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
DIY Glass Insulator Centerpiece Tutorial: It’s amazing how inspiration can strike at a moment’s n… http://t.co/bHS33OQLPX #FabYouBliss
DIY Glass Insulator Centerpiece Tutorial – Fab You Bliss http://t.co/E1zEmaEB6J
I just love it when a smart, stylish girl pulls out the power tools 🙂 So inspiring!!!
How elegant and unique! I can agree with inspiration striking at any moment!
Well, thanks for making me CRY! These insulators were all over our house growing up because my dad was a high-voltage electrician and would bring them home to my mom (the blue and green ones were her favorites). Great craft!
What a cool idea! I love the finished look!
Such a cute DIY – and it has so many great uses for parties this fall!
Love glass insulators, especially the history behind them! 🙂
This is really cute and inexpensive. I love how thick the glass is and the flower choices are bright and cheerful!
I love to Thrift, and looking through the goodwill and old antique shops (you do indeed find the best little things). I love the photos in your blog post. You did a incredible job, and I’m happy you didn’t donate this. But instead kept it, and you allowed your inspiration to follow through!
Clarissa – The Sweetest Thing Events
Such a creative DIY!!
WOW- so jealous of your creative talents! This looks simple, elegant & amazing!
[…] can read more about how to make this DIY project on Fab You Bliss, where it was […]
[…] ceremony. It was a neat idea that fit their relationship perfectly. Their wedding also included a lot of DIY. The florals were designed by the bride’s mom and the stationery was designed by the bride. […]