Hi, everyone! Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. I use DecoArt Staining and Antiquing Medium and regular (DecoArt) acrylic paints to stain the portions of the candle trays that are colored. I give full instructions in the patterns.
The Staining Medium is available at Michael's or Hobby Lobby or anywhere DecoArt paints are sold. I love it for projects like this because it is only about $2 a 2 oz bottle and it is easy to use. You mix it about 1:1 with any acrylic paints and it give a nice sheer stain that allows the grain to show through. You can adjust the amount of paint you use to your own taste, as it will change the transparency of it. It has no odor and dries very quickly.
I also like it because there are so many nice acrylic colors available and it isn't like investing in a $12 can of stain where you need just a few drops. The acrylics go on sale from time to time for about $1 each.
It has opened a whole new avenue of coloring wood for me. You should give it a try.
Sheila
