How to Make a Trio of Vases

 This small trio of vases is perfect for displaying those tiny sprigs and blossoms that get lost in a larger arrangement. 

Supplies and Equipment for the Trio of Vases:

• ¾" hardwood blank
• 18 gauge wire
• Craft bottles or test tubes
• Wood glue
• Wood oil
• Clamps
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Disc Sander TG 125/E
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E
• Proxxon MICRO Mill MF 70
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115

Instructions:

1. Determine the size of the wood blank that you will need. This will vary depending on the size and number of your bottles.
2. Use the table saw to cut two blanks the same size.
   
   
   
3. Measure and mark one of the blanks to indicate the positions of the bottles spaced horizontally on the blank.
   
   
   
4. To determine the vertical placement of the bottles begin by measuring the height of the bottle.
   
   
   
5. Next, measure the height of your blank. Subtract the height of the bottle from the height of the blank, and divide by two. This number is the top and bottom margin.
   
   
   
6. Measure the width of the bottle neck (where you will attach it to the blank with wire). 
7. Transfer these measurements to the blank.
   
   
   
8. Using the bench drill press, set the adjustable fence, and drill holes for the wire.
   
   
   
9. Decide which side of this blank will be front-facing. Using the holes you drilled for the wire as guides, mill a groove on the back side of the blank between the holes. 
   
   
   
10. This groove will hide the wire ends used to secure the bottles.
    
    
    
11. Sand all surfaces of both blanks.
12. To attach the bottles to the blank, center the neck of the bottle on a length of 18 gauge wire. The length of your wire will depend on the size of your bottles.
    
    
    
13. Thread the wire ends through a set of holes.
    
    
    
14. Twist the wire ends to secure the bottle to the front of the blank.
    
    
    
15. Fold the twisted wire ends into the milled groove, trimming to fit if necessary.
    
    
    
16. Spread a thin layer of wood glue on one of the blanks.
    
    
    
17. Fit the two pieces together and clamp. Wipe away all traces of glue that seep out when the pieces are clamped. Let dry.
    
    
    
18. Finish as desired. I treated mine with wood oil.
    
    
    

Carole