My $4 pair of giant thrifted candlesticks got a makeover…or three. The last one stuck! This post is about more than just a thrift store makeover, it is about persevering when the first one, or two ideas, don’t work. Retakes are a fact of life with DIY projects.
My first idea was to cover the candlesticks with sisal rope. I wanted to give them texture. This was in one word a…failure. Wrapping things in rope can be beautiful, but in this case it just looked like a rope column. The rope was too big and covered up all the detail on the candlesticks. It would have worked better on a simpler, curvy silhouette.
Try two was jute twine. I figured if the rope was too thick, maybe jute twine would give the texture I wanted without covering up all the detail. This might have worked, but it quickly became too tedious for me. With all the small curves and grooves it was just too much hot gluing for my liking.
I was momentarily tempted to give up on these candlesticks, but instead I ripped all the rope, twine, and hot glue off for round three. This time I decided to keep it simple!
I painted the candlesticks. I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Napoleonic Blue. I am planning to use this paint on a furniture project, so I was excited to try the color on something smaller first. I coated the candlesticks in three thin coats of chalk paint.
At first I was nervous about the color. The blue was brighter than I expected, but thankfully it dried darker (the one on the right above is dry). Since it was chalk paint, it also dried to a nice matte finish. I originally planned to put a gloss coat on the candlesticks, but I fell in love with the matte look. It’s different and nice.
These candlesticks will eventually find a home in the new basement family room. I plan to use the same blue on the media center. The color is spot on with the knock-off Antrho curtains.
What do you think? Do you like the matte look?
Sharing this project here:
Domestically Speaking
The matte is beautiful. I like them alot. If they were shiny, they would look too modern, unless that is what you are trying to achieve.
Drool. They look awesome. I’m such a fan of brightly painted finds. Did you put the wax over top of the paint? If so, how did you buff it with all the ridges? If not, is the finish durable?
Marcie, Thanks! I did not wax them…too much effort. Since these are just decorative I am not worried about durability. Normally if you don’t wax chalk paint it will patina over time a bit.
Thumbs up!
These turned out so great! I really love the matte finish! They turned out perfect.
Thumbs up to you for persevering. The paint looks great–I love the curves in those candlesticks!
GORGEOUS!! I was never to crazy about blues, but lately, I am liking it! Great job and I too love the matte look. thanks for sharing this!!!
I LOVE the matte look! You’re right, these candlesticks have such a great shape, painting is the way to go! I’ve never seen this color in ASCP and I Love it! Great job!
Ooh, they look so good! Great choice on color. I’d be so thrilled if you’d share them here this weekend if you have a minute: http://www.oneartsymama.com/2013/02/shine-on-fridays-67-and-giveaway.html
The blue is very nice,but I personally like them as they were.