How We Made a Multi-Dimensional Wooden Tealight Candle Holder (Using Scrap Cherry!)

If you’ve been following along with our woodworking projects on Woodsongs by Russell, you already know how much joy we get from turning leftover wood into something warm, useful, and beautiful. In this project, we’re sharing how we built a multi‑dimensional wooden tealight candle holder — a simple, satisfying build that transforms scrap cherry into a cozy piece of home décor.

This project is perfect for beginners, a great way to use cutoffs, and a wonderful handmade gift idea. Plus, it adds a soft, ambient glow to any room.

Why We Love This Project

• It uses scrap wood you probably already have.

• It’s quick — you can finish it in an afternoon.

• It makes a great gift or craft‑fair item.

• The layered, multi‑dimensional look feels high‑end without requiring advanced tools.

Materials & Tools

Materials

• Scrap cherry (or any hardwood you prefer)

• Tealight candles

Tools

• Table saw or miter saw

• Drill press or hand drill

• Forstner bit sized for tealights

• Sandpaper (120–220 grit)

• Wood glue

• Finish of your choice (oil, wax, or polyurethane)

Step‑by‑Step: How to Build It

1. Select and Prepare Your Scrap Wood

We started by digging through our scrap bin and found a beautiful piece of cherry. Even small offcuts work for this project, which makes it a great way to reduce waste.

2. Cut the Blocks to Size

We cut several small blocks, each one slightly different in height. This creates the multi‑dimensional effect that makes the candle holder feel sculptural and unique.

3. Drill the Tealight Recesses

Using a Forstner bit, we drilled a centered recess in each block.

Tip: Test your bit on a scrap piece first to make sure the tealight fits snugly.

4. Sand Everything Smooth

We sanded each block thoroughly, softening the edges and removing any burn marks from drilling.

5. Arrange and Glue the Blocks

This is where the creativity comes in. We played around with the layout until we found a shape we really liked — a staggered, organic cluster. Then we glued and clamped the blocks together and let them dry.

6. Apply Finish

Cherry comes alive with a simple oil finish, so we applied a few coats to bring out the warm tones and grain.

7. Add Tealights and Enjoy

Once everything dried, we dropped in the candles and admired the finished project. It’s amazing how something so simple can add so much warmth to a room.

Final Thoughts

This tealight candle holder is one of those projects that reminds us why we love woodworking. It’s simple, beautiful, and meaningful — the perfect blend of creativity and craftsmanship. If you try this project, we’d love to see your version. Share it with us on the Woodsongs by Russell channel or tag us on social media.

Happy woodworking!