Thursday, March 4, 2010

Primitive DIY Whale Tail Candle Sconce

I love the decorative detail of the 'Whale Tail' that you see in a lot of primitive pieces. I have read that it is a symbol for 'Good Luck'. I decided to incorporate it into this 'Candle Sconce' that I built with the help of my DH.

I first drew a pattern on a 1 x 10 board. We then cut the 5 simple pieces for this project. As you can see, the bottom piece was cut to length after this photo.

All the pieces were screwed together and the edges were then sanded to remove the sharpness and give the wood a nice 'worn' feel.

This is a view from the back. The screw holes were countersunk and then filled with glue and wooden dowels, which were then sanded down to a nice smooth finish. I think that this really makes a difference in the finish of the piece.

I then gave the piece a coat of 'Sage Green' paint followed by a coat of 'Black'. After drying overnight, I sanded the edges and some other areas to show 'wear'. I then gave it a quick coat of 'Minwax Dark Walnut' Stain and wiped the piece down.

And this is the finished 'Whale Tail Candle Sconce', as it looks now hanging in my home. Perhaps it will bring us some 'Good Luck'.

Until next time ~ Suzanne.

20 comments:

  1. That looks sooo impressive, yet you make it sound so simple-I nearly feel I could give it a go:) I haven't done much woodwork, but I would love to. Your display is lovely,
    Blessings, Shazy x

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  2. Your candle sconce turned out wonderfully! I like the color you chose for it. I hope it does bring you much "Luck"! :0)

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  3. Your work is wonderful. Do you ever sell the things you create? Thanks for sharing.
    AMY

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  4. Its beautiful, hope it does give your family good luck!

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  5. Wow that turned out awesome!

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  6. I love your sconce :) wish I was as crafty as you!

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  7. Great job...both of you! It looks perfectly wonderful.

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  8. I really love it! I didn't know that was a sign of good luck. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Thanks, I love that!
    Great Blog!!!!
    Beth

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  10. Thanks for showing us very clearly how to make this as it's something I would love to make.
    I love your blog and look forward to following!

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  11. Hi Suzanne....I just wanted to say thank you for visiting my blog and for the kind words.

    Your whale tail sconce turned out wonderfully!

    Janet

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  12. Suzanne, Thank you for stopping by my blog.
    I thoroughly enjoyed yours and how nice of you to share all of your talented work.
    I will visit you regularly.

    Audrey

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  13. What a wonderful tutorial and the finished product is awesome.
    Karen

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  14. HI, THANKS FOR MAKING ME A FAVORITE, I LOVE YOOUR BLOG ALSO :) GIO

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  15. You make it seem so simple! =] I love the finished look! I am a sage green fan also.

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  16. The aesthetic design of the sconce is terrific. The countersinking of the screws is a nice touch also.
    -Rory-
    http://thegreentiquessolution.blogspot.com/

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  17. Suzanne,
    I was updating my list of places I visit today and I made sure that your blog was on my list. That way your blog will show up on my sidebar and maybe will result in some of my followers coming to visit you. Have a great day! Rory
    http://thegreentiquessolution.blogspot.com/

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  18. I can't believe how simple it can be to make something so pretty. I love it.

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I love reading each and every comment and welcome any questions or feedback you may have.