Study funds on a roll with wine barrels

Hawke's Bay wineries are proving to be a great resource for one young Havelock North entrepreneur.

For the past 2years Tom Arnold, 17, has been breaking down used wine barrels to build and sell his own range of small tables, bottle holders, door stops, coat racks, and candle holders.

He hopes to use the proceeds to fund his 2013 university studies - a five-year architecture course at Victoria University in Wellington.

Asked what it is about architecture that appeals, he is unsure.

"I'm not sure exactly, I just like designing things, I've always liked it," he said.

The tables, his very first creation before branching out into his smaller pieces, take around three days "from start to finish", and during the next few weeks he will create as much stock as possible.

"I've got 18 days before I have to be back for school so the last three days I'll try and make as much stuff as possible."

It has only been two days since his final math exam, and as a result he has been racing to put some pieces together in time for Saturday's craft fair.

The process involves taking the rings off the barrels, removing nails by "bashing them with a sledgehammer", soaking the wood pieces in water then straightening and shaving them.

As many pieces of the barrels are utilised as possible, with spare plank ends cut off and used for the coat racks.

The pieces are also strengthened, sanded and varnished.

But Mr Arnold's business streak does not stop with design. He also managed to exchange a drop saw for a wine barrel "with a guy down the road".

He has recently been trying to get his own brand stamp.

As well as working at the Havelock North Art and Craft Market, he sells on Trade Me, felt.co.nz, and his own personal website.