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Candle Sconce

January 26th, 2009 in blog, member junk     
JunkArchitect Jim Healy, contributor
19 users recommend
Insulator found at a flea market and wood from a dumpster
  Scrap of rusty steel becomes the shelf bracket      
Just add a candle
Concept Sketch
Vintage Insulator and Tea Light candle holder from Ikea
Run a bead of clear caulk around edge of tea light holder
Let it dry and you’re all set
Insulator found at a flea market and wood from a dumpster

Insulator found at a flea market and wood from a dumpster
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Vintage clear glass Insulators and wood pulled from a construction site dumpster become Sconces that give off a very relaxing glow.

I did a small sketch of what I wanted the Sconces to look like and then enlarged it on a copier. The copy was traced onto plywood and then cut out. The same procedure was used for the shelf. A scrap of rusty steel was formed into a bracket by wrapping it around a pipe.

A couple coats of paint and some heavy distressing and they turned out just like the sketch.

 


Pattern or design used: My own design
posted in: blog, member junk, vintage, metal, wood, cottage, eclectic, glass, country, family room, candle holder, living room, porch, bathroom, bedroom, dining room, entry, light fixture, sunroom, game room, paint
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Comments (15)

CreepinJen writes: I'm really drawn to that great color of red. The whole project is so cool and ties in nicely with the signage over the bed. Most excellent!! Posted: 5:49 pm on February 4th
JunkArchitect writes: Debi, I added three photos that show my method for keeping the Insulators from tipping over…and thanks for the nice comment.

Jim Posted: 9:40 pm on January 29th
whatscookninjunk writes: I have a silly question for you on your wonderful sconces, which by the way I love them!! My question is... What did you use to keep the insulator in place, just in case it would get bumped??? I love them and I am sure I am going to have to give it a try with some of the insulators I have... I have used them on outdoor candliers, in the center of the table. But my problem has always been... the wind would knock them over. I would really appreciate any help!
Thanks for sharing Jim.
Debi Posted: 7:44 pm on January 29th
georgiamoon writes: Jim these are so cool. One of these days you're going to have to build onto your house if you keep making all this great stuff! And since you have already mapped out your route to come visit...when are you leaving? Should I expect you later this week? I'm having a big sale and it's 75 and balmy here! I'll keep the light on...Georgia Posted: 7:13 pm on January 29th
whiteflower writes: I love the vintage look & design. The shape & color you used on the plywood was pefect for this project. Great dumpster score. Posted: 6:43 pm on January 28th
KimberlyMelamed writes: Bravo Jim. Another materpiece! I too LOVE the red color and the distressed look you are so adept at creating. Thanks for the inspiration. Kimberly Posted: 3:18 pm on January 28th
snowyowl writes: Jim

Love the red color - not like a modern pigment at all. like rubbing cherries all over the wood or something. Nice use of the old insulators too with the tea light. Wonderful to have an occupation you love. Posted: 2:26 pm on January 27th
ultrajunk writes: Hey Jim, those turned out great! Very cool design...gotta love insulators, i must have at least 40, but not one glass on in the bunch,They look very vintage.

Damon Posted: 4:54 am on January 27th
plumberdaughter writes: Great use of an insulator. I'm impressed with the distressing this looks very old.
Kim Posted: 9:09 pm on January 26th
JunkArchitect writes: Lani, the large sign is an original from a Connecticut electrical contractor…I was told from the 1940’s.

Christy, most of the time I just wing-it with no drawing and hope for the best too.

Thanks,
Jim Posted: 8:59 pm on January 26th
csudderth writes: Your sketching ability is awesome. I can't draw a lick so I just start putting pieces together and hope for the best. Maybe why your pieces always look so professional! Anyway, I love it--especially the rusty bracket.
Christy Posted: 8:43 pm on January 26th
CottageElements writes: These turned out great, Jim. You are truly a master of your craft! Love the large sign I see in the picture, too. Did you make that one or is it an original?

Lani Posted: 6:28 pm on January 26th
shabbychick writes: Very cool sconces. Project completed exactly to specification!!! :) I love the aged look of the wood - it all fits together so well!

Thanks for sharing!

Kathy

Posted: 4:43 pm on January 26th
fellowjunker writes: I've always loved old glass insulators, and this project shows these off beautifully!!!! I love the touches of red you add to your home. Wish I could come over for some wood cutting lessons!! GREAT PROJECT AS USUAL-----I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE PART OF THIS SITE.
xojanis Posted: 11:23 am on January 26th
Junk_Sophisticate writes: You aren't kidding that they look just like the sketch. Love these! I really like the simplicity of the rusty steel you made into a bracket too. Great job!
Candy

Posted: 5:28 pm on January 25th
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