Old Made New: Taper to Pillar Candlesticks

Last fall, I posted about spray painting my shiny brass candlesticks. Remember those "home decor parties" people used to have? That's how long I've had these candlesticks! I've always liked them but the shiny brass didn't fit our decor so I spray painted them oil-rubbed bronze.

I was very happy with how they turned out, but spray paint alone did not solve the problem. I also wanted to change the candlesticks to work with pillar instead of taper candles. I quickly found out, however, that this was no easy fix. I couldn't find a product that would easily pop into the tops of the candlesticks to give them a wider platform. It seems to me that something like that should exist but if it does, I sure haven't found it!

So I've been pondering how I could convert these candlesticks to something more usable. I envisioned a flat piece of metal that I could glue to the tops of the candlesticks, similar to a coaster. I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for, but I WAS sure I would know it when I saw it!

Last week, I was checking out the treasures at my local thrift shop and happened upon three metal candle "plates", just a little bit larger than a coaster -- and for 99 cents each! They were PERFECT for my three candlesticks! I brought them home, removed the pads on the bottoms, and gave them a coat of spray paint to match the candlesticks.

You can see how nicely the plate fits the candlestick! I was practically jumping up and down with excitement!

Spouse took an interest in my project (yay!) and offered to do the gluing. He applied a very strong industrial-type glue to the top of the candlesticks and set the plates in place. After letting them dry overnight, he gave the completed candlesticks another coat of spray paint. 

The "new" candlesticks look amazing! Now I'm off to buy pillar candles so I can put them to use! :)
jp

Even More Spray Paint Fun

Well, it's only taken me a full year, but I finally spray painted this little copy stand. I found it at the Indiana University Surplus Store last fall, along with a few other treasures.

 Now it's a happy shade of lime green, perfect for my craft room!

VERY slowly but surely I'm getting a few things done! :)

jp

Thrift Store Find

Last year about this time, I became sort of obsessed with glass domes. I already owned a domed cheese plate, which fit perfectly on this round of wood from Hobby Lobby. It was perfect for my woodland creatures from Germany.

 

 I kept my eye out for smaller domes at thrift stores all season long but found nothing of interest...until this past week, that is! On one of my quick thrift store stops, I ran across these two mini domes which fit perfectly on a small saucer or plank of wood. At 99 cents each, this was a SCORE! 

I already know what I want to put under the domes...now to make it happen before the snow flies!

jp

Recent Cheap Finds

 I love a good cheap find! It's what leads me to drive around our neighborhood on clean-up day in search of a treasure. It's what compels me to stop at thrift stores "just in case", when I really should be getting rid of stuff. You just never know when you might find something wonderful!

Back in August, Bailey and I hit several thrift stores in Bloomington looking for a few items for her apartment. I was only too happy to accompany her on this trip, and look what I found -- an awesome 70's decanter! I bought it with the intent to use it on our bar cart, but it may end up functioning more like a vase. You can't go wrong for $3!

I recently stopped by a local thrift store looking for small shelves for my case at the antique store. I found the shelves AND these cool 70's salt and pepper shakers! We had a set with silver lids when I was growing up (in fact, I think I sold them at our auction...) but the green lids are much cooler. And at 50 cents, who could pass them up? 

 

 On our recent trip to Bloomington, I coerced Spouse into stopping again at the IU Surplus Store. It's a real treat to go there as they have furniture, fixtures, and a lot of odds and ends from various buildings around campus. I'm on the lookout for library stuff but this time came home with a pile of office treasures -- all for $1.25!

I will spray paint this old copy stand and use it with magnets or clips in my craft room. 

This old wooden tray (check out the cool dovetail corners!) cleaned up perfectly. It even has felt on the bottom.

I cut a piece of paper to fit inside it and covered it with a piece of acrylic. I use trays all the time for corralling supplies when I'm working on a project. It's perfect in my craft room!

I wonder what hidden treasure I'll find next!