Tealight Centerpiece

In my constant attempt to save things from the landfill, I came up with this nifty transformation of an old Hollywood light fixture.

Can you believe that I took this…

And turned it into this?

Materials:

  • Trim (canopy) piece of an old light fixture
  • Sandpaper or sanding block
  • Spray primer (automobile primer works best on metal)
  • Valspar java brown spray paint
  • Krylon sparkling canyon spray paint
  • Drop cloth (or plastic sheet)
  • Votives
  • E-6000 glue
  • Brown and amber beads
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Scoop or spoon to pour beads from
  • Popsicle stick
  • Tweezers

You are sick of staring at that old hollywood light fixture in your bathroom. Come on, you can admit it. It’s okay, you are among friends. If you need help, I’ll even show you how to remove that dated style offender. And hey, if you are lucky enough to live in a house without one — but you still want to replicate this project — head on over to your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I guarantee they will have plenty to choose from.

1. Start by wiping off the light fixture (unless you are a fabulous housekeeper and yours doesn’t have years of collected dust like mine did.)

2. Scuff up the metal surface with sandpaper.

 

3. Spray the light fixture with the spray primer. Let it dry. Then spray a coat or two of the java brown spray paint. After the brown paint is dry, lightly dust the light fixture with the sparkling canyon spray paint until you are happy with the color.

 

4. Try to let the painted fixture dry overnight to allow the paint enough time to harden.

 

5. Clean your votives with some soap and water and let it dry thoroughly. Squeeze a line of glue around the bottom of the votive.

 

6. Center the votive over the hole on the light fixture.

 

7. Repeat for the rest of the holes.

8. Weigh the votives down with some books while the glue sets (a few hours.)

 

9. Plug in the hot glue gun. (Have you read my Hot Glue Gun Safety post? If not, you should because your fingers will thank me.) While it is heating up, take out the beads you want to use. Set them in a little scoop or spoon.

10. Run a bead of hot glue around the votive. Only work in a small 1-2″ section at a time. This will give you enough time to arrange the beads before the glue hardens.

11. Pour the beads into the hot glue.

12. Use your popsicle stick to maneuver the beads into the glue.

13. Use the tweezers to place any singular beads and perform any detail work.

14. Glue beads around the base of the other votives. Let the glue cool and then pull off any hot glue strings.

15. Put your tea lights into the votives and set it on your table…

…bathtub edge or sideboard.

What do you think? Do you like it or I am just trying to put lipstick on a pig?

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  1. Michele Shepherd
    Michele Shepherd says:

    HA! Lipstick on a pig… I haven’t heard that since I was a little girl! 🙂
    This is amazing and beautiful! I coordinate a Christmas Tea every year and I will be sharing this classy, inexpensive idea for a table decoration 🙂 Thanks!
    Michele Shepherd
    TalkForTots

  2. SheilaG
    SheilaG says:

    Phooey, just got rid of a couple of these!!! What a great idea! Wish I lived in the area, I would so be there for your demos!!! 🙂

  3. Kas3dot0
    Kas3dot0 says:

    Wow and I recently replaced mine and threw the old hollywood light fixture away.. Shame on me. 🙁 I could’ve been creative like you and done something cool with it.

    I will definitely make it to the demonstration. The two times I’ve been to the restore I just get kinda overwhelm and don’t know what I should get. So it would be cool to see a demo and hopefully kick my brain in gear and get some ideas from there. Look forward to meeting ya. 🙂

  4. Colleen
    Colleen says:

    Quite a makeover for the dreaded Hollywood fixture!

    I am very interested in your tutorial for turning the cabinets into a bench, but I don’t live anywhere near your area. Will you be sharing the tutorial on your blog?

    Thanks for the great ideas!

  5. Nik
    Nik says:

    Ohhhhh girl! I think I’m getting lipstick on the pig on this one. SORRY!

    I love where you’re going with this, it’s a great re-work of an item you weren’t going to use! I might have used ribbon in place of the beads, though – to cover up the glue more. Also, maybe three more votive holders to really make it be a statement, in between the four you’ve got. Yes/no? What do you think?

    It could be a great addition to a fall table with those colors, for sure. 🙂

    You don’t need luck for your presentation, you’ll do just great!

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