Bits of wood and metal

What better way to say "I love you" than making her something from bits of wood, metal, and some jars lying around the garage? Rachel showed me something similar online which had three small jars attached to a painted plank via hose clamps. The jars had flowers in them. I figured my hourly rate would be enough of a present, so I would try to use things I had lying around in the garage. I know, How Romantic!

I started by cutting up an old coffee table.

I used my plane to Chamfer the edges.

Remind me to sharpen my plane first next time.

I didn't have any hose clamps, so I used the wire from some Miss Utilities flags I had saved (I knew they would be good for something..) I think the thin, dark (i.e., slightly rusty) wire looks better than the 1/4" thick, raw metal of a pipe clamp.

I bent them about 3/4 of the way around the jars since I figured the would spring back, and then straitened the ends out so they would poke through the small holes I drilled in the plank. They didn't have to be perfectly shaped since they are springy enough to take the shape of the jars while they are under tension. Since the wood looked pretty darn good natural, I decided not to paint it.

I used candle jars we used at our wedding rehearsal dinner. They slide right in. The jars already had the colored ribbons, so I alternated. We can always take the candles out and put plants in .... maybe a mini, kitchen-wall-mounted herb garden.

Another finished product picture (blurry cell phone picture).

I think this took about three hours total, with a Design+Build style of starting work before you know how you will finish it.