.
- This project is all about using whatever you’ve got, so there’s plenty of room to get creative with the materials you use.
- It makes use of the burn and brush technique; be sure to do this outdoors or in a well ventilated space, and on a suitable floor.
- Make sure to go with the grain of your wood when burning and staining.
- Always make sure that your chop saw is unplugged while you’re setting it up or changing accessories, to ensure your safety.
- Keeping the plug in sight acts as a visual reminder to prevent accidents and hazards.
- For extra safety when using power tools and painting, be sure to wear protective equipment, including your ear defenders, goggles and dust mask.
Burn and brush the wood
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Make sure that you do this outdoors or in a well ventilated room, on a suitable floor.
Sweep away any debris from the area that you’re going to be working in.
Lay two identical timber offcuts in position.
Ignite your blowtorch and slowly move it side-to-side over the wood, working from top to bottom.
Sweep along the grain as you go to achieve a consistent finish.
Allow them to cool before repeating this process for all remaining sides.
Allow everything to cool properly, before moving your burned wood to your workbench.
Go over it with a brush, making sure to go with the grain, to give it a textured finish and remove any excess ash or debris from the surface.
Staining the wood
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Lay down an unwanted sheet on your workbench to catch any drips.
Place timber offcuts on the sheet on which you can lay your burned wood. This will keep them raised from the surface.
Go over your wood with a brush to remove any dust before staining.
Check the lid is properly fastened and give your tin of woodstain a shake.
Use a spoon to open the lid of your tin.
Brushing with the grain, liberally apply the first coat while trying to avoid too many drips.
Go back over any lighter areas in long, slow brush strokes with a relatively dry brush to achieve a more even finish and complete coverage.
Repeat this process for the other piece of wood.
Give them plenty of time to dry thoroughly.
Attaching the bottles
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Make sure you take the time to find a bottle that fits and stays securely in place when mounted to the wall.
Work out the ideal location for the hole on the back of your wood. This is what you’ll use to mount it to your wall.
Mark your spot and drill a pilot hole, making sure not to drill through to the other side.
Then work out where you want to position the bottles and their holders.
Make an indent with a bradawl to mark your locations.
Position your hooks and screw them in by hand.
Affix your bottles, fastening if necessary.
Now they’re ready to be mounted and decorated.
