Thursday, June 2, 2011

Upcycle: Candle Holder to Picture Holder {Tutorial}

This is one of those rare posts in which I share with y'all something I did on my own without a tutorial.   About a month ago, our subdivision was hosting a neighborhood garage sale and hubs and I were going through our things deciding what we would try to sell.

He came across a votive candle holder. It looked like this:
We no longer never used this, so when my sweet hubs put it in the garage sale pile, he was not thrilled when I immediately took it out, declaring: "I can make something out of this."

At the time, I didn't actually have a plan as to what I would do with it but after much consideration, I decided to make this:

I know, there's not picture in it.  We'll get to that later.  But for now, want to learn how to make it?  It's actually super easy. (Don't expect super hard from this girl; that's not how I roll!)

First, you need to gather all your materials.

Not pictured: twine and Elmer's Craft Glue
I chose to put the world "Happy" in my candle holder because I thought it was the perfect word to describe our household.  What 5-letter word describes your household?  If it's joyous, just leave out the "o" to make it fit.  "Joyus" is just as good.

Then, punch five (or however many candle holders you have) 2 inch holes with your circle punch.
Don't you love this paper?

The person who invented the circle punch is a genius.  Who do you suppose invented them?  Martha Stewart, maybe?  That could be why her brand is so pricey at Michael's.

After you punch your holes, you want to cover your frame in a matching or coordinating paper.  I swooned when I saw this paper, I knew I wanted to decoupage it on my frame.  Here's how I did it:
1. Trace frame, adding an inch on either side to cover the sides.
2. Lay paper on frame and gently bend edges of paper so you'll know where to fold it.
3.  Mod Podge paper.
4.  Press paper down on frame.

One trick I learned is that if you use a credit card and press it over the decoupaged area, it won't bubble up.  Until this project, bubbles were the bane of my existence.

After you cover your frame, let it dry.  While it's drying, go outside and spray paint your candle holder in the color of your choice.  I chose a coordinating color (beige) and I did not take pictures.  The last time I spray painted something, the wind blew my paint onto my camera.  This did not sit well with me.  Instead of showing myself all scrunchy faced spraying the candle holder, here are some handy tips for when you spray paint.  (Thank you Pinterest!)

After you spray paint your candle holder (I ended up doing about 5 light coats on this to prevent dripping), spray paint your letters the same color.  I had to hold my letters because the force of the spray caused them to move around.
Now they match!

When everything is dry, you want to center your letters on your two inch circles.  Once they're centered, glue them down.  I used Elmer's Craft Glue.

After your letters are centered and glued, now you're going to glue the circles into the candle holder.  Press down firmly and use your finger to flatten out any bubbles.

 Take your twine and figure out how you're going to hang your frame.  I decided on a middle hang because it seemed the most simple.  Measure out your twine to gauge how long your frame will hang down.  Hot glue about three inches on each end of the twine.


While looking at this almost finished product, I realized it needed a little something.  I made a lace rosette and glued a pearl in the middle.  You might say I'm obsessed with lace flowers right now. (Enter my giveaway!)

I hadn't yet glued the pearl in...

The last thing I did was add matting to make it into a 5 x 7 frame.  I found a piece of scrapbook paper to match and measured it to size and cut. 
I used 3M picture hanging strips to hang it.


Now, I need a picture.  Which should I choose? I've narrowed it down to three pictures of Toph that I absolutely adore. 

Comment and vote on the right to tell me which pic fits the "Happy" theme this upcycle is going for.  No matter what, I'm going to print the pic in a sepia tone to add to the shabby chicness of it all, what do you think? 

I have a challenge for you:  look around your house at the things that are no longer used or have never been used and think what else you can turn them into.  A little spray paint and craft paper are all you need!

Many thanks to my mama, who tirelessly emailed (4 times) me all these pictures after I forgot my camera and had to use hers.  Thanks, Mom!
Linking here:
DIY Club
UndertheTableandDreamingPhotobucketThe DIY Show OffCraft CoutureBWS tips buttonTip Junkie handmade projects





29 comments:

Donna Urso said...

Terrific projet. Picture #1 is wonderful!

Kelly Krewson said...

