Three-Tea-Light Candle Block Beginner Woodworking Plan

A minimalist hardwood block drilled for three standard tea-lights delivers clean lines, cozy glow, and a giftable price point. It’s beginner-friendly, fast to batch from offcuts, and ideal for holiday markets, boutiques, and online shops.

See all 38 projects to sell on craft shows and farm markets

Build Snapshot

• Build time: ~45 minutes (plus finish cure)
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Average selling price: €15–€25 (≈ $16–$28)
• Perfect for: Holiday shows, home décor, quick add-ons, gift sets
• Example blank: 50×50×300 mm (≈ 2×2×12″)
• Pocket size: Ø 38–40 mm × 10–12 mm deep (candles sit flush or 1–2 mm proud)

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Why This Project Sells

Universal style fit

Clean geometry and warm grain work in almost any room. Scandi loves the simple lines. Farmhouse loves the natural wood. Modern loves the minimal shape. Neutral species—oak, ash, maple, walnut—blend with most tables and shelves. Keep edges micro-chamfered so the block looks refined, not chunky. Use a low-sheen finish for a soft, cozy glow. Add felt pads so customers trust it on delicate furniture. Photograph it on linen with greenery to signal versatility. One design, many looks: holiday, everyday, gifts. Fewer returns, easier merchandising, and consistent sales across seasons and store styles.

Impulse-friendly price

Sub-€25 invites quick decisions. Shoppers see “small, beautiful, affordable” and add it without thinking. At shows, a lit sample pulls people in; the price closes the sale. Online, it boosts carts and helps reach free-shipping thresholds. Run “3 for €40” or “Buy 2, save €5” to lift AOV without hurting margin. Materials are cheap and build time is short, so promos still profit. Clear signage like “Great gift under €25” converts. Keep variants simple—three woods, one finish—to avoid decision fatigue while keeping the irresistible price point front-and-center.

Scrap-to-profit

Turn offcuts into premium décor. Short rips and end pieces become cash, not waste. Customers love the sustainability story: “Made from workshop offcuts.” Material cost drops to cents, but perceived value stays high. Choose pieces with interesting grain and color; tiny knots or streaks add charm. The design tolerates minor defects if bases stay flat and pockets are clean. You free up bin space, reduce disposal, and keep machines running on profitable work. It’s efficient, green, and repeatable—perfect for filling tables at markets and keeping your online inventory stocked between larger builds.

Batch friendly

Simple jigs make speed. Use a drill-press fence, flip stop, and depth stop for identical pockets. Drill all first holes, then middles, then thirds to build rhythm. Add a trim-router chamfer station for fast edges. Sand in groups—120, 180, 220—vacuum between grits. Wipe-on finishes dry quickly; stage racks so one batch cures while the next runs. Label story sticks for spacing so helpers can step in. Track timings to price with confidence. Expect 10 units/hour after setup, 20+ with practice. Predictable throughput makes wholesale feasible and holiday restocks stress-free.

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Final Dimensions & Layout

Block size (example)

A 50×50×300 mm (≈2×2×12″) blank reads balanced and stable, long enough for three pockets without feeling bulky. The 50×50 section drills cleanly and sits flat. Shorten to ~220 mm for compact sets or stretch to ~380 mm for a mantel piece while keeping proportions.

Tea-light pockets

Size pockets Ø 38–40 mm to fit standard tea-lights. Drill 10–12 mm deep so candles sit flush or 1–2 mm proud. Lightly chamfer rims to prevent foil snagging and chip-out. Test several candle brands—diameters vary—and set a depth stop for consistent flame height.

Edge margins

Leave at least 25–30 mm from each end to the first pocket center. Generous margins look intentional, reduce end-grain blowout, and protect against cracking. Visually, this “negative space” frames the glow and keeps the block from appearing crowded, especially on shorter lengths.

Center spacing formula (for 3 pockets)

Use S = (L − 2M) / 2 where L is length and M end margin. Mark centers at M, M + S, and M + 2S. A story stick speeds batching and ensures symmetry. Verify with a quick diagonal check so the middle center lands at L/2.

