Turn Thrifted Candlesticks Into The Most Adorable Propagation Vases

Thrifting is always a treasure hunt that results in rescued items that elevate your decor and find a new life at the same time. These pieces are great accessories and additions on their own, but thanks to the World Wide Web, now thrifted items can serve so many more purposes than just their original. While you can DIY vases, holiday decorations, and even upcycled or renovated furniture out of your finds, one creative way to repurpose candlestick holders gives you a propagation station for your plant babies that rivals anything you can find online or in a store. These "one of a kind" propagation holders give you a vintage, chic, stylish spin on standard jars that you would usually use to grow new greenery in your home. You simply need to find the candlesticks or candelabras of your choice and insert glass vials where candles would usually go, and you have the most dreamy propagation planter that no big box store could rival.

Expert tips for thrifting home decor include perusing local yard and rummage sales, visiting multiple thrift stores, checking out online forums like Facebook Marketplace, and even visiting estate sales in your area. It's also important not to get discouraged if you don't find the candle holders you need at the first store you visit: thrifting is a treasure hunt, after all, and part of the fun lies in seeking out the ideal option for this DIY.

Content creator @dreamermeetsbuilder has shared their process for assembling DIY candlestick planters, but in this example, they use the tubes to hold cut flowers. Whether you create an assemblage of bud vases or a propagation station, the materials you need will be much the same. Before you start shopping, it might be helpful to order propagation test tubes like the 50-piece set by Joyclub, which is available on Amazon for $9, so you can bring one along to ensure it fits inside the candlestick hole properly. This is where your hunting skills might come in: searching far and wide for the ideal sticks. Once you've sourced your candlestick bases, take them home to assess if they need any TLC or upgrades. Some may just need to be polished, while other candlestick holders could require a paint job if they are scratched or chipped. 

Brass and gold sticks can still work even with wear and tear, as it adds to their antique finish. You can also upgrade your candlestick holders with chalk paint, which will produce a clean exterior. Because you will be handling water-filled tubes around your candlestick holders, it could be beneficial to apply a sealant to waterproof the chalk paint. Even if you keep brass or gold as is, adding a layer of wax or lacquer could protect the metal from any drips when watering your propagated plants. 

Insert your tubes into the candlestick holder to ensure they fit at least well enough to stay upright glued. Now you can use a hot glue, gun or gorilla glue or even museum wax to adhere the bottom of the tube into your candle stick holder. This measure of protection will keep your propagated plants from tipping over even if they get a little top heavy as they grow. Allow the glue to dry completely before you add in water and a propagated stem.

If you purchased individual candleholders, group them together on a countertop, table, shelf, or other flat surface to create a decorative and chic collection of greenery. If you happen to find a candelabra, this saves you from having to purchase multiple holders and try to match them. However, don't shy away from mixing and matching candlestick holders, combining metals and shapes and sizes. Sometimes an assortment of thrifted items can work together to create a truly unique and original layout that's one-of-a-kind and unlike anything else other people have. With the added greenery that turns candlestick holders into planters, you might inspire friends and family to copy your clever DIY. Once your holders are ready, propagate like a pro with Hilton Carter's useful tips so you can get the most lush cuttings!