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Glass Cigar Tubes - Totally Tubular Project

January 19th, 2009 in blog, projects     
Junk_Sophisticate Candy Allen, contributor
16 users recommend
I thought Id brighten things up at home with a floral project that included glass tubes, similar to test tubes. Once I placed my cigar tubes in random heights in each hole, I sprinkled the insides of the holes generously with buttons.  You can also fill them up with small pebbles, aquarium rocks, sand, seashells, etc.  Its easy to coordinate this project with any look youre going for. 
I was excited to attempt my first DownHomeDIY-style project by only using materials I had in my home.  About halfway into it I realized....flowers!!  I need flowers!  Ooops!    Even though it didnt work out as originally planned, I only had to spend $5 since I took advantage of a 1/2 off deal.      Supplies needed; Glass cigar tubes (or test tubes), a wood block with holes, ribbon, buttons, glue and corrugated cardboard. 
Im embarrassed to say I cannot remember what the wooden block with holes is called.  It is a reproduction of sorts that I purchased from the Country Living Fair 2007 in Morrow, OH.  It came with candles in it but I thought Id switch it out with flowers to freshen things up a bit.  The corrugated cardboard was material I received inside a package sent to me by a junk friend.  Glue it to the side of the wooden block and tie a ribbon over it using a couple dabs of Gorilla Glue here and there to hold in place. 
This project is totally tubular, man!
Stay warm junkers. 
I thought Id brighten things up at home with a floral project that included glass tubes, similar to test tubes. Once I placed my cigar tubes in random heights in each hole, I sprinkled the insides of the holes generously with buttons.  You can also fill them up with small pebbles, aquarium rocks, sand, seashells, etc.  Its easy to coordinate this project with any look youre going for. 

I thought I'd brighten things up at home with a floral project that included glass tubes, similar to test tubes.

Once I placed my cigar tubes in random heights in each hole, I sprinkled the insides of the holes generously with buttons.  You can also fill them up with small pebbles, aquarium rocks, sand, seashells, etc.  It's easy to coordinate this project with any look you're going for. 
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After receiving over 100 glass cigar tubes for free, I'm challenging myself to use them in as many projects as I can come up with. Want to help??? Provide suggestions and I'll attempt to do what I can with your ideas!

**Each tube comes complete with a fitted top so they do have the ability to be closed.

As always, take care and keep on junking!

Candy

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DownHomeDIY
posted in: blog, projects, seasonal, wood, cottage, eclectic, vase, centerpiece, glass, country, family room, house wear, plant holder, living room, dining room, traditional, brown, green
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Comments (22)

Junkdesol writes: How about a spice rack Candy. Do you have a router? Rout a block wood with 2 rows of 5 holes just enough for the tubes to sit in. Then create a frame around the block of wood using heavy metal wire or wire picture frame. Leave the rest up to your creative mind. I wish I could post a picture. Have fun!!!!! Posted: 3:15 pm on March 1st
GOT_ART writes: I love your use of buttons instead of the "usual" rocks everyone uses! Nice . . . very nice. Sherry Posted: 12:03 pm on February 15th
ela1203 writes: A terrific idea. Love how you displayed the flowers. So pretty and simple. Really a beautiful job. Such talent! Posted: 7:45 pm on January 30th
byabpryor writes: I'm gonna git me some of those tubes yet! LOL

Nice job! Posted: 7:42 pm on January 30th
Josefly writes: I love your valentine creation. How about using the glass tubes as spice containers? They can be wired together in a staggered row so they can stand on the kitchen counter, but loosely so each tube can be removed separately for use. Or loose tea containers? Posted: 10:47 pm on January 27th
HopingToJunk writes: Candy, I love, love, love it! You are a master at making simple and beautiful projects. I love your style And your photos are always like a magazine photo shoot. This project gives me hope that spring is somewhere around the corner. Thanks for the inspiration. Posted: 9:19 am on January 25th
BayCityJunk writes: I love the glass tubes. I have attached one to the side of a photo frame and used it like a vase and tucked small flowers in it to sit on a desk or table. Posted: 10:28 am on January 22nd
QueenofGreen writes: Gorgeous! Wonderful photo. At first I thought the base was an automotive manifold. I read farther to see what it was. Posted: 7:43 pm on January 21st
JunkArchitect writes: You really did a great job taking the photos, it looks like a home furnishings catalog shot. There should be a price under each photo...everything looks fantastic.

Jim Posted: 9:43 pm on January 19th
CottageElements writes: Candy, absolutely, positively beautiful. Definitely magazine worthy. And it really puts me into a Spring mood! I like LuAnn's idea about putting them into old pipe holders. I think I've seen cigar molds, too, that would be cool wired onto and hung on a wall. Or wired onto old molding and hung on a wall with a flower sticking out of them. I think there was something in the first Junk Market book that had something like that. I wish I lived closer. I'd like a few too! Awesome!