Safety under-pocket thickness

Maintain ≥15 mm of wood beneath each pocket to preserve strength and limit heat transfer to the surface below. If stock is thinner, laminate a base or reduce pocket depth. Confirm thickness with calipers across the blank; avoid low spots that could weaken the underside.

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Materials, Tools & Cut List

Hardwoods (walnut, ash, oak, maple)

Choose straight, kiln-dried stock with attractive grain; offcuts are perfect. Walnut photographs premium, oak feels rustic, maple reads modern, ash balances price and texture. Mill to 50×50×300 mm. Avoid checks/voids near pocket areas. Species choice supports tiered pricing and seasonal variation.

Candles (3× standard tea-lights Ø 38–40 mm)

Tea-light diameters vary by brand—measure first. Metal-cup, unscented candles burn cleaner for demos and photos. Target pockets that seat flush or 1–2 mm proud. Always include a safety note and recommend replacing cups before overheating. Test several samples to guarantee consistent fit.

Finish (heat-aware, non-toxic)

Hardwax oil or dewaxed shellac gives a natural, low-sheen glow without plasticky build. Wipe thin, keep pockets clean, and let coats cure fully before inserting candles. Mineral oil/wax offers a raw look but needs refreshing—communicate care. Avoid thick poly near heat to prevent imprinting.

Bottom protection (felt/cork pads or low rubber feet)

Pads protect furniture and kill micro-wobble. Align four pads evenly; test on glass for dead-flat stability. Use quality adhesive so pads don’t drift under heat. For a “floating” shadow gap, choose low rubber feet. Replace any pad that compresses unevenly during QC.

Tools (drill press, Forstner, chamfer, sanding, dust extraction)

A drill press with depth stop and Ø 38–40 mm Forstner bit ensures clean, repeatable pockets. Add a fence and flip stop for spacing, plus a backer board to prevent tear-out. Chamfer with a block plane or trim router. Sand 120→180→220; vacuum between grits; wear eye/ear/dust protection.

Cut list (per block)

1× hardwood blank 50×50×300 mm; 3× tea-lights; ~3–5 ml finish; 4× felt/cork pads. Label bins for each component to speed batching. Pre-cut multiple blanks from one board to maximize yield. Track counts per batch so materials, labor, and margins stay predictable.

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Step-By-Step Build

Step 1 — Mill & mark (5–10 min)

• Square to size: Joint and plane to 50×50×300 mm, checking for bow, cup, and twist. True faces make drilling accurate and prevent wobble. Shoot for crisp 90° edges and parallel sides so spacing reads even. Lightly break sharp arrises to avoid clamp dents.
• Mark centers: Strike a centerline on the top face. Use your chosen spacing (e.g., M and S) to mark three centers precisely. Verify symmetry from both ends. Dimple with an awl so the Forstner bit centers instantly and doesn’t skate when the drill first touches.
• Clamp-ready: Knock off razor edges with a pass of sandpaper or a tiny plane chamfer so clamps grip without bruising. Add painter’s tape where jaws contact. Keep the reference face up and mark grain direction to present the best surface toward the viewer.

Step 2 — Drill pockets (10–15 min)

• Setup: Install a 38–40 mm Forstner bit, set a 10–12 mm depth stop, and square the fence to the table. Add a backer board to prevent breakout and align a flip-stop for repeatable positions. Clamp securely; loose stock causes chatter and ragged rims.
• Technique: Use moderate speed and a steady, vertical feed. Peck drill—advance, lift to clear chips, then continue—to keep the bit cool and cutting cleanly. Listen for pitch buildup; pause and vacuum if needed. Stop exactly at depth to keep all cups visually identical.
• Fit & detail: Test a tea-light; if snug, ease the rim with 220-grit wrapped on a dowel. Add a tiny chamfer to each pocket to resist chipping when candles are swapped. Deburr fibers with a light hand-sand, keeping the pocket bottoms flat and uniform.

