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A simple glass vase becomes a shabby candlestick!
Do you ever wander through your local thrift store actually looking for a project? I browsed through my local Goodwill, I was scouting out pieces anyone should be able to find that could be repurposed into something else. One thing in large supply at any thrift store I've been to is glass vases in all different shapes, colors, and sizes. They are normally super cheap at around $1 a piece.....You just have to make sure that the top of the vase is narrow enough to hold a taper candle for this project.

This is such a great repurposing project because the vases are so easy to find and the candlesticks can be totally customized. You can paint them whatever color you want. If you aren't into the distressed finished they can be left plain. You could even turn a larger vase into a pillar candleholder if that is what you desire.

I hope this tutorial inspired you to turn some of your old vases into candlesticks. Have fun!

Posted by andersonandgrant from Brockway, Pennsylvania, United States • Published 28th October 2014 • See andersonandgrant's 7 projects »

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Tracey H. favorited Distressed Candlestick Vases 19 Aug 18:27
gettothepoint added Distressed Candlestick Vases to CRAFT ideas 26 Apr 15:17
Victoria M. added Distressed Candlestick Vases to Martha Stewart 09 Nov 14:49
Tamra T. favorited Distressed Candlestick Vases 28 Oct 08:58
andersonandgrant published her project Distressed Candlestick Vases 06 Aug 12:11

Step 1
Start with a collection of different cut glass bud vases.
Step 2
Begin by painting the outside of your vases with chalk paint. The great thing about chalk paint is that it sticks to just about any surface, including glass. It also leaves a nice texture to the glass. I chose to paint the vases first with Khaki Tan (from Americana) and then a creamy white.
Step 3
You'll need to paint three coats of each color on your vases, letting each coat dry before adding another.
Step 4
When the candlesticks are completely dry, take a nail file or fine grit sandpaper and go over the raised portions of the vase. This will chip away some of the paint leaving a nice distressed finish. In some places the paint with chip away clear down to the glass, but in others it will leave the tan color showing through making a great two toned effect. It creates just the right amount of imperfection to make the candlesticks perfect!
Step 5
Add some taper candles and you're done!