Rustic Candelabra

DIY your own with Grubby Pillar Candles

I love the look of grubby candles, but I wanted a way to keep them forever.  This candelabra uses pillar candles, grubbied up, with holes drilled in them to hold a battery operated light.

The base of the candelabra is a big piece of rustic looking lumber which is aged to perfection.

Originally it was used as a timber for leveling a building, and has the scars to prove it. Then it was left out in the snow, rain and sun for several years of weathering process - all natural.

I drilled three holes to hold the weathered drink holders which I knew I would one day find a use for. 

These are thick wire made into a spiral shape, with a long piece to stick in the ground. They were a couple of bucks at the dollar store, then I threw them in the bonfire to make them look old - the rain and sun did the rest.

With the long piece cut to varying lengths with a hack saw, they were glued into holes in the piece of lumber.

I used Gorilla Glue, the original strong adhesive for this kind of craft. I wanted something extremely strong, because I know that people will pick the whole thing up by one of the candle stands, instead of using the handles.

The candles are just cheap pillars from the dollar store.  I drilled a hole to fit the battery operated tea lights in with a hole saw.

I used the one and a half inch size like the one in this hole saw kit.

The handles are from an old Hibachi barbeque.

They were easy to attach - just a couple of holes drilled in the side of the lumber, and bob's your uncle, a funky and rustic candelabra, ready to light your porch. 

It fits perfectly on a railing or beside the door, ready to add a glow and ambience.

Making fun little projects like this, over time, will be the key to giving your porch so much character. Use your stash of weird objects - especially if rusty - to create things to give your heart joy and satisfaction.