Halloween projects and decorations have been out in the stores and popping up all over Pinterest for a while now. I just couldn’t bring myself to start blogging about Halloween until the boys were at least in school. Even then, with these hot summer temperatures it’s difficult to think of cozy sweaters and all things pumpkin spice. I’m still grasping onto the fresh fruit flavors of summertime. Instead of going full skeleton and ghoul on you, we are going to ease in to Autumn. I present to you a versatile and multi seasonal craft- DIY Dollar Store Makeover: Chalkboard Paint Candlesticks.
An inexpensive way to bring a little drama to the tablescape (family dinner topics excluded) is by using glass bottles for candlesticks. This is in no way a new concept. I blame the original Parent Trap movie for getting the idea stuck in my head. Ha ha. Decorating your tabletop for the holidays can be a costly endeavor. While the dishes and linens may leave a dent in your wallet, at least these Glass Bottle Candlesticks will save a few dollars while being versatile enough to utilize year round.
Currently, my wallet is pretty thin due to back to school shopping, athletics fees, and booster club dues all needing to be paid at once. This is the perfect inexpensive craft that is easy to do and a kid friendly project. The local dollar store always seems to have a hefty supply of glass bottles in stock. I chose to paint three bottles because this was an experiment and I didn’t want to have to find a place to store a lot of decorations. Fortunately, these candlesticks work for many occasions, or even every day, so storing them is not an issue. Have fun!
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Supply List
- Glass Bottles, be sure the mouth of the bottle will securely fit a tapered candle
- Martha Stewart Crafts Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint or Folk Art Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint
- Artist brush or foam craft brushes
- Paper Towel
- White Chalk- Crayola White Chalk, 12 Count
- Paper plate, or something for a paint palette
Instructions
Step 1:
Remove any cork or stickers and labels from the glass bottles. Wash and dry to prepare the surface for painting. Notice that I have two bottles with a smooth body and one that is more decorative. The two that have the majority of the design around the bottle’s shoulders and neck have a smooth surface for a chalk message once painted.
Step 2:
Mix the Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint and apply at least two coats. Allow at least one hour between coats. When I painted the bottles, I applied the paint lengthwise while having a finger in the mouth of the bottle. This allowed me to hold the bottle off of the work surface when painting near the bottom edge.
Step 3:
Wash out brush or foam brush with warm water and soap. Let bottles dry completely for up to 24 hours. Allowing 24 hours to cure will ensure the best chalkboard like surface. Follow the directions on the paint bottle as some paints require a few days to cure when painted on glass.
Step 4:
Once the bottles have cured, they will need to be conditioned to become a chalkboard. Lightly rub chalk on the surface and then use the paper towel to gingerly rub the chalk in and to remove the excess.
That is all that you need to do! Just insert a tapered candle into the mouth of each bottle and display as desired. A fun message can be written in chalk on the bottles, or simply add a cute doodle. You’re only limited by your imagination. Remember: Always have adult supervision when there is a lighted candle and keep the flame away from combustible materials.
I bought these glass bottles from the dollar store, but you could use any glass bottles that strike your fancy. Just be sure that the tapered candle will have a snug fit in the top, or mouth of the bottle. You could also paint these bottles any color you would like, even spray paint would make for an easy project. I chose to use the chalkboard paint from a previous project. Might as well use what you already have. Plus, how fun is it to have the option to write a message on the candlesticks? I’ll tell you- it is super fun. Using the supplies on hand made the total investment of this project $3, plus tax. If you use bottles you already have, this could be even cheaper. Hooray!
Can you believe that a few dollar store bottles can be so stylish? There are many ways to display the same chalkboard candlesticks over and over again for different occasions. This was one of the better finds that I have ever had from the dollar store, not to mention, one that has lasted the longest. A complete win for only a few dollars. Do you want to know an awesome bonus? The chalkboard paint will come in handy for a future fall project. I will have a post in the next few weeks for making your own Thankful Pumpkin that can be displayed year after year at Thanksgiving.
In the meantime, check out ways that I utilized the chalkboard paint candlesticks with some holiday decorations. Enjoy the simple and small ways that you can make a house a home! 💙
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So versitile! Those are some fancy dollar store bottles. I would love to see people post other colors they try.
Thank you for your comment! I thought it was definitely one of the more long lasting and useful things that I have purchased at the dollar store. I would also love to see other’s results. There are so many possibilities!
P.S. Your comment earned you 2 raffle entries 🙂