April 28, 2010

Transforming Thrift Store Candle Sconces into Crystal Beauties

Don't pass up these ugly dated $1.91 candle sconces.  


I always look for candle sconces or candle sticks that have an edge on them that is just begging to have a chandelier crystal dangling from them.  Get out your Dremel!


Now mark a tiny spot for you to drill a tiny hole


Grab Mr. Dremel and drill a tiny hole from the bottom, oops, this was really to big a hole, but I will make it work.

Now give it a nice coat of paint, and it is time to hang the crystal.


There is many ways to hang the crystals, I usually use something that looks like a straight pin, I got in the jewelry making department, but since I made the holes to big, necessity is the mother of inventions!  I am going to use pearl head straight pins.  Drop the straight pin through the hole from the top and then curl the pin underneath with your needle nose pliers and hook on the crystal.


It looks kind of cute with the pearl, or so I am trying to convince myself.




You can get crystals at many on line stores, even the big box home improvement stores have them in their lighting department.  I have a few in The Polka Dot Closet 



There you have it, already for your home or shop!

The same thing could be applied to thrift store light fixtures, you could make a lovely chandelier. The next time your out bargain shopping give another look at those ugly outdated sconces.

Happy Crafting 

Carol 















12 comments:

Kat said...

Carol, you are amazing and one very talented lady. They are just lovely.

Unknown said...

I really enjoy DIY Tutorials. You have some great tips for us. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I will add you to my list of Crafty & Artistic Bloggers so that I can visit often. xoxo

Unknown said...

That is gorgeous! What a great transformation!

Thanks so much for emailing me,
Hugs,
Gina

Anonymous said...

Carol, I love your idea of using the pearl stick pin....very clever. And I put a dremel and all the little gadgets to go with it on my "wish list". Don't know why I don't have one yet anyway. We use a dremel on the dog's nails instead of clipping and he loves it. He always yelped with the clippers...even before we clipped...lol. Love your new blog! I am now following. Come for a visit. xoxo Lynn @ The Vintage Nest

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Carol...beautiful job. Love what you did and how it turned out! So beautiful and you made it look so easy. Great ideas!
Blessings,

Debbie

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

LOL I have those same sconces and am doing something very similar with them !!
I am always looking for things to work with too.
(())
Francie

Becky Ransom said...

Carol, Just found your blog. Love all the ideas, and the pearl pin looks great! Guess that could be your signature polka dot?:) Would love to see some of you canvas art projects if you have any? Bless You,

Becky

Barbara Jean said...

Amazingly beautiful!

blessings

barbara jean

Rebecca@This Present Life said...

What a difference! I love the detail the pearl adds! Now I'll have to keep an eye out for some ugly sconces that I can make beautiful!

Pat Harris said...

You have some great ideas here. I have some sconces that I really didn't know what do with. This is what I'll do. thank you!

Unknown said...

I just love this one with the added adornment. Love your creativity. xoxo

Unknown said...

The Candle Sconces most beautiful I have ever seen, I wanted to make it. Thank you and success for you;)