July 29, 2008

Quick-n-Crafty

This past weekend the local Ladies Auxiliary was having their annual bazaar. And, while I really, really love the Ladies, there's another form of the word bazaar I would use to describe a lot of the stuff (ed. note: redacting other "s" word, despite its appropriateness in this context) people think is sellable! Seriously. I draw the line at toys with tooth marks and products with a hint o' mold. I'm not sure I'm even exaggerating. I know it's a rummage sale and all, but please. Who had the nerve to donate this stuff?!

That said, I bought (and thoroughly washed. Twice.) these glass candle holders at $1 per pair for a quick-n-crafty project.


When I spot them, I also buy (cheap!) interesting vintage china dessert dishes at yard sales, flea markets, and (if I'm really lucky) places like Anthropologie on the sale table. This peach of a plate was $2.99:

I use epoxy to affix the candle holder the underside of the plate, let it set upside-down overnight, and voila:


Funky dessert stands! Pop a cupcake or some homemade cookies on there and you've got an instant birthday or hostess gift. I originally got the idea at a tea room I went to that used these at each place setting. I had an "a ha!" moment midway through stuffing food into my mouth that their fancy tea service pieces were simply plates adhered to candlesticks. The mismatched creations looked so cute loaded up with finger sandwiches, mini scones and other sugary treats. What a great way this would be to set a table for a shower or similar gathering of ladies who lunch. And, if you were feeling benevolent, each guest could bring theirs home as a memento of the day.

Just hand wash (and don't submerge in water) and you'll enjoy for many festive occasions to come.

Update, July 30: Appears there are more fabulous DIY cake stands in the blogosphere. Check out Design*Sponge for Kate's Recycled Cake Stands. She used those white "throw away" vases you get flowers in (I'd call it the standard issue Hospital gift store vase). I love it as a base -- looks like milk glass!

16 comments:

Julia @ Hooked on Houses said...

Well, isn't this just the cutest, most clever thing? I never in a million years would've thought to put the two things together. I'm the least craftiest (least crafty? most uncraftiest?) person in the world, but even I might be able to do something like this.

Maybe. There was an unfortunate incident with super glue once... -J

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Perhaps, "craft challenged"? :-)

You can *totally* do this, and yes: glue guns were very, very bad before they made that special "cool temp" glue. I think I've permanently erased (re: toasted off) the fingerprints on a couple of my digits.

Jean Martha said...

My Mom always buys pretty plates at tag sales so that when she brings dessert to someone's home or coffee hour at church she can just say "keep the plate" and not worry about breaking up her set.

Unknown said...

Such a great idea and so easy! Have you ever made a two-tired one? I may use these at my up-coming tea party. Thanks!

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

iloveupstate...I love that! I would love if someone brought a vintage plate to me. With brownies. With chocolate chips. ;-)

sweet bunny...FABULOUS idea!! I haven't tried it, but there's this kind of epoxy with a syringe applicator (sounds serious!) for "exacting accuracy." --

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=gc0282

That way you wouldn't see the ring of glue. I *so* want to give this a shot!

heidi said...

what a great idea! We have 2 sets of those, & have NEVER used them.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

heidi -- you're using them now :-)

Fifi Flowers said...

I should photograph one that a friend made for me... so cute... good recycling!

please sir said...

I LOVE this idea - you are so clever!

j.cro said...

HOLY CRAP! That's BRILLIANT!!!!

littlebyrd said...

Yours turned out sooo good! I am inspired to try this myself. Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog - I can't wait to read more of yours!

Debra from Bungalow said...

Hi Laura,
I don't think I ever visited you before but had to stop in & see where you're located. Years ago my Mom had a summer place near Rehoboth & I love Cape May.


I've made a few of these pedestal dishes as gifts & have seen more around blogland too. Check out The Farmers Wife blog, post June 13, 2008. I'm going to go & visit Kate's Recycled Cake Stands.

Stop by & visit me soon,
DebraK

Blogger said...

Thank you, I love this idea :)

Bella

Good Scoop said...

I found it! Took me a while, but I finally finagled my way here, and I'm sure glad you told me about this. I am definitely going to snatch this idea when I find something that 'fits'. Yours are gorgeous!

Jean Martha said...

How did I miss this post? Just saw the link from today's fan post!

Jean Martha said...

Wait, now I'm looking back at comments and I didn't miss this post. I commented back then.

Holy crap this heat is melting my brain.