Scrap Pile DIY Candlesticks
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These DIY Candlesticks are just in time for the Holidays!
I love a great challenge! Sandra from Sawdust Girl issued a challenge to make something from your scrap pile. My scrap pile may not be like your scrap pile, because I hoard fun stuff that makes awesome projects. Granted, I do have the regular scrap pile with scraps of lumber too. . .
But these diy candlesticks are made out of random scrap stuff.
Make DIY Candlesticks out of Bedposts
These are some headboard parts left over from a headboard bench I made.
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Cut bed posts on miter saw
I trimmed both ends off of the two bed posts.
Round bases for DIY candlesticks
This is the perfect way to get some round tops and bottoms for candlesticks.
Chair parts and spindles
You can see that I’ve had these chair parts for quite a while—in fact I would guess I’ve had them for at least 6 years. I actually made some other candlesticks and finials years ago out random items.
Cut to varying lengths
I began trimming the chair legs into different heights.
Combine spindles and bases
After getting some bits and pieces, I started designing my new candlesticks.
I just LOVE playing with bits and pieces. Doing easy projects like this really makes me happy.
Look for random scrap pieces for your base
Can you guess what parts I grabbed from this scrap pile? Yep, those random square blocks that came off of this drawer I used for a headboard bench. I knew when I took them off of the drawer they would make great bases for candlesticks.
Square base on chair legs
Because the above parts are squared, I decided that it would be nice to leave some squared off pieces on a couple of the chair legs.
See? Aren’t they a perfect pair?
Repair dowel holes
There were some repairs I needed to make. Instead of filling the large dowel hole, I used an extra dowel and some Gorilla Wood Glue to fill the hole, then cut it flush with my Dremel Multi-Max, then switched out the head so I could sand it.
Attach bits and pieces with wood glue and brad nails
After plugging the hole I patched it with some wood filler. I used my Ryobi nail gun and Gorilla wood glue to secure all the pieces together.
It was fun putting all the pieces together like a puzzle. You can see where I patched the holes on these chair legs.
Paint diy candlesticks
Time to paint! Painting these by hand would not be fun at all. All those turned chair legs? They were begging for the Homeright Finish Max treatment! As always, I started painting them upside down.
Of course I used my old standby of diy chalky paint primer in some new oops paint.
Glaze scrap pile candlesticks
I wanted a nice glazed look for my candlesticks so I used some Heirloom Traditions dark umber wax. Another great option is my favorite smoked glaze.
I love their mismatched look!!!
Scrap Pile DIY Candlesticks as Christmas Decor
I used three of them to make this fabulous arrangement in the living room.
Related Content: Candlesticks Made With Glass Chandelier Parts
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I’ve been making these for a couple years and always struggle with cutting them perfect. Because frequently the dowels/ spindles get more narrow on one end and thicker on the other. I find the chunky they are the easier they are to work with. Do you have any suggestions?
Renee
I try to use clamps when I can. I also routinely flip the piece around to see if holding it on one end of the spindle is better than holding it on the other end. I always use extreme caution, take my time and hold the wood very tight, and recommend you do the same.
a shim under the end you’re holding may help keep it level. You could even TAPE the shim in place so that the spindle is held in place.
Although these are tips from me, it is UP to YOU to keep yourself safe when using power tools.
I’m about to do some of these today, you can see them on the blog next week. 🙂
be safe!
gail
Those are awesome! Very clever and I must now go and see if I have anything useable in my scrap pile! It is quite a small scrap pile, but you have given me ideas about what to look for when out and about to enlarge it!
my stupid computer gives me a hard time trying to reply and leave comments, I love,love these gail ad I do have some bits and scraps that I might be able to make some xx
Gail this are so pretty!! I love the finished look, and they look sooo expensive! I love them!! Great project, I think I need a fun easy project to do…too many hard ones lately, glad you had fun with these! 🙂
those are AWESOME! i need to learn how to use wax for glazing like you did!
Oh gosh! These are delightful! I wish my scrap stash was as fabulous as yours. You have a great eye for putting stuff together! <3
Wow Gail, these turned out fantastic. I have a local junk store that has bits like that… I need to get busy! I love the look, I have been replacing several of my big-box type décor with more vintage and rustic goodies, esp for the holidays.
These candlesticks are so beautiful, Gail. I’ve been looking and looking for three tall graduated candlesticks, but haven’t found just the right ones, or else they’re too expensive. I’m going to start looking for scraps and spindles to make my own, now. Thanks for the inspiration! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
They are beautiful Gail! 🙂
Susan
Beautiful! I love them! You have a much better scrap pile than I do!
Looking pretty festive around your place, and I love the mismatched look too.
I need to shop at your scrap pile. Nice job and Happy Thanksgiving.
I have to make some of these…can you believe the prices they charge for them @ Crate & Barrel, etc.? Love the way you work production style! Crank ’em out. The wax really adds the right finishing touch. Thanks for the inspiration! Happy Thanksgiving!
Your candlesticks are beautiful! Who would’ve thought they were from your scrap pile!
Great candlesticks, they look lovely with those fat red candles!
What a great idea! The candlesticks are beautiful
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
You know I LOVE these! When I saw them on our video I knew I had to make some. And I have the perfect bed frame to make them too! btw- Love the linky idea..I had to add 2 of my favorites:) Have a happy Thanksgiving!