Add New Life to Old Christmas Decorations Part 2

As you continue to finish your decorating don’t throw the old or broken items out until you think if they can be made pretty again. Did you see my last post about bringing new life to old Christmas decorations? So here’s Add New Life to Old Christmas Decorations Part 2.

NATIVITY SET
There’s not too many flea markets or yard sales you go to which you can’t find a set. This was a brand new 13 piece set I found for $5 but I knew the pastel colors wouldn’t work. But a few coats of paint would rescue it for me.

I gave it a couple coats of Rustoleum 2X, following directions on the can. The paint has primer and since I was covering a light color, an additional coat of primer wasn’t necessary.

ORNAMENTS INTO PICKS

Each year there’s always those ornaments which seem to have a broken or missing cap, or faded or chipping paint. Not only can these be painted to reuse as an ornament, but with just some paint and a wooden skewer, you have a new pick for your tree or wreath.

If the ornament doesn’t need to be painted, give the skewer a coat of paint either to match the ornament or the tree.

Using a glue gun, my choice of course if the new Ryobi, place a little glue at the opening of the ornament then insert the skewer all the way in. A little more glue may be needed around the opening to secure it.

Holding it in place until the glue starts to set, maybe 20 – 30 seconds.

Place it in a cup or holder to completely set up.

If you forgot to paint the skewer before you glue it (like me) wrap a bit of paper and painters tape before painting.  Allow to dry.

Add other leaves, berries, or mini pinecones for more embellish.

GLITTERED CANDLESTICK

You will never look at a old, dark candlestick again.

By using paint and glitter, you can make this a one step process.

Making sure your candlestick is clean, paint a small section at a time. Depending on size, this might be about 1/3 to 1/2 of it.

While paint is still wet, sprinkle with glitter then shake off excess. Let this dry – and this can depend on the type of paint you use and how thick it is painted on. Most furniture paint works well for this because it does have a fairly quick dry time.

After the project is done and completely dry, give it a coat of high gloss sealer to keep your glitter from coming off so easy.

This candlestick was painted with Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint then sprinkled with fine, iridescent glitter. A couple coats of gloss sealer was added.

A few tips on glitter:

Remember to save the leftover glitter so you can use again. I like to use a piece of parchment paper under the project.

The finer glitter gives a better shine and adheres better.

There’s also glitter glue pens if you want to highlight just an area.

BRASS/WHITE CANDLESTICK

How many old brass candlesticks do you have or see at yard sales?

With a couple coats of gloss white, turn and old drab one into a fab one.

To further make it pretty, here’s a couple options:

Turn a bell upside down and place a battery operated candle inside it. Use a little glue to hold bell in place.

Glue a clear vase or bowl onto the top. Fill with Epsom Salt, sand, or gravel. You are ready then to add a candle or small items to make a centerpiece.

A plate could also be used on to to use as a serving piece.

If you use hot glue, most items can be removed CAREFULLY to change it up.

When the glue becomes cold, it becomes brittle. I like to use the tip of a thin steak knife to pop the glue off.   Again, do this very carefully. The item can be placed in the freezer for about 20 minutes to help make it brittle.

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