DIY Fall Candle Holder – Thrift Store Upcycle Magic

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of thrift store alchemy—you know, the kind where you take someone’s “meh” and turn it into a full-on seasonal masterpiece. I'm talking about a candle holder that’s about to go from forgotten shelf-sitter to fall décor royalty!

Let’s talk DIY Fall Candle Holder—aka the perfect upcycle that’ll have your mantle, entryway, or fall tablescape looking like it came straight outta a Pinterest fever dream!

DIY Fall Candle Holder – Thrift Store Upcycle Magic

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Upcycle Fall Candle Holder Video Tutorial

Supplies Recap:

Thrift store candlestick ($3)
Bright orange & canyon orange craft paints from my stash
Bronze & gold metallic paints
Espresso brown acrylic paint
Glazing medium
Variety of paintbrushes
Optional: baby butt–looking art wipes (do NOT use on babies)

Step 1: The Thrift Store Treasure Hunt

I found this candlestick at my local thrift store on Old Lady Discount Day (yes, that's a real thing and yes, I live for it). It was hefty, metal, and just begging for a glow-up. Total cost? $3! And because I’m over 55, it was HALF OFF. Score!

Sure, it wasn’t handmade. Probably mass-produced, Pier 1 vibes. But it had potential. You just have to squint a little and see the after, not the before!

Step 2: Fall Color Vibes – Pick Your Palette

Before I even popped the lid off a paint pot, I picked my fall color scheme:

Bright Orange (your classic pumpkin spice tone)
Canyon Orange (a deeper, richer hue)
Gold & Bronze Metallics (because shimmer is life)
Espresso Brown Glaze (for that vintage, cozy finish)

And we’re using good ol’ cheap craft paints. Nothing fancy here—just some dollar-bin wonders and a touch of Tim Holtz magic when needed. I want this to be accessible, not bougie.

Step 3: Slap on That Color

This baby needed layers. Multiple, juicy layers of paint! No primer, because I like to live on the edge—and let’s be real, I was too excited to wait.

I started with the bright orange as a base coat. It took a couple passes, but that’s normal when painting dark metal. Then I layered on Canyon Orange to start building depth and shadow. Honestly? That’s when things started looking GOOD. Like, gasp-out-loud-in-your-craft-room good.

Hot Tip: Different paints cover differently—even within the same brand. That fancy Ranger paint? Covered like a DREAM. Sometimes, a little splurge goes a long way.

Step 4: Bring the Bling

Enter: Tarnished Brass metallic paint. I used it to highlight the edges of the metal leaves and give the whole piece that shimmery autumn glow. Think golden hour, but in candle holder form.

Could I have gone wild with texture paste, embossing powders, or even foundry wax? Sure. But I kept it simple to stay true to that budget thrift store DIY energy!

Step 5: That Vintage Finishing Touch

Here’s the secret sauce, y’all: brown paint + glazing medium. Mix 'em up and gently rub it into the crevices. This is what took it from “newly painted” to “lovingly aged autumn treasure.”

I only used a smidge—but wow, did it blend everything together like magic. Suddenly, my candlestick looked like it had lived through many a cozy fall evening, with a PSL in hand and Hocus Pocus playing in the background!

Final Thoughts + Candle Holder Glow-Up Reveal

Once everything was dry and sealed (you could use a clear spray if you're feeling responsible), I popped it on the kitchen counter under some fairy lights and Y’ALL. She SHIMMERED!

This little thrift store reject is now a fall showstopper. It’s vintage, it’s glowy, and it’s got all the handmade charm I adore—without the boutique price tag.

Whether you’re new to upcycling or a seasoned thrifty goddess, I hope this inspires you to grab a candlestick, some paint, and make something magical. Because seasonal decorating doesn’t need to be expensive—it just needs a little creativity and a whole lotta heart.

Here are some more fall craft ideas you might love: