Lately, I have been challenging myself to try new things like public speaking, reading books I thought I wouldn’t, making my own yogurt, and printing my own wall art. I have fallen in love with the excitement and motivation that stepping out of my comfort zone brings me! I’m not always good at them, but it is surprising how often I am impressed and pleased with the results.
This week I had a random idea to make a cake stand for next to my sink. I thought, “hey, I can make one for pretty cheap!” I figured I probably wasn’t the only one to think of the idea, so I searched pinterest, and sure enough there was tons of inspiration and ideas to help guide me in making my own frugal cake stand.
I ended up going to the Dollar Tree with my daughter one evening, and found the perfect plate and candlestick. Let me tell you, I searched high and low throughout the entire store until I found what I wanted. I was beginning to lose hope, but then sure enough, on the very bottom row and in the back of the shelf behind other plates, I found the plate I was looking for!!
There were only three left. Praise the Lord I found it! The whole experience made me think of how my husband always jokes,
“you always find what you are looking for in the last place you look”.
What You Should Definitely NOT Do!
Here are the products I bought and used:
- Glass Candlestick – $1 (from DollarTree)
- Ceramic Plate – $1 (from DollarTree)
- Rustoleum Painter’s Touch 2X UltraCover Paint + Primer in Satin Heirloom White
- Hot Glue Gun (read on to learn about how you should use Weldbond instead!)
I started by gluing the candlestick to the plate and letting it dry while I put the kids to bed. Yes, I was so excited to tackle this new challenge, I just had to start right away!
After the kids were in bed, I made sure the glue seemed dry and then moved outside to spray paint. I was excited that as I started spray painting, I realized the plate was a perfect color match to my spray paint. I only needed to paint the candlestick and the bottom of the plate. Woohoo!
I sprayed many light passes over the candlestick, turning it regularly, so the paint didn’t run. It was a kind of slow process, but it turned out well. I think if I were to do it again I might consider painting the candlestick first, and then gluing it to the plate.
Then the disappointing thing happened.
After I was completely finished, I carefully moved it and the candlestick separated from the plate! Ugh.
I talked to my husband and he reassured me that hot glue would not adhere properly between the glass and ceramic. He thought I should buy something like Weldbond. I have it temporarily hot glued again until the Weldbond arrives in the mail, but I’ll let you know how that holds out!
A $2 DIY Cake Stand!
I am very pleased with the final piece. For only $2 (since I had the spray paint from another project), I think it adds a unique element to my kitchen. It is one of those things that just makes me happy when I look at it, and makes me want to clean some more. That means a lot, considering I used to hate cleaning!
I am still madly in love with the design on the top of the plate, and I might just go back and buy another one or two, before they are all sold out!
There were many other plate options at the Dollar Tree. Some of them were ceramic and some were not. Some were unique colors and I almost ended up purchasing one that had a really unique chevron pattern and color on it!
As far as candlesticks go, there weren’t many other options. You could use a stem glass instead of a candlestick to get a different look though.
Have you been trying new things?
And challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone? If not, what’s holding you back? Give it a try and let me know what you do, where you go or what you make. I’d love to celebrate in your excitement with you!
And don’t be afraid to try a crazy color if you are painting—I’m still madly in love with my very bold and blue chairs that I painted last year. All that really matters is if it brings YOU joy!
**If you’re wondering about the Mrs. Meyer’s Hand Soap and the other cleaning products pictured, you can read more about them and how I used to hate cleaning here.
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