Tall Candlesticks

three Newell posts (4', 5', 6')
miter box
6 decorative round boards (available at craft stores)
exterior-grade wood glue
drill with spade bits
2" drywall screws
washers
5" candles
3 glass hurricanes
hole saw
finish nails
spackling compound
hammer
220-grit sandpaper
exterior primer
exterior latex paint (base coat Virtual Taupe SW7039, top coat Believable Buff SW6120)

Steps:

1. Remove the finial from the Newell posts with a miter box if necessary.
2. For the base of each post, widen the existing hole on the bottom of each round with a spade bit so the screw and washer will be flush with the bottom of the base. Apply a bead of wood glue to the bottom of the post, and then drive a drywall screw with a washer through the pilot hole on the base up into the post.
3. On the other end of the post where the candle will be placed, use a 3/4-inch spade bit to create a hole that will accept the bottom of a candle. Place a piece of tape on the spade bit to give a depth indicator for the hole (about one inch).
4. Cut a hole the width of the diameter of the hurricane glass (three inches) in another decorative round. Use a three-inch hole saw attached to an electric drill to cut the hole out and put a scrap board under the round to protect the work surface. Secure the piece to the top of the post using wood glue and four finish nails.
5. Fill the nail holes with spackling compound and let dry.
6. Sand the entire surface and remove dust. Prime and paint as desired.