What you will need:

*Candle
*Set of shutters (4 panels)about 12 inches tall
*Semigloss paint
*Square piece of wood 1/4 inch thick cut to fit the dimensions of the shutters when arranged in a square.
*Hinges - if you like a sleek modern look, use european style which are hidden inside/behind the shutters when displayed.
*Small screws for hinges
*Small Brackets (at least two)
*Small nails
*Felt or "feet" for the bottom of the 1/4 square of wood
*Hook and Eye set.

1. Paint the wood bottom and shutters to match decor and let dry

2. Attach feet or felt to the bottom piece of wood. Which you use is best determined by how you wish to attach the shutters. If attaching the shutters to the top of the wood it will look nice to have feet, if you are not attaching it to them, the felt would work better. If attaching the shutters around the outside of the square it does not matter much which you use.

3. Attach the shutters together with hinges and brackets to make a square with three connected sides and one which opens outward. You can choose to use hinges on all shutters or brackets for two. Obviously the bracketted version will not collapse for storage whereas the hinged version can be folded or laid straight.

4. If desired you can attach it to the base with either hinges (which would allow collapse if you only attach one side), brackets (three sides) or small nails (on three sides). I personally prefer to just use the small nails. You can attach the shutters to the top of the base or wrap them around the sides. My preference is to wrap them around the sides.

5. Attach the hook and eye piece to the outside of the "door" that swings open.

6. Put candle inside and enjoy! Make sure there is enough clearance so the candle holder does not run the risk of catching fire and do not leave unattended.

* * * * * * Alternatives * * * * * *

You can use larger shutters (tall window type) and use it to house either an unshaded lamp or an uplight, depending on the look you are going for. Make sure to leave a few inches on all sides for the lamp to fit so the bulb does not overheat the shutters.

If the unit is assembled with brackets and the hinged area is omitted, these can be used as wall sconce shades. The simplest way is to make sure the finished side of the wooden bottom shows and the three sides are attached securely. Flip the unit upside down and hang it over a nail which has been centered over the light source.

You can add rice papers or lace or other opaque material to filter the light even more (make sure the shutters are open so it can be viewed). Just remember to attach these with nonflammable means such as a nail or staple gun and that your candle or light cannot come into contact with them.

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