Simple and lightweight candelabra

Needing to add a little flair over my large 4x8 dining room table and not wanting to spend a lot of money, I knew I had to be creative. Off to the craft store I went, armed with an open mind, a 40% off coupon, and few preconceived notions. What I ended up with is a simple piece that repeats the rectangular shape of the table, table runner, and various frames around the room.

I found a 2" thick, 36"-inch long and 12"- wide piece of craft foam. It was regularly about $14 but my coupon chopped the price by 40%. I also found a box of 16 plain glass votive candle holders for $8.99. Sold. I grabbed some black duck tape along with the fabulous (and unexpected) leopard-print. I knew I had picture wire and ribbon at home and an assortment of washers and miscellaneous hardware. A few dollar store good-looking plastic ornaments and electrical tape finished off the project. The entire project came in around $25.00

Step 1: Gather materials. Measure an interior rectangle with a border of 4". (Note- I did not use the Tacky Glue or the wooden dowels caps.)

 

Step 2: Use a kitchen knife to cut out the rectangle. Even though the foam is fairly rigid, be careful when you are removing the middle section.






Step 3: Decide on the placement of the votive candle. Trace around each one. Use a spoon to scoop out each hole for the votive candle holders. Make each hole about 3/4" inch deep and then use a votive pressed into each hole to create an even, level base.


Step 4: (Sorry. No picture.) Use an awl (or anything skinny such as a knitting needle) to make a hole in each of the corners for the wire. Thread picture wire from the top through the tunnel you just made. Twist the wire onto a washer and then seat it into the foam. (The washer keeps the wire from pulling through) Take the loose end and do the same in the adjacent corner. Adjust the length according to your need. Repeat at the other end of the foam board. Be sure the finished lengths are equal.

Step 5 (Optional): I chose to spray paint the foam board thinking the duck tape would stick better. I'm not sure if this is necessary.

Step 6: Wrap the foam in black duck tape (or any color you like). Edge the foam board with the contrasting duck tape, in this case the leopard print.





Step 7: Hang the foam by connecting the two wires with ribbon (or more wire, if desired). Even though the entire piece is very light (probably less than 4 pounds), use a toggle-style ceiling hook if you go through drywall.

Step 8: Embellish the piece with ornaments. Wrap electrical tape around the top of the votives



Comments

Rick Gray said…
Just beautiful and so original.
And best of all...inexpensive!

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