Woodland Kinara

The perfect centerpiece for your dining room table, our woodland kinara will make the true meaning of Kwanzaa the focus of the holiday.

What You’ll Need:

  • Log of cedar (or another soft wood; you can also use firewood); log should be about 18 inches long
  • Chain or band saw
  • Pencil and ruler
  • Drill and ¾-inch wood boring bit
  • 7 candles: 3 red, 3 green, 1 black
  • Spray-on wood finish (whatever color you prefer)
  • High-gloss polyurethane (for the topcoat), optional
  • Pencil or felt-tip marker

Cut 18-inch log in half lengthwise (you can also have your local lumber store or home center cut the log for you). Place the half log on its flat surface; this will be the base of the kinara. Using a marker, mark the center of the log’s top. Mark off 3 spaces to the left 1-1 ½ inches apart and three spaces to the right, also 1-1/2 inches apart. Drill holes where you’ve marked. Drill the holes deep enough for the candles to fit securely (about ¾ to 1-1/2 inches deep).

Spray the kinara with wood finish to give it a nice sheen and dark color. Let dry. Add topcoat if desired. Let dry thoroughly.

Insert candles, placing the black candle into the center hole; flank with three red candles to the left of the black candle and place three green candles to the right of the black candle.

Source: www.bhg.com