Step 3 — Edge profile & sanding (10–15 min)

• Profile: Add a micro-chamfer (≈0.5–1 mm) on long edges for a refined, minimalist reveal. Keep the chamfer consistent around corners. If routing, use light passes to avoid tear-out; if planing, skew the blade and take whisper-thin cuts with the grain.
• Sand: Progress 120→180→220, aligning scratches with the grain. Don’t round edges; support corners with a block. Hit end grain slightly longer to equalize sheen. Vacuum between grits so loose abrasive doesn’t re-scratch the surface you just refined.
• Preview: Wipe with mineral spirits to reveal swirl marks, torn grain, and glue smears before finishing. Circle flaws in pencil, then fix them while the surface is still raw. This quick check prevents “surprises” that only appear after the first finish coat.

Step 4 — Underside pads & finish (5–10 min active)

• Pads: Apply felt or cork dots on the underside corners to protect furniture and kill micro-wobble. If the block rocks, shim the short corner with a thicker pad. Confirm it sits dead flat on glass before packaging or photographing for your listing.
• Finish: Choose hardwax oil or dewaxed shellac for heat-aware protection and a natural feel. Wipe thin, avoid pooled finish inside pockets, and let coats cure fully before inserting candles. A light buff after curing gives a silky touch customers immediately notice.
• Packaging: Wrap in tissue, add a kraft belly band, barcode, and a safety/care card. Consider a small QR linking to your care page. Gift-ready presentation boosts perceived value, speeds checkout at markets, and reduces damage during transport and storage.

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Batch-Production Jigs (Turn 1 Into 20)

• Fence + flip stop: One stop for first/third centers; mark the middle on a story stick; lock depth once.
• Pocket sequence: Drill all 1st holes → all middle → all 3rd for rhythm and consistency.
• Chamfer station: Trim router table with a small chamfer bit for faster, even edges.
• Sanding stack: Pre-tear 120/180/220; keep a foam block for pocket rims.
• Throughput target: 10 units/hour after setup; 20+/hour with practice.

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Sanding & Finishing Schedules

Natural-matte (hardwax oil)

• Sand to 180–220: Sanding to 180–220 smooths tool marks while keeping pores open for oil penetration. Stop at 180 for open-grain woods like oak; go to 220 for tight-grain maple. Vacuum between grits to prevent stray abrasive from scratching during finish application.
• Wipe thin coat, cure per label: Flood lightly, then wipe back to a thin, even film with lint-free cloth. Work end grain last to avoid blotches. Keep room-temperature curing, dust off, and cover. Respect labeled cure times to prevent imprints from warm tea-light cups.
• Buff lightly: After full cure, burnish with a clean cotton cloth or gray pad to raise a soft satin. Buffing levels minor nibs and deepens sheen without plastic gloss. Avoid wax buildup in pockets so candles seat flat and heat can dissipate.

Warm satin (wipe-on oil/poly)

• Sand to 220: Sanding to 220 creates a uniform scratch pattern that blends under wipe-on films. Maple and walnut benefit from consistent 220 to avoid telegraphing. Remove dust with a tack cloth; debris shows as nibs under thin coats and forces rework.
• Thin coat, dry, denib 320: Apply a thin, even pass with a folded shop towel. Let it flash and dry fully; rushing traps solvent. Denib with 320 grit or a gray pad to knock down dust bumps and marks, then wipe clean before recoating for a silky surface.
• Second thin coat (optional third): Build protection with a second thin coat to level sheen and improve fingerprint resistance. Add a third only if you need more even gloss. Keep coats thin near pocket rims to prevent pooling, soft edges, and heat-print marks.

Raw look (mineral oil/wax)

• Deep matte, periodic refreshing: Mineral oil and wax give a natural, low-sheen feel that customers love, but it’s not permanent—explain occasional refreshing with board butter. Avoid over-oiling pockets so candles seat properly and don’t collect dust or wick excess heat.

