South County Crafting: Make a Country Cottage Centerpiece

With holiday decorations taken down and put away, the home front may be looking a little drab and in the need of a little pick me up.

The old saying holds true, “one man’s trash in another man’s (or in this case woman’s) treasure."

Especially at this time of year, strolling through local thrift and consignment stores can wield all kinds of treasures because nearly everyone is cleaning out their old stuff. Check out Parkwood Thrift on Mayo Road or Second Wind Consignments in Deale.

Today's craft project is an English cottage centerpiece.

You will need:

• E6000 glue (available at or ). 
• 3 unmatched candlestickes (about the same shape and size)
• 2 vintage china plats and a small vintage china bowl (found the ones pictured at Second Winds Consignments).

The total price for this project is $15.

Epoxy glue can be a lot messy and a little tricky, so make sure to read all of the directions, protect your workspace with some newspaper, and work in a well-ventilated area.

To create the base of the stand, flip the largest plate over.  Apply E6000 to the top of the candlestick and the bottom of the plate where you are going to adhere it. E6000 directions suggest you apply the epoxy to both surfaces and then wait 2-10 minutes before putting them together. (Tip: If you have difficulty trying to center the candlestick on the plate use a tiny bit of toothpaste to mark your center, the E6000 will dissolve the toothpaste) After letting it sit, apply the top of the candlestick to the bottom of the plate and press for about 30 seconds (only light pressure is needed), then turn upright.

For the middle, apply E6000 to the bottom of your candlestick and the middle of the top of the plate, allow to cure again and then apply the bottom of the candlestick to the top of the plate. Press for about 30 seconds. Add E6000 to the top of the second candlestick, and the bottom of the medium sized plate, let set, apply plate to the candlestick, press for 30 seconds. Repeat this process with the last candlestick, and the smallest plate or bowl.

Once complete, allow the centerpiece to cure for 48-72 hours. Use for fruit, candy, desserts or just for decoration. Make one with only one tier for a beautiful one of a kind cake stand to use for a gift.