Creating personalised napkin rings

A few tips for creating napkin rings from reclaimed wood when you don’t have a wood lathe.

While searching the bottom of the wood pile, I found two very dry and heavy sections, indicating high-density wood. Approximately 6.5 to 7cm in diameter.

1. Carefully cut slices of wood 2 to 3cm thick (to be tested according to the strength of your wood).
2. Hold the wood in a vice or workbench, clamping it lightly to prevent it crushing when you drill.
3. Drill with a 3.5 or 4cm diameter hole bit.
4. Sand the corners by hand with 80 or 100 grit sandpaper to keep the authentic wood look.
5. Using a pointed soldering iron (or ideally a pyrography iron), after tracing them with a pencil, mark the circles with the names of your choice.
6. Protect your circles using one of the following methods:
   • Food-safe varnish
     • These varnishes are specially designed for use on surfaces that come into direct contact with food. They do not release toxic substances when dry.
     • Look for products marked EN 71-3 (toy safety) or certified for food contact.
   • Natural oils
     • Oils such as linseed oil, tung oil or abrasin oil (sometimes mixed with natural waxes) are a natural alternative. Once polymerised, they provide a hard-wearing finish and are safe for towels.
     • Make sure they are 100% pure and not mixed with chemical solvents.
   • Water-based varnishes
     • Opt for water-based varnishes labelled VOC-free (volatile organic compounds) and suitable for indirect contact with food.
     • They are generally odourless, easy to apply and environmentally friendly.
7. Leave to dry for 24 hours before use.