Avoid

• Thick glossy films near heat: High-build polyurethane or heavy varnish can soften from candle warmth and telegraph cup outlines. They also look plasticky on minimalist pieces. Prefer thin, heat-aware finishes; if using film, keep it thin, fully cured, and out of pocket interiors.

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Personalization, Branding & Upsells

Personalization, Branding & Upsells

• Branding (logo stamp or laser underside): Subtle underside branding builds trust and repeat recognition without cluttering the minimalist look. Use a woodburn stamp for rustic character or a laser for crisp detail. Keep marks small, centered, and consistent. Add a tiny QR linking to care/instructions for post-purchase engagement.
• Engraved message/date (side face or underside): Offer initials, dates, or short messages as a paid add-on. Keep fonts clean and shallow so sanding and finishing stay quick. Predefine character limits and placement mockups to avoid revisions. Personalized gifts command higher prices and reduce comparison shopping on marketplaces.

Seasonal palette

• Whitewashed ash (winter): Light, airy tones pair with holiday tables and Scandinavian décor. A thin whitewash softens grain while keeping texture visible. Style shoots with candles, linen, and evergreen sprigs. Label it “Winter Edition” to justify small seasonal price bumps and encourage limited-run urgency.
• Oiled walnut (year-round): Rich brown reads premium in photos and in person, making it your dependable best-seller. Hardwax oil deepens grain without gloss. Pair with neutral props for listings you can reuse across seasons. Keep walnut in stock for wholesale; it anchors the line and stabilizes revenue.
• Maple with pastel rim accents (spring): Mask a 2–3 mm ring and add soft pastel paint to pocket rims for a cheerful refresh. The accent photographs well and signals “new” without changing tooling. Offer three colorways to limit complexity yet invite collecting. Ideal for Mother’s Day bundles and gift guides.
• Oak + eucalyptus styling (autumn): Warm oak with a matte oil delivers cozy fall vibes. Shoot with eucalyptus, pumpkins, or amber glass for seasonal thumbnails that stop scrolls. Promote limited “Autumn Set” copy. Maintain the same jig and finish schedule—only your styling changes, so production stays efficient.

Bundles

• Pillar holders + candle block set (€35–€55): Group complementary pieces to raise perceived value and average order value. Photograph them together on a runner to sell the scene, not just products. Offer a bundle-only care card and small discount to nudge shoppers upward without undercutting individual item pricing.
• Coaster set cross-sell (gift-ready): Pair the candle block with a 4-pack of coasters, tied in kraft ribbon with a single hang tag. One photo, one barcode, one decision—perfect for markets. Price the duo to end in .90 or .95 for retail psychology, and keep packaging consistent for a cohesive brand feel.

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Quality Checks, Safety & Common Mistakes

Quality checks

• Depth consistent (flush ±1 mm)
  Uniform pocket depth looks professional and keeps flames at the same height for even glow. Set a drill-press depth stop, test on scrap, and verify with calipers. Re-zero between batches. If one pocket is shallow, ease it carefully—don’t force the tea-light.
• Smooth pocket rims
  Crisp, splinter-free rims prevent foil cups from snagging and make candle swaps feel premium. Use a sharp Forstner, peck-drill to clear chips, then add a tiny chamfer. Hand-sand fibers with 220-grit wrapped on a dowel. Avoid sanding troughs; keep rims perfectly round.
• Even chamfers & clean edges
  A consistent micro-chamfer (≈0.5–1 mm) reads refined, not bulky. Route or plane in light passes with the grain, then denib. Check corners for symmetry and scratch lines under raking light. Small inconsistencies photograph larger than life—fix them before finishing.
• Dead-flat base; pads aligned
  A level base signals quality and prevents wobble near open flame. Test on glass; if it rocks, identify the short corner and shim with a thicker felt pad. Space pads evenly, press firmly, and recheck. Misaligned pads look sloppy and can telegraph through photos.
• No finish inside pockets
  Pooling finish softens under heat, traps dust, and can print cup outlines. Mask pockets or wipe them clean immediately after application. After cure, buff lightly and confirm tea-lights seat flat. Customers should see clean wood, not gummy buildup or glossy puddles.

