Hi there! Hope you’re having a great day so far. I went thrifting a few days ago in search of plates for my plate wall, but of course, I couldn’t resist picking up a few other treasures. At one of my favorite stores, I found a stack of long narrow boxes. Clearly they were drawers from something, but I’m not entirely certain what. The former librarian in me, however, convinced myself that they were originally from old card catalogs, so I had to bring one home. I decided to make a succulent centerpiece out of my treasure.
I didn’t want to risk ruining the wood, however, by using live plants. Plus, I thought fashioning a liner for this oddly-shaped box would be a hassle. So I used succulent candles instead. Cute, huh?
I used pea gravel from the hardware store as filler for the box, but to prevent the box from becoming too heavy, I made kind of a “fake bottom.” First, I balled up some newspaper for the bottom. Then I cut a piece of foam board from Jo-Anns to size, and fit it snugly on top of the newspaper. The pea gravel was really dirty, so I washed it first. When it was dry, I put a thin layer on top of the foam board and nestled in the candles.
I love how it turned out. Plus, no watering! The candles are almost too cute to burn, though.
In case you missed it, here are some other things I’ve been inspired to make from items I thrifted.
I always enjoy your posts so much. Those succulent candles look so real, could have fooled me til I noticed the wicks. Great use of box you found, it’s gorgeous oak wood and handle is very pretty. Good idea not to take chance of planting real succulents and thereby ruining wood box.
Drawer looks like could have been from nicer sewing cabinet with drawers for sewing needs, or an apothecary cabinet? Hard to say, wish I could get hold od couple of them.
Happy week
Thanks, JaneEllen! So sweet of you to drop by and leave such thoughtful comments. Have a great day!
Thanks, JaneEllen!! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
These look so real! This succulent box could be the perfect centerpiece for my living room coffee table 🙂
Thanks, Lynn! I love reading your comments.
You didn’t mention where you got those candles?? Do you know?
Hi Sandi! Actually, I already had the candles. I got them for free from a junk store I frequent. The owner was nice enough just to throw them in with one of my purchases. But I know you can get them from Amazon and Crate & Barrel, too.