 At a flea market Al Collier found an easy-to-make, wind proof candle holder. The basic design calls for a 6 inch (15 cm) square base with sides 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The top, bottom and corners are made from wood, the sides are glass.
Cut a circle from the top for oxygen to enter and also to light the candle.
Screw to the top, a small piece of metal, bent like a lazy, stretched out "S". The bottom part of the "S" is screwed into the top and arches up over the hole where the oxygen enters.
Using a screw to fasten this piece of metal allows it to swivel to the side when lighting the candle. It can then swivel back over the hole to protect flame from wind and rain when used outside.
Inside, diagonally place a piece of wood
approximately 1/2" x 1/2" x 5-1/2" (1.27 x 1.27 x 14 cm) long with a candle holder attached. Drill a small hole in the end of the wood piece with candle holder to hold either a 1/8" or 1/4" diameter 13" (33 cm) long dowel. Drill the same size small hole in the top wide enough to slide the dowel up and down. The dowel, when fully lowered, should extend out of the top by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). To light the candle, raise the dowel and bring the candle to the top.
Of the four glass sides, three should be stationary and one side will need to slide out from a slot in the top piece. To replace the candle, slide out this glass piece.
Attach a small chain to carry the candle or to hang it from a tree or hook.
This holder is wind proof in most circumstances. Al intends making some of these candle holders himself though claims he is not skilled in woodworking. He will alter these plans by replacing at least two of the glass sides with mirror tile. He is also considering using Plexiglas in place of regular glass for safety and durability.
Photos courtesy of Al Collier, Beebe, Arkansas.
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