Thrift store finds brass candlestick silver leafing feature pic{see those Jute Balls, you can make them!}

There’s that section of the thrift store that you avoid like the plague, right? It’s filled with ugly and dusty candlesticks. They are a dime a dozen at garage sales as well.  The types of candlesticks vary from brass, glass, crystal, wood and iron candlesticks in all different sizes and shapes but they will all have one thing in common…

THEY CAN ALL BE UPCYCLED!

Thrift store finds brass candlesticks

Here are 3 candlesticks I picked up at the thrift store.  The large one was $2.00 (which is a steal because it is nice and heavy) and the other two were $.75 each. I’m sure at some point and time these same brass candlesticks were in your home, whether growing up, your first home….you get the point!

Thrift store finds brass candlestick silver leafing

Supplies

Using your inexpensive paint brush, apply the leafing size by brushing an even coat on the surface you want to leaf.  Let the size tack up based on manufacturer instructions (usually within 30 minutes)

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Touch a small area to see if the size is ready.  It will feel extremely tacky.  Once it’s ready, begin placing the individual sheets of silver leaf on your candlestick.  The leaf will only stick where there is size.

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Continue that process until your candlestick is covered in the silver leaf.

DIVA TIP:  I left a little of the brass coming through because I like the look of the mixed metals but to each his own. Afterall, this is YOUR project.

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Once you have all of leafing on where you want it…spray a quick coat of Rustoleum clear coat to seal up any of the size that you may not have covered. The reason for this step is because the size will remain sticky if not covered with the leafing material.

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Now don’t laugh but I finished my candlestick off with a crystal door knob.  I am not really into tall tapered candles but I love candlesticks…is that weird?!?

Ya’ll inspire me and I LOVE to see the work that you’ve created. Feel free to share with me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. And as always, be sure to follow Diva Of DIY on Pinterest and sign up for our FREE Newsletter to receive the latest projects delivered straight to your inbox!