How to Make a Napkin Holder

Keep your napkins in place with this decorative napkin holder. This project is easily made using Proxxon tools, and is a great beginner project.

Supplies and Equipment for the Napkin Holder

• 8½" x 10" piece ½" Baltic birch plywood
• 10" x 2½" piece ¼" Baltic birch plywood
• Two 5" lengths ¼" dowel rod
• Napkin Holder Template
• Wood adhesive
• FolkArt Outdoor Acrylic Paint
• Mod Podge
• Decorative paper napkins
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon MICRO Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115

Instructions for Making the Napkin Holder

1. Cut base from the ½" Baltic birch to size following template measurements using the table saw.
   
2. Use a quarter to mark the rounded corners of the base.
   
3. Sand the rounded corners using the disc sander.
   
4. Mount the template for the napkin holder bar on the ¼" Baltic birch. Spray the reverse side of the template with spray adhesive. Cover the wood with painter's tape, then mount the pattern. The painter's tape makes it easy to remove the pattern without leaving any sticky residue.
5. Use the bandsaw to cut the bar.
   
6. Mark the positions for the holes in the base and the bar. Drill ¼" holes in the base for the dowel rods.
   
7. Drill ½" holes in the napkin holder bar to allow it to easily slide onto the dowels.
   
8. Cut the two 5" lengths of ¼" dowel on the bandsaw.
   
9. Sand the surfaces with the Delta sander, using progressively finer grits of sandpaper.
   
10. Glue the dowels into the base and allow to dry thoroughly.
    
11. Paint the base with acrylic paint. 
    
12. Use Mod Podge to napkin collage the napkin holder bar. (This video demonstrates napkin collage.)
    

Enjoy your decorative napkin holder!!

Carole

How to Make an Easter Napkin Holder

This clever Easter napkin holder is sure to be a hit with youngsters and oldsters alike. It adds the finishing touch on your dining table.

Supplies and Equipment to Make the Easter Napkin Holder

• ¼" piece of wood or MDF
• Pattern
• Napkin for collaging
• Mod Podge from Plaid Enterprises
• Proxxon Micro Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E
• Proxxon Profession Rotary Tool and Drill Stand MB 200

Instructions for Making the Easter Napkin Holder

1. Select a pattern for your napkin holder. There are four different Easter-themed patterns included. I've selected the rabbit for this project.
   
2. Using the band saw, cut your wood or MDF to size according to the pattern you select. 
3. Adhere your pattern to the substrate using painter's tape and adhesive spray. Cover the substrate with painter's tape. Lightly spray the reverse side of the pattern with adhesive, and mount onto the covered substrate. The adhesive spray holds the pattern in place, and the painter's tape makes removal easy.
   
4. Using the professional rotary tool and drill stand, drill a pilot hole for interior cuts. Make sure that the pilot hole is large enough to accommodate the scroll saw blade.
   
5. Cut out the piece using the scroll saw.
   
6. Sand any rough edges with the Delta sander.
   
7. Gently insert a strong floral pin into the napkin holder to facilitate painting and drying.
   
8. Coat the napkin holder with a layer of white gesso. 
   
9. Hang to dry.
   
10. When the gesso is thoroughly dry, decorate your napkin holder. I chose to napkin collage mine using matte Mod Podge. Alternatively, you could paint the napkin holder adding embellishments of your choice—be creative!!
    
11. Enjoy your Easter napkin holder.
    

Carole