Hey there, friends! It’s a new day and I’m excited to be back here with you. Back about a year ago, a friend of mine gave me a large bin of items from a lady’s estate. Most all of the loot was thrifted wooden items that you guys know I love to play around with. This pair of vintage candle sconces is some of the last bit left of that haul. Now, they just need some jazzing up. Right?
Actually, I was first drawn to this set because of their simple, rustic look. However, I thought to myself, “Wouldn’t it be fun to take these to a new level?” So, without resisting my temptation, I am diving in to change this set up.
DIY TIME
My goal is to show you how to take what you already own or find at a thrift store or garage sale and make it your own. First, I begin making my appliques. If you’ve not seen this type of thing before, you can see my past projects using these molds: HERE.
This time around, I’m using paper clay. However, I’ve used hot glue, and they can even be used for food too. See the video demo below.
I take apart the vintage candle sconces so I can work with each part separately. Then, I grab and add a coat of base paint.
NEXT STEPS
While the clay and paint cure, I spray paint the hardware with a pretty antique bronze metallic paint. Also, I make a couple of beaded tassels from some thrifted cotton crochet thread and something with my old, salvaged gutter metal. I’ve also used it on my rustic birdhouses. See if you can notice it in the end result in a minute.
Last, I add a whitewash to the sconces, followed by a bit of distressing and dark wax to add depth.
THE REVEAL
Here is my set of vintage candle sconces made new. Aren’t they fun now?
These were so fun for me to do. I hope you enjoyed what I did to make them new too.
The rustic vintage vibe is gone and hello to rustic chic. The appliques really helped take it to a new level. Then, the finish gives it texture, while the beaded garland softens it a bit.
If you would like to own this set as your own, you can find them available in my online store.
Also, do pin and share this DIY fun to inspire others too.
Up next, it’s Trash to Treasure Tuesday! I’ll be giving this thrifted tray a brand new look. See the video tutorial HERE.
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Cheryl r Atkinson says
Larissa, you have the most creative mind that I have seen. I wish I did. What an awesome makeover.
Larissa says
Cheryl, you sure know how to make a gal smile. 😀 Thank you for that!
Paula says
These sconces are so romantic! They are “improved vintage” because they look like they could have come from long ago, but they are better. Thanks for sharing!
Larissa says
Sweet! That sounds like the perfect description, Paula.
Shelley S says
Very nice! And I love the metal at the base of the candle, it adds that perfect romantic touch!
Larissa says
Thanks! I felt like it needed a little something to add oomph. 😉
Mary Loveland says
Well done and very very attractive.
Larissa says
I’m delighted to hear you think so, Mary. These were fun!
Abby says
Those are beautiful! It’s funny, I currently have a candle thing… a sconce? I’m not sure. It has 2 candle holding spots coming out of one single thing that hangs on a wall. I’m not really up on the titles of these things, haha! I thought it was pretty but dated, and I am planning to paint it and put solar lights on it where the candles were and hang it in my garden!
Larissa says
That is a perfect idea, Abby. Have fun!
Erica W Smith says
Wow Larissa, these turned out so perfect!! Love the moulding detail!! They are definitely so much better & have the French Country look… which I love so much nowadays!! Ifyou decide to ever part with them, I’d gladly purchase them! LOL have a wonderful up coming week!!
Blessings & Friendship,
Erica
Larissa says
Erica, I’m so glad that you enjoyed this mini makeover. It’s projects like these that get my creative juices flowing and it’s a joy to share. I did end up selling them in my shop as they sold quickly. Thanks so much!