Lani Posted: 8:27 pm on January 19th
TGTG writes: LUV IT! I have some old Pyrex Test Tubes that I think would work just as well. Neat idea. And your photos are just fab!

JennyK Posted: 8:22 pm on January 19th
LuAnn writes: This looks great. I like the use of fresh flowers. I've done something similar but I used it for plant rooting. I placed the cigar tubes in old pipe holders.

LuAnn Posted: 5:39 pm on January 19th
fellowjunker writes: Candy
This is just stunningly beautiful. TRES MAGNIFICIENT!!! (sp?)
And, yes, I agree your photography is so so professional. Don't worry, I had no idea what that wooden block was either--that is definitely something that I find so interesting about this site--it seems that everyone's junk finds are a little different depending on where they might live or what resources are available to them.
Great work!!
xojanis Posted: 4:56 pm on January 19th
KimberlyMelamed writes: Candy, this is just beautiful. In fact, I had done a similar thing with my sugar mold and planted it with paperwhite bulbs and small glass jars. It is such a lovely way to use the molds. Love the addition of the corrugated paper and ribbon. Posted: 2:35 pm on January 19th
DownHomeDIY writes: What about a three-tiered chandelier? Posted: 2:29 pm on January 19th
Junk_Sophisticate writes: Aaaahhhh! That's what they're called! Sugar molds. Thanks Texasjunkermom. Looks like I'm the only one that couldn't remember what it was.

I really like the bouquet ideas from TJM and Georgia. The fact that you both thought of a similar idea, yet had a different take on it was fantastic! Romantic vs. Industrial. Stay tuned.

And Gretchen's ornament idea sounds pretty neat too! Hmmmm. Let me see what I have.

Gretchen - I received them from an aquaintance who's father smokes cigars. And yes, I'm open for a trade! My dad is supposed to get me springs from a bed on their property but I think he'll need to wait till Spring to get them for me due to the weather. (No pun intended). I'd be happy to trade some to use now though. Email me. :)

Kathy - Sure I'm up for a trade! And you're right. We could definitely meet half way! Email me through my blog in my profile. :)

Thanks for the comments everyone...they're always funny and sweet. Keep the ideas coming!

Candy

Posted: 2:02 pm on January 19th
shabbychick writes: Candy - Another amazing project! Love the pieces and parts (sugar mold, glass tubes, etc...), and the flowers are so beautiful! It has such a fresh, elegant look (Martha Stewart would be jealous!!) Your pictures are so well done - absolutely magazine-worthy!!

Hey, I'm sure I've got something to trade for some of those glass tubes...if you want to part with some (and, we're almost neighbors - could meet for a junk exchange!!)!

Thanks for sharing another great idea!!

Kathy Posted: 1:20 pm on January 19th
MimiToria writes: Candy - your project as always is gorgeous. Love it! You are one talented girl and I agree it looks like it should be in a magazine.
I think these could make cool Christmas tree ornaments with stuff in the tubes (vintage white buttons, mica, glitter, etc.) and than a pc. of chain or ribbon around the tops.
Awesome post Candy!
Where did you get 100 of these?

Want to trade some for rusty bed springs?

Gretchen Posted: 12:30 pm on January 19th
berton718 writes: This is AMAZING!! I love how you've made such a beautiful and creative arrangement. Thanks for sharing. Posted: 11:35 am on January 19th
georgiamoon writes: Texasjunkermom...you just wrote exactly what I was going to write but I was thinking of bunching them together with that metal plumbers tape that has the holes in it for a more industrial look. Great minds think a like! Candy this is such a cute idea and I would love to duplicate this but I sold all the sugar molds I had. Next time I run across one I am doing this for sure...it is darling! Really beautiful! Love it, Georgia Posted: 11:14 am on January 19th
texasjunkermom writes: Beautiful! The wooden block is called a sugar mold--the sides of the holes are sloped to make a cone-shaped hole. Supposedly these were used to make sugar cones that were later grated for use. I use mine as a votive candle holder, but this would certainly be a neat change. Buttons for filling the spaces. What a good idea!

Another idea for using the tubes: how about gathering a group of them in a bundle large enough to stand when tied with a ribbon, then put individual flowers in the tubes. Make a large bouquet.... Posted: 11:10 am on January 19th
DownHomeDIY writes: OK, this is what I call a CandyGram!! You continue to deliver amazingly beautiful project ideas. The thing I love best about your style is that your transformation look like they belong on the pages of Ballard Design. One would never know that they started from junk! Can't wait to receive the next CandyGram!!! - MB Posted: 9:12 am on January 19th
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