Common mistakes

• Wrong bore size (verify Ø 38–40 mm)
  Tea-lights vary. Measure a handful from your supplier before drilling the batch. If snug, ease the rim—not the bottom—with 220-grit. A too-large bore looks sloppy; too small feels unsafe. Keep a labeled story stick for the exact spacing and bit you use.
• Too shallow pockets (target 10–12 mm)
  Shallow recesses look tippy and undermine trust. Set the depth stop so candles sit flush or 1–2 mm proud. Confirm ≥15 mm wood remains beneath. If you overshoot depth on one, match the others for visual consistency, or relegate the piece to personal use.
• Scorched or torn rims
  Burn marks and tear-out scream rushed drilling. Increase rpm slightly, reduce feed, peck to clear chips, and use a clean backer board. Remove pitch from the bit between batches. Lightly sand scorch—but don’t over-widen the pocket or flatten the rim’s chamfer.
• High-gloss films near heat
  Thick polyurethane can soften and imprint from warm cups, plus it looks plasticky on minimalist pieces. Prefer hardwax oil, dewaxed shellac, or very thin wipe-on coats. Let finishes fully cure before inserting candles. Keep films out of pockets altogether.

Customer safety (card copy)

• Never leave candles unattended
  Open flames demand supervision. Advise customers to extinguish before leaving the room or going to sleep. Supervised display at markets also models safe behavior and reduces liability while still showcasing that cozy, sales-driving glow.
• Keep away from drafts & flammables
  Drafts make flames dance, drip wax, and overheat rims. Place well clear of curtains, paper décor, dry foliage, and holiday centerpieces. Stable air equals cleaner burn, better photos, and fewer customer complaints about smoke or uneven melting.
• Use on a heat-safe, level surface
  Protect furniture and prevent tipping by placing the block on stone, tile, metal trays, or finished tables with felt pads intact. Level surfaces look better in photos and keep flames vertical for an even, elegant glow throughout the burn.
• Allow cups to cool before handling
  Aluminum sleeves get hot quickly. Recommend waiting several minutes after extinguishing before moving or replacing candles. Remind customers to lift by the metal cup, not the flame, and never relocate a lit candle—spills and burns happen fast.
• Clean & refresh finish
  Wipe dust with a dry cloth; never soak. If wax drips, let it harden, then lift gently with a plastic scraper. Refresh oil or wax when the surface looks dull. Replace spent tea-lights promptly so overheated empty cups don’t scorch the pocket rims.

Pricing, Profit & Simple Calculator

• Target retail (MSRP): Position at €15–€25 to hit the “giftable” sweet spot. Use €19.90/€24.90 endings for psychological lift. Walnut or engraved pieces justify the upper tier; maple/oak hold the middle. Keep one hero price for booths to reduce decision friction.
• Wholesale anchor: Quote 40–50% of MSRP (e.g., €10–€12 on €20–€24.90). Set simple terms: MOQ 20–50 units, case packs, prepaid or N/30. Share MAP to protect partners. Include a sample trio for faster approvals and fewer back-and-forth emails.
• Unit costs to track: Materials (€0.50–€1.50 offcuts), finish/consumables (€0.40–€0.90), packaging (€0.30–€0.60). Aim for €1.20–€3.00 total material. Keep a bill-of-materials sheet per batch so rising costs trigger price checks before margins quietly erode.
• Labor & throughput: After jigging, target 6–10 minutes per unit. Value shop time at €25–€35/hour to price consistently. Predictable rhythm (drill → chamfer → sand → finish) lets helpers slot in without training overhead, stabilizing lead times during holidays.
• Profit snapshot @ €20: Revenue €20; materials ~€2; labor ~€4 (8 min at €30/h) → gross after labor ≈ €14 before overhead/fees. At €24.90 retail, the same build returns ≈ €18.90. Track booth fees and card fees separately to keep true net visible.
• Bundles & promos: “3 for €40” or “Buy 2, save €5” reliably raises AOV while keeping per-unit margin healthy. Announce limited seasonal runs to avoid permanent discounts. Use bundle-only barcodes to prevent accidental single-item markdowns at checkout.
• Shipping & platform fees: For ecommerce, pack flat with pads and a safety card; keep weight low to fit economical tiers. Bake marketplace fees (8–15%), labels, and dunnage into pricing. Offer threshold shipping (e.g., €49+) so candle blocks tip carts over the line.
• Simple calculator (copy-paste): Net = Price − (Materials + LaborRate × Minutes/60) − Fees.
  Example: €22 − (€2.20 + €30 × 0.133) − €1.10 ≈ €22 − (€2.20 + €4.00) − €1.10 = €14.70 net before overhead. Use this per batch to confirm margins stay within target.

