Gothic Candelabra

$35 - $40 (based on 2016 prices) 

Makes one candelabra with candles  

I have always wanted one of those imposing candelabras seen haunting the darkened corners of drafty castles in period films. To my surprise, I discovered one at a second-hand store for $20. My initial attempt to use the lace as a stencil proved an utter mess; however, it gave birth to an entirely new idea. If you cannot find a massive candelabra, the project can still be completed with a smaller version or with a series of candlesticks (buy numerous sticks in various heights and styles from second-hand stores to set an eerie tablescape).

• One mental candelabra or a set of smaller candlesticks
• Five candles (or enough to fill your chosen candelabra/candlesticks)
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in metallic black
• One yard of black lace fabric
• One 8 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying latex paint in flat white*
• One 16 oz. bottle of isopropyl rubbing alcohol (50%)*
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
  

1. Hold the spray paint can roughly twelve inches away from the candelabra and, in a well-ventilated area, spray it with several even coats of metallic paint. I used three coats; however, you may want more or less depending on your desired coverage. To give the object an antiquated look, use a paint which produces a “hammered” effect.

2. Spread the lace out on a newspaper-lined surface, ensuring that it rests as smooth as possible. With a medium-sized brush, dab the white paint onto the fabric. You want the final product to appear aged and distressed. To achieve this, refrain from applying an even coat. Rather, leave some areas darker than others (the more paint you add, the whiter the lace becomes). You may want to experiment with a few scraps of fabric to perfect the process before beginning the final version.

3. Once the paint has dried, measure the circumference and height of the candles and cut the lace into squares large enough to wrap around them. You can cover the entire candle in fabric or cut out the lace’s designs to create interesting patterns. The latter method may be time consuming, but it produces more dramatic results.

4. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a paper towel and wipe the surface of the candles. This process removes some of the oils and sheen so the glue can adhere to the wax. To prevent the alcohol from damaging the candles, use a milder strength (50%) or dilute a stronger mixture (70 - 90%) with water.

5. Use the tacky glue to stick the lace to the candles. Because of the curvature, you may have to press and hold the fabric against the candle for a few minutes, allowing the glue to fully adhere to the wax. 

6. After the glue has dried, assemble the candelabra. If you want to enhance the aged appearance of the prop, add further details by brushing the lace with brown paint to simulate dust and patting the structure of the candelabra with rust-colored paint.

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.