Style Me Pretty Living: DIY Crafts

Abby Larson, founder of Style Me Pretty -- one our favorite places on the web for all things wedding-related -- has launched a new site full of inspiration for your home. Style Me Pretty Living is a field guide for life's everyday moments, offering readers the know-how to decorate a home that is as beautiful and thoughtful as their wedding was. These fabulous DIY home accents are just a taste of all the prettiness to come.

« Previous |  1 of 2  | Next »

Project 1: Faux Coral Candlesticks

One of our favorite DIY projects, these easy candlesticks take minutes to throw together and look effortlessly polished in any room of the house. The secret is soaking natural sponges in plaster, so they retain all that beautiful coral texture!

Supplies

• 2 natural sponges (found in the watercolor section of an art or craft supply store)
• Plaster of Paris
• Plastic or glass bowl, large enough to fit your sponge
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• 2 copper pipe caps (1/2" diameter, available at Home Depot)
• 2 taper candles
• X-Acto knife
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Instructions

Step 1: Use your X-Acto knife to make a small hole in the center of each sponge.

Step 2: Hot glue the metal caps into the holes in the sponges (open side up -- this is where your taper candles will go when the piece is finished).

Step 3: Mix enough plaster to completely submerge the sponge (about 2 cups plaster and 1 cup water) in the glass bowl. Mix with your fingers until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Dip your sponge into the plaster until it is totally covered. Remove and place on a sheet of aluminum foil.

Step 5: With your fingers, cover any bare spots with extra plaster. Repeat steps 3 through 5 with the second sponge.

Step 6: Let dry for about 24 hours, until the plaster is no longer moist and is cool to the touch.

Step 7: Insert your taper candles and light up any room in the house!

Facebook Twitter