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Wholesale to Boutiques & Gift Shops (Playbook)

Tiers

Offer three levels: Plain (no mark), Branded underside (logo stamp/laser), Branded + seasonal finish (whitewash/pastel rims). Clear differentiation signals value and upsells without changing tooling. Publish a mini line sheet with photos and per-tier pricing so buyers can mix SKUs while keeping ordering simple.

Pricing

Anchor MSRP around €20 and quote wholesale at €10–€12 to preserve margins. Add €1–€3 for branding or seasonal accents. State minimum advertised price to protect retail partners. Offer case discounts at 100+ units, but keep terms simple (prepaid or N/30) to streamline cash flow.

MOQ & lead

Set MOQ at 20–50 units so orders are meaningful but approachable. Promise a 1–2 week lead during normal seasons; publish cutoff dates for holidays. Include a three-species sample set or swatches with the first order to accelerate decisions and reduce back-and-forth.

Display

Provide a small tent card with safety/care copy and a branded kraft sleeve so units are gift-ready. Recommend lighting one (supervised) in-store to showcase the warm glow. Offer a printable shelf talker and barcodes to speed receiving and keep merchandising consistent across locations.

Reorders

Make reorders frictionless: keep SKUs stable, pack in case multiples, and include a one-page line sheet with each shipment. Propose seasonal wood options and bundle sets in your follow-ups. Offer forecasting help based on sell-through so stores order earlier and you schedule batches efficiently.

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Listing Copy, Photos & Etsy SEO

Product title (≤140 chars)

Front-load your main keyword (“three tea light candle holder”), then add material (walnut/oak/maple), use a clean separator (— or |), and finish with purpose (“minimalist centerpiece,” “gift-ready”). Aim for 120–140 characters, readable and non-spammy. One powerful, scannable title beats keyword stuffing every time.

Five highlights

Solid hardwood (walnut/oak/maple). Explain species options and why they matter: grain character, color, and perceived value. Promise hand-smoothed edges and consistent sizing. This builds trust quickly and justifies your price tier without overwhelming shoppers with technical jargon.

Fits standard tea-lights Ø 38–40 mm; chamfered rims. Reassure compatibility and ease of swapping. Mention flush or slightly proud seating and the tiny chamfer that prevents foil snagging. Small usability details communicate quality and reduce post-purchase questions and returns.

Heat-aware, low-sheen finish. Call out hardwax oil or dewaxed shellac for natural feel and cozy glow—no plasticky shine. Add a short safety note (“never leave candles unattended”). The finish line sells the look while addressing buyer concerns about heat and care.

Furniture-safe felt/cork pads. Emphasize scratch protection and wobble-free placement. Mention that pads are aligned and press-set, not loosely stuck. This tiny assurance reduces hesitation on premium tables and makes your listing feel complete and thoughtful.

Gift-ready wrap + safety card. Packaging is a conversion lever: tissue, kraft sleeve, barcode, and a printed care/safety insert. Buyers imagine gifting immediately—perfect for holidays. It also photographs well, boosting clicks from search and Pinterest.

