Create a one-of-a-kind DIY Glass Candlestick Totems as yard art that uses recycled, glass candlesticks and plates that will grace your garden for years to come.
I love the idea of garden art. I love the idea of using old and discarded items even better. So when I visited my family a few years ago, I was so surprised to find these beautiful Glass Candlestick Totems. (See Photos Below.)
What makes them so unique is that they are upcycled from old candlesticks, bud vases and glass plates and more. Many of these objects were either packed away and forgotten or bought very (very) cheap from thrift shops.
To assemble them is relatively easy. You will need to make a jig with a stake to hold the totem upright, although you could easily “plant” a round metal stake into a pot of soil and assemble away.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that all the glass objects are clean. That is because you will be using permanent adhesive and you want to make sure that each piece sticks well.
And, speaking of gluing, even though your masterpiece looks amazing, you will need to allow your totem to “cure” or dry completely. This will ensure that your piece will last for years to come.
Finally, because these totems are glass, you don’t want to leave them outside over winter. Glass by it’s very nature doesn’t like fluctuating temps–especially like those we experience in the Midwest.
You will need to bring them in when it’s fall and pack them well and when the frost has gone in the spring you can bring them out again.
How to Make Glass Candlestick Totem
Here’s how to create one-of-a-kind glass totems for your garden:
Supplies You Will Need
Or, try these other ideas…
- Glass Taper Holders
- Votive Tea Light Holders
- Tea Light Candle Adapters
- Decorative Goblets or Crystal Glassware
- Shot Glasses
- China Tea Plates
- China Teacups
Instructions
1. Start by turning your bud vase upside down.
2. To this, glue a glass plate (face down) on top with either Gorilla Clear Epoxy or Clear Goo Glue.
3. Next, glue a candle stick to the plate, and follow with glass beads for a finishing touch.
4. To place in your garden, pound in a round stake and place the totem (bud vase first) over the stake. See images below.
Samples of Garden Totems
Here are examples of DIY garden totems. The first three were made by my stepmom, June. As you can see, they are a mix of clear and colored glass and yet are so beautifully made.
I’m agog with this colorful beauty of a glass totem. I love the highlighted colors and whimsical patterns that seem to work flawlessly.
For more beautiful crafty ideas for your home and garden, be sure to check out these great DIY projects:
- DIY Rake Wine Rack
- Repurposed Christmas Tree Projects
- Mod Podge Serving Tray Project
- Corner Shutter Shelf Unit Project
- DIY Seashell Candelabra Project
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