Candlestick Makeover

Years ago, we used to take in student boarders to supplement
our income while raising five kids.
One of them bought us these candlesticks for Christmas one year
and these ended up being relegated to outside parties
....not that we didn't love the gift!

BEFORE

I decided to try my hand at the wondrous chalkpaint that can cover
just about anything.
(I learned how from Maureen at It's All Connected)

I'm showing you the three different stages of the redo here....

1.  Two coats of chalk paint made with Antique White Latex (2/3rds) & Plaster of Paris          (1/3rd) with a little water to thin out.
2.  I sanded (painstakingly) the ridges of the candlestick and applied walnut acrylic
     craft paint with the tip of my finger in a cloth, gently onto the edges.  I wanted to keep
     a shabby look to it.  (dab the excess off onto another rag before applying this or you'll      have globs.)  Touch up any mistakes with more chalkpaint.
3.  I sprayed this with a fast drying Clear Diamond Coat of protection.  I was going to use      paste wax and actually started to...big mistake...too difficult with all the detailing in          these candles.

I'm pretty thrilled with the finished product
and they don't look anything like they used to!  They can be used any time
of year or for any special occasion!

I like that they look somewhat distressed and they will be used inside now!

I thought adding some hurricane lamp glassware would be
a different look for them...and it is....until you are showing your friend
Maureen the bottom of the lamp and you tip it and smash the glass
to smithereens!  Yup....I'm a clutz...just in case you hadn't figured that one out yet!
Luckily, it wasn't one of Dan's good ones...eek!

So, ultimately, I believe I'll stick with NO GLASS and
I think I prefer the look anyway.
Which look do you prefer?
Safety first!
xo

_

I'd like to ask a favour...even though I'm not a world famous blogger?
I've been following That's What (Che) Said almost since I started
blogging in August and Cheryl is having her very first linky party
which is a HOLIDAY HAPPENING!
As you can imagine...she's pretty nervous no one will come to her party.
I know I'd be scared! Eek!
With all those awesome, fabulous ideas out there, could some of you please
go check out her linky party?
NO RULES and it's over a month long!
I was honoured with being the first one!  Yay!

(The following is an exerpt from her posting for the linky party)

"This link party will run November 25th through January 7th.  Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years are all included!  I’m an equal opportunity Link Party Hostess!  Alright, what are you waiting for???  Link up your fabulousness!

(this is my first link party so if you’d spread the love I’d really appreciate it!  This feels like the first day of a new school for me! )

I will also be doing several feature posts showcasing YOUR awesome projects!  I can’t wait!!!  Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook!  I will also be featuring linked items there as well!!"

A place to link up anything holiday!  DIY, Recipes, Crafts, Decor, Decorations, Parties, Ideas, Hints, etc. 

Chic on a Shoestring Decorating