Ugly Duckling, Meet Beautiful Swan

This is a story about how an ugly duckling became a beautiful swan.

Meet the ugly duckling(s), those ubiquitous cheese domes that everyone had about 15 years ago and then promptly took to the thrift store, where you can find them for around $3. The candlesticks, not quite as ugly, sell for under $1 each.

Here's the transformation: With your trusty Elmer's Wood Glue, afix pathetic cheese dome base to a candlestick. Be sure the candlestick is centered on the bottom of the base and that the base is level. If the candlestick doesn't have an ample base, you can beef it up by adding a small carved wooden plaque. Then weight all the pieces down (I used a 5-pound flat weight) and let dry. Paint the finished structure (you'll need several coats), and you'll be amazed by the instant cottage charm you've created with your very own hands.

Isn't it cute? Especially painted with a jadite (jadeite) green, which is called Duck's Egg from the Martha Stewart line of paint at Home Depot.

Same color but on a wooden pedestal bowl that I also distressed.

I wish I knew exactly whom to credit for this genius idea, but there's no way of knowing who came up with this first. I've seen these pedestal cloches all over the blogosphere and on Etsy, which is where mine is now.

I actually made several of these (plus some other upcycled wooden pedestal bowls) over the summer in hopes of getting into a "hip" craft show. But the show's idea of hip was an overabundance of skull jewelry, and my creations (and probably me) weren't hip (or disturbing) enough.

I'm hoping, however, that they're charming enough to give as a Christmas gift for a friend, or better yet, for yourself.

P.S. Does anyone know what's the preferred spelling of Jadite? Or is it Jadeite?

Comments

[Diane]

Jadite, I collect it and I prefer that! I sure love the makeover! Very cool! Hugs, Diane

[barbara]

Honestly, I have a guidebook that spells it both ways, and you know how fond I am of correct spelling! Those pedestals are absolutely adorable. Should I be collecting them for you?

[Gina @ Vintage Junk in My Trunk]

Those pedestals look amazing! So much better than the plain wood. Great job!

[Melissa's Antiques]

they were quite the ugly duckling before!! Love the transformation! Good job! :)

[Linda H.]

Adorable...I need to start scouting the thrifts for the pieces I will need to make one...

[Judy]

Very nice. I believe it is Jadite. Were you trying to get into the Plowshares Craft Show?

[Mare]

ooo fabulous idea! I need to do this! my color of preference at the moment is aqua, and I believe it will play very nicely with this craft! Thanks!!!

[Patty]

What a great makeover! Very hip and beats out a skull mug any day!

[Marianne]

Great job! You were in the wrong craft show - this is a wonderful idea! Very creative!