Oh, happy day! It's a new day, a new adventure awaits, and I'm eager to spend this time with you. My hope is that no matter what you are facing, that you find a moment to choose joy. Today, I'm trying to make the most of the time I have while also getting to do what I enjoy...DIY. It's funny that I've always been told over the years, "you should make these" or "you could sell tons of those". Problem is that I don't want to be a machine reproducing the same thing over and over. However, I prefer to let my adventures change with a fluid flow. Take, for instance, this set of thrifted candlesticks. They found me and I intend to dress them down a bit. Thrifted Candlesticks Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Aren't they a tad gaudy? {{cringing teeth}}. I will say, though, that in the right place they would do just fine. For me, this is a perfect time to show you what can become of your decor if you want to change it up with little effort. Are you ready for that new DIY adventure? Let's go!

CLEANING TIME

As with any project that involves paint (and you know this will...hee hee), you need to prep your surface. First, because these thrift store candle holders have sat in someone's home for many years, they need a sprucing up. Those nooks and crannies love to hold dirt, grime, and wax. Thrifted Candlesticks Closeup | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces These are designed for pillar candles, but you can use them for anything your heart desires. Top View of Thrift Store Candlesticks | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces As with any project that involves paint (and you know this will...hee hee), you need to prep your surface. First, because these thrift store candle holders have sat in someone's home, and they need a sprucing up. Those nooks and crannies love to hold dirt, grim, and wax. Using old toothbrushes are great for this type of cleaning. You can either do a dry cleaning (as I am) or use a 2:1 water/vinegar mix. Cleaning Candlestick with Old Toothbrush | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces In addition, if you find cooled wax, you can use a hair dryer to warm it up and remove it gently. Removing Candle Wax from Thrift Store Candlesticks | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces So far, it's an easy project, right? Well, it's going to be even easier than you think with a little paint.

VINTAGE STYLE

Next, it's time to update this great find. At this point you can choose to brush paint, spray paint, or even use decoupage and the like. I'm choosing to use this variation of muted tones. We've got Nutmeg, Rustic Pink, and Smokey Beige. My inspiration for these colors comes from my limelight hydrangeas. Muted Fall Colors Spray Paint | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces To begin, I simple set up a spray station and have at it using my thrifted turntable. In this instance, I only apply one coat and let cure. That way, the base color can peek through giving an aged antique effect. Blush Pink Spray Paint for Thrifted Candleholders | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Spray Painting Vintage Style Candleholders Fall Colors | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Which color catches your eye? I'm smitten with all three! Especially because the gaudy level has gone from 10 to 1. Last, but not least, I want to create more texture and dimension using colored waxes. On some I use white, on others I use brown. Using White Was to Add Detail to Thrifted Candlesticks | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces With that in mind, peek at this video tutorial below to see this easy DIY project in action on upcycled candle holders and a few other thrifted finds. Farmhouse Style Decor Video Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

BLUSH AND BEAUTIFUL

Finally, my thrifted candlesticks makeover is complete with a soft, new look that's perfect for autumn joy. Farmhouse DIY Barn Beam Mantel by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Vintage Style Candlesticks from Thrift Store Finds by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces glassvases Not only do those soft colors have me swooning, but also my dollar store candle vases have just the right amount of bling. The glass vases have a soft gold on the inside bottom for gorgeous reflections. Pictures never say enough, right? Muted Toned Thrifted Candlesticks by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces candlesticks budgetdecor Pink and Soft Brown Candlesticks by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces farmhouse diy I'm curious...which color is your favorite? That Rustic Pink for sure, but the Nutmeg reminds me of the mirrored medicine cabinet I did not too long ago. Pink and White Decorative Candlesticks with Budget Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces decor Soft, Blush Pink Farmhouse Decor with Hydrangea Wreath by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces farmhouse pink

SHARE IN LOVE

As with all my projects, my goal is to not only inspire you, but light that DIY fire that has you feeling creative and fulfilled. Before you go, leave me some comment below on what you'd do with this set. In addition, pin and share to inspire others too! These gaudy thrifted candlesticks just need some love to have a beautiful soft new look. See the full DIY at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces budgetdecor thrifted Wait! Be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to check out what becomes of this giant wall clock. tick tock! Thrifted Wall Clock Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Until next time! blog signature

let's get socialPINTEREST | EMAIL

Also, more creative adventures like this thrifted candlesticks makeover:

Heart Cut-Out Furniture Upcycle into Four Different Projects | Which is your favorite? | DIY details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces upcycled diy art farmhouse homedecorThese thrifted kitchen canisters are just primed for a makeover. See the DIY tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces farmhouse kitchen home homedecor



Larissa

Shared publicly - 2022-11-11 08:26:06

Don't you just love that word...gaudy? ahahaha!! I first read your comment as threat whisperer. :D I guess it could be that too! Thanks so much, Rebecca.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2022-11-11 11:13:16

You said it. Paint and even just a little DIY ingenuity can make a world of difference. Thank you for the loving warm wishes, Jill!

Joanne H.

Shared publicly - 2022-11-12 22:01:34

Love the muted colors you chose to upstyle the candlesticks. They look lovely on your mantle with the dried blooms. I’ll think twice before passing up gaudy next time. You know how to inspire.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2022-11-14 04:24:26

Taht just made my day, Joanne. Thank you for the kind words. I sure enjoy sharing!

Elizabeth

Shared publicly - 2022-11-24 08:31:52

It's so amazing! very interesting project! So beautiful and gentle colors!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2022-11-25 05:21:58

Thank you for saying so, Elizabeth. I'm delighted with the outcome.

Bonnie Hipps

Shared publicly - 2025-01-12 09:35:12

What a great save. I think I like the pink the best. Never would have guessed how ugly they were

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2025-01-12 11:24:35

tee hee! You're so fun, Bonnie. :D Pink is my fave too out of the three.

Sign Up To Comment