Wonderful job on the use of the old candle holder! I think picture #2 would look amazing in that frame. The coloring just begs to go together.
#CommentHour {I'm late but trying to catch up!}

Amy Anderson said...

GENIUS. I love it! Wish I was crafty...

#CommentHour

Amy @ A Little Nosh

Sweaty said...

Hi Gin, I vote for #3. Sent you an email earlier, I hope you get it.

Wanted to say thank you for awarding me the One Lovely Blog Award, even though it's close to 3 weeks late (I know, I'm a horrible blogger!!!).

Just tried again and somehow I managed to leave a comment this time! Yay!

Anonymous said...

As Amy said, genius. I really like it!

Denise McDonough said...

LOVE picture number 1! so adorable! and amazing job! I wish I was crafty!

I am following you from the thirsty thursday blog hop! Cute blog you have here and I am now following! I hope you can check me out and stick around I have loads of giveaways through out the weekend for my BIRTHDAY BASH! Thank you :)
http://mommy2nanny3doggy1.blogspot.com/

Heather said...

I vote pic #2.....too cute!

Radha said...

I would have never thought to have made something up as creatively as you did with just those materials! Wow! I am favoring picture #1 to see in that frame, just in case you haven't decided as of yet!

visiting from #commenthour

Chrissy @ the Pearl Blog said...

so creative. I would have never even thought of that. you rock girl!

Chrissy @ the Pearl Blog said...

ps.. i vote pic #2

City Life to Ranching Wife said...

Clever mama! Love this and I vote pic #1

Eve said...

Wow you are one crafty mama! This is really beautiful, you did a lovely job missy. I really think I might try something like this soon with a candle holder I have in my bedroom. Hum...

Oh and I vote for pic #1, it's super cute and really is a happy shot!

LifeLessOrdinary said...

I just found your blog today. I'm adding you to my reading list. What captured my attention first? The picture at the top of your blog...I just love little feet. My son is almost 9 years old and I miss his little feet (they're still cute, tho). Anyway, just wanted to say hi and keep up the good work. I like the way you write. Oh, and btw, I vote for pic #1 for your project. Your son looks so cute and happy.
Shasta

Unknown said...

I love this project! It's awesome! In fact I want one. I like all the photos but I think #1 is my favorite.

Jocelyn said...

Wow! This is super cool! Nice project. Stopping by late from #commenthour

Jenn Erickson said...

Visiting from the Creative Bloggers Party & Hop over at Create with Joy!

What an awesomely creative repurpose of that candle holder. Love it!

So pleased to "meet" you!

New follower,
Jenn/Rook No. 17

Unknown said...

This is adorable! What a wonderful idea!! All 3 are cute pictures, I understand why you can`t choose.. you could always switch it up every few weeks!! :)

Anonymous said...

This is such a great idea!! I am so going to go find a candle holder now. ;) Thanks for linking up.

Oh yeah, I choose pic #3. I am a sucker for close ups.

Amanda said...

This is such a wonderful idea, it looks awesome! All the photos would look great, but number 2 is just so cute!

Anonymous said...

great idea, so so clever! And it turned out to be the cutest thing ever!

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

Oh my gosh, that is awesome!! I would love for you to link up today to "It's a Party"!
www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com

Olga said...

Great idea!! I love it. Thanks for sharing.

Moquelish said...

It looks so cute! Gotta go with #2.

Unknown said...

Congrats! You've been featured!
http://www.bigklittlea.com/2011/06/my-favorite-things.html
~K

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

Thank you so much for linking up and sharing!!

Handy Man, Crafty Woman said...

Great idea, I love re-using things. Thanks for stopping by to add this to our Wicked Awesome Wednesday party!

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Gin, This is so creative and clever. Love the idea of recycling older pieces - this turned out great! Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase Party. I am a little behind commenting - but I have featured this Monday. Hope you are having a wonderful week ~ Stephanie Lynn

midnight hysteria said...

love, love, love this ... i'm going to do it ... however, please, please tell me/us how you made your rosette??? i neeeed a few and have some lovely chiffon ... thanks .... darlene

Kara said...

Great job. I love the way it turned out. Thanks for sharing!!

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