When I published the Summer Ideas Report, I had no idea what kind of response I would get. It seems that having a Luau is going to be a hot item this year. But before everyone wants to run out and buy Tiki torches for their backyard, I thought I would teach everyone how to make them.
First, you will need to get the right supplies. Now, as always if you are creative and inclined to do your own crafts then you can probably figure out your own design. But, this is going to be a simple design that looks great nonetheless.
Things You Need
- Bamboo Poles with at least a 3″ Diameter
- #1 Gauge Round Reed
- ½” or 1″ Rawhide Strips
- Sunjel Gel Fuel
- Knife
- Saw
Once you get your supplies, which you can easily find online if you just Google the items you need, go outside on your deck and kick off your shoes. This process is not going to be a grueling one. And if you get yourself a cup of coffee or a nice glass of tea, you’ll be done in no time and ready to show off your work.
The Bamboo Poles
You’ll need about a five foot length of Bamboo for each Tiki torch you want to make. So, if you buy ten foot length poles then you’ll be fine simply cutting them in half. Using your saw, make one foot cuts in one end of the pole so that you have at least six separate sections. This is where you’ll make your weave and the Sunjel Gel Fuel will sit.
#1 Gauge Round Reed
Close to the end of your cuts, tie a 4″ diameter of round reed. This will serve as a base for your weave and where your Sunjel Gel Fuel will sit. It’s better if you tie the reed on the inside of the six separate sections so that you have a stronger base. Cross two lengths of round reed through the bamboo sections and around your base reed so that it strengthens the base and there won’t be any slippage at all. Tie it off at the end with your tie on the inside of the torch area.
Tie another length of round reed just above the 4″ base tie. The opening will be approximately 8″ so that you can easily place your Sunjel Gel Fuel inside your torch. Place the reed once again on the inside of the torch. Again, cross two lengths of round reed through the bamboo sections and around the base reed.
The final tie of round reed will be at the top of the torch area. It will also be an 8″ diameter just like the tie at the bottom. Now you can see the torch area start to take form. The next thing to do is begin weaving your rawhide strips.
Rawhide Strips
Just above your bottom round reed rung, start weaving rawhide strips through the bamboo sections. As in weaving, alternate the rawhide strips with each strip you weave. That creates your design so that it really begins to look like a Tiki torch. It will take about eleven rawhide strips to complete your weave and then you are nearly done.
You can simply stick the torch in the ground about a foot and your torch will stand just fine. But, there are other designs you can create as well. I’ve seen the bottoms of the bamboo cut as well to create a four to six leg base that will help the torch stand. Of course, in that case you will want to begin making your torch with a longer length of bamboo.
As always, you can create any design you want. So, simply plan what you want and follow through. Diagonal designs are beautiful. Taller torches are just fine. Anything goes when you put your mind to the craft and make it happen.
If you’ve done everything right, you are ready to set your Sunjel Gel Fuel down in the torch and light it. Most Tiki torches you will buy have a metal insert with a unique top that has a wick. You don’t need that when you place a can of Sunjel Gel Fuel inside the torch. It’s a metal can that will burn safely. And if you place Citronella Sunjel in the torch, you can even keep the bugs away.
You’ll have a beautiful Tiki torch flame that you will love showing off because you made it yourself. Now, have a luau and invite all your friends. You’ll be the life of the party. And the Summer Ideas Report I wrote and give away as a gift to anyone who wants it will show you how to plan for the rest of the luau as well.
