Western General Store

  Candle lanterns are so popular and there are endless ways to decorate them. So, I thought, why not make one? Instead of the posts being square with the base, I decided to angle them 45 degrees. I went with the wood I had. The barn wood posts are 8 1/2" tall x 1" x 5/8". The cypress base is 6 9/16" x 5 5/8" x 3/4". The top piece consists of 2 pieces that are 3 11/16" x 1" x 3/4" and 2 pieces that are 6 9/16" x 1" x 3/4". After assembly, The Candle Lantern will be 10" tall. To make the top piece, I arranged the pieces on top of the base to keep them square. Glue, clamp and let dry overnight. A board was clamped to the table saw fence. Each post was glued on one end, placed on the base and against the 'fence board' and nailed. Blue tape was placed on each corner of the base to show exactly where each post should be placed on a diagonal. Glue was applied to the other end of each post and top piece was nailed on. I u...

I love rusty stars and bells and decided to make my own star garland. I cut eight 4" stars out of 1/4" plywood on the scroll saw, but if you're not a wood worker find wood or metal star cut outs at the craft store. You could use any kind of cut outs like hearts, angels or crosses. I drilled two little holes in each star and spray painted them with 'Autumn Brown' textured spray paint. Joann's had 60% off this carton of rusty bells so it was around $6 and I might have used half of them. I cut the brown 24 gauge wire a little over 5' long. Then just start threading the stars and bells onto the wire. The bells have little ties on them and they could be cut off but I left them on there just in case I needed them. I slid one end of the wire through one hole in a star, then the other hole and repeat to secure it. I slid on a bell to the middle of the star and threaded the other end of the wire through the other hole....

Here are some ways to use our Lariat Baskets for Western Style Holiday Décor. Place Autumn branches, pine cones and twig balls in a basket and add a jute bow for Fall or Thanksgiving décor. For a rustic Christmas add pine branches, berry branches, pine cones, twig balls and an antler to a lariat basket. Instead of a burlap bow on the outside, I made a big bow tied with wire and placed it inside the basket. Add pine cones and greenery or fruit, nuts and snacks for a great gift basket. Make a Lucky Christmas Basket by adding one of our horseshoes. You could add a Cross Nail to a basket. Paint it, rust it or leave it natural. I'm sure you can come up with many ideas of your own. Try it!

Remember the Chunky Wood Star from last week? Well, lay it down and drill a 2 1/8" hole with a Forstner bit and you have a candle holder. Paint or decorate it to your heart's desire and add a candle, glass votive or flameless candle. Fun for kids to paint, too! Here are some painted examples to spark your imagination. Here is one I spray painted with textured brown then sprayed a little black to give it the rustic flair. Paint it to go with your décor. This type of candle holder could be used in weddings, parties, and around the home. You can make it or purchase on the website here .