Patriotic Proud DIY Decor Project #2: Candle/Plant Holders

It’s a beautiful sunny day here in the Seattle area; especially for the first day of June.  I’m taking advantage of this rare warm & dry weather by typing this post from my lounge chair outside B-)…now if I only had an ice cold sweet tea to sip on!  Ahhh, then today would almost be as glorious as the 4^th of July.  Can you believe it’s only a little over a month away?!  I just love the 4^th - the yummy BBQ food, fireworks, and all the red, white, and blue – such a fun day and way to celebrate and honor our great country! 

What do your plans involve for the holiday?  Could you use some inexpensive, fun, and easy ways to liven up your backyard/patio for the festivities?  If so, I have a DIY project for you to consider: PATRIOTIC CANDLE/PLANT HOLDERS.  The basic idea was taken from a favorite of mine on pinterest, and then given our own patriotic twist.  I couldn’t find the original source of the basic idea to share with you today, so if any of you know, please share it with us in the comment section of this blog so that we can give them the proper credit.

Patriotic Candle/Plant Holder

 

*What you’ll need...

Small tin can (5oz canned chicken works best – great size, so fishy smell)

20-21 clothes pins (depends on the size of the pin)

Red, white, and blue spray paint

Small star stickers (color doesn’t matter, you’re going to pull them off after painting)

Candles or small plants of your choice

 

*Directions:

 1.      Spray paint the can white and allow to completely dry

2.      While waiting for the paint to dry, spray paint the first coat of white paint onto half of the clothes pins, and red on the other half (*tip: clasping the clothes pins to a piece of cardboard and finding a place where you can prop the cardboard up to stand makes the painting process faster because this allows you to be able to paint both sides of the clothes pins in one shot

3.      Once the white paint on the can is completely dry, stick the stickers onto the face of the can as shown in the picture or in a pattern of your choice

4.      Spray paint the can blue, again allowing the paint to completely dry

5.      While waiting for the paint to dry, spray another coat of white and red paint onto the clothes pins

6.      Once the blue paint on the can is completely dry, gently remove the star stickers to reveal the white paint underneath (take your time so as not to scratch any  of the paint off in the process)

7.      Once the clothes pins are completely covered in red and white to your satisfaction and are completely dry, begin clipping them to the can, alternating the colors. (depending on the number of clothespins you end up needing to use, you may end up having two of the same color next to each other in the end – a detail barely noticed if you turn that to the back and once all the décor and food is out and festivities begin)

8.      Slip a candle (citronella is great if mosquitos are an issue in your area) or a small potted plant into the can to finish the look (both look great and you can even do some of each if you wish.  We did!)

 

If you love this idea, click here (link) to see our Easter variation, or if you’re looking for another easy and inexpensive idea for your patriotic festivities, be sure to visit our previous post http://myguyandidiy.blogspot.com/#!/2013/05/patriot-proud-diy-decor-projects.html

 

Thanks for joining us here at MY Guy & I DIY.  If you’ve enjoyed our creations, be sure to share us with your friends and/or leave us a comment below!  Maybe you have a tip or two or twist of your own you’d like to share.  Please feel free.  We’d love to hear from you and see your completed projects!