Thirteen tags

Use all 13 with a mix of head terms and long-tail phrases. Include materials, style words (minimalist, rustic), and buyer intents (gift under 25). Rotate synonyms over time to A/B test rank. Suggested set: three tea light candle holder, wooden candle block, minimalist centerpiece, hygge decor, farmhouse table decor, handmade gift under 25, tea light holder wood, triple tea light, rustic candle bar, walnut candle holder, maple home decor, oak centerpiece, cozy lighting.

Photos to shoot

Hero 45° (candles lit). Warm white balance, side light, and a reflector for soft shadows. This image sells the mood and should be your first thumbnail—clean, inviting, and scroll-stopping.

Top-down layout. Show pocket spacing and perfect alignment. Buyers scan for precision; this shot proves your jigging and consistency—key for wholesale and meticulous shoppers.

Macro grain + chamfer. Close on the rim and edge profile. Let viewers see the silky finish and crisp chamfer; texture sells craftsmanship better than adjectives.

Underside pads/branding. Flip it to reveal felt/cork pads and discreet logo/laser mark. This conveys professionalism, reduces return anxiety, and supports higher pricing.

Lifestyle (linen + greenery). Stage on a neutral runner with a sprig of eucalyptus. Seasonal props optional. Keep backgrounds uncluttered; the block stays the hero.

Species lineup. Walnut, oak, maple side-by-side under identical light. Helps shoppers choose variants and justifies a higher price for premium species.

Packaged gift-ready. Tissue, kraft sleeve, safety card visible. This answers “Is it a gift?” instantly and improves conversion around holidays and last-minute shopping.

Alt-text ideas

“Wooden three tea light candle holder with warm glow.” Clear, descriptive, keyword-aligned, and helpful for screen readers. Avoid stuffing—describe exactly what’s visible and the atmosphere.

“Minimalist hardwood candle block with chamfered rims.” Mentions material and defining feature. Great for macro shots that highlight craftsmanship and finish quality.

“Walnut triple tea-light centerpiece on linen runner.” Adds species and context (styling), improving image search relevance for décor queries while remaining accessible and concise.

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Variations & Upgrades

Lengths: 220 / 300 / 380 mm (staggered set)

Staggered lengths create visual rhythm and a premium centerpiece look while using the same jig and drill settings. Rip once, crosscut to 220/300/380 mm, then batch drill. Photograph the trio together and price as a set; bundles reliably lift average order value.

Rim accents: painted rims (spring), whitewash (winter)

Mask a 2–3 mm ring and add pastel rims for spring, or a thin whitewash for winter. Use heat-tolerant paints, keep coats thin, and avoid pocket interiors. Two or three colorways keep SKUs simple while giving fresh photos and a small premium.

Mixed-wood set: walnut + maple contrast

Combine walnut and maple for striking contrast that photographs well and communicates craftsmanship. Alternate species across a mantel shot and offer mixed sets alongside single-species listings. Mixed bundles use offcuts efficiently, justify higher pricing, and encourage collecting without adding new tooling or complicated production steps.

Engraving: initials/date or pattern line (laser/CNC)

Offer initials, dates, or a simple line pattern as a paid add-on. Standardize font, size, and placement to avoid revisions. Engrave before final finish, dust carefully, and seal lightly. Personalization adds 20–40% margin and reduces comparison shopping on marketplaces.

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Booth & Photo Staging (What Gets Clicks)

• Stage with candles lit (supervised) and a linen runner + greenery.
• Shoot a hand-in-frame for scale and cozy vibe.
• Light at 20–30° side angle for soft highlights; keep the background clean wood.

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Sales Copy You Can Use

• “A minimalist hardwood candle block that warms any table. Three standard tea-lights sit in chamfered pockets for an elegant glow. Gift-ready packaging included.”

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FAQs

Download Free Tea Candle Holder Templates:

Best wishes,

Alexander.

@ Wood Projects To Sell On Fairs