DIY Glass Insulator Centerpiece Tutorial

It’s amazing how inspiration can strike at a moment’s notice. It can happen as fast as lighting or with a flick of a switch. The best part of being creative is that you never know when such inspiration will strike.

A few years ago I was shopping at an antique store when I spotted a neat vintage glass box. As soon as I saw it the ideas flooded my mind with possibilities. The only problem was it was filled with old glass insulators. Insulators have a fascinating history, but their main purpose was to support wire that was strung between telephone poles during the 1920s-1940s. Unfortunately I didn’t have any use for 12 extras. But, since it was only $10, I purchased the box anyway.

Over the years I tried to put them to use but nothing stuck. Then as I was about to donate them to Good Will, inspiration struck. “How about a bud vase centerpiece?” I thought.

So with some handy power tools, a piece of wood, stain, and my glass insulators, I created this simple, yet elegant centerpiece. Taking something old and re purposing it in a new way is so fulfilling and a great way to add a something old, something new twist to one’s wedding or event.

Materials:
2-3 ft Wooden Board
Drill
1 3/8” Hole Saw
Wood Stain
Paint Brush
Rag

Instructions:
1. Find your insulators. You can find clear glass insulators at any antique store ($2-5 an insulator).
2. Go shopping at Home Depot. Any home improvement store should have a wooden board. This one came from Home Depot ($4). If you want to make a few centerpieces get the 8ft board and then have them cut it into 2ft increments.
3. Mark your holes as to where you want to place the insulators.
4. Get the power tools out. Use a drill and hole cutter attachment to hollow out the wood.
5. Stain the wood (if desired) by generously painting the board and then quickly wipe with rag. Give it time to dry.
6. Place glass insulators upside down and add flowers – voilà – a bud vase centerpiece.

Author: Valerie Pritt // Design: Fleur De Lis Event Consulting // Rentals: North Hill Chair Covers & Linens // Floral Design: Leelee’s Sassy Bloom // Photographer: Meg Burke Photography