I’ve upcycled a LOT of thrift store finds into jewelry storage and organization projects over the years. Probably because I have such an affinity for vintage costume jewelry. Give me flashy rhinestones over diamonds any day of the week! And while most of my jewelry organizers have been “quirky”, none of them would be considered “elegant”. That is, until I found a silver candelabra at the thrift store and decided to repurpose it into a jewelry tree stand.
It had a hard-earned tarnish (or “patina”, as I prefer to call it) and even came with a few candelabra crystals still attached.
Grimy and covered in neglect, it was in desperate need of some attention. And since the candelabra crystals reminded me of dangle earrings, I knew that upcycling it into a jewelry tree stand would be perfect.
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Upcycling a Silver Candelabra into a Jewelry Tree Organizer
With a little tinkering, I discovered that the silver candelabra could be broken down into a dozen or more pieces! This was a pleasant discovery as it made cleaning a snap…
But I was really glad I took snapshots of it put together so I could reassemble it again!
Since I didn’t need the candelabra crystals, I set them aside for future projects, such as these Christmas ornaments with tea infusers!
Here’s the best part of this upcycling idea – the absolute only thing I needed to do was slightly alter the bobeche. Those are the wax collars that keep candle wax from dripping everywhere.
In other words, the thingamajiggies that displayed the chandelier crystals.
As you can see, each bobeche or wax collar had a single hole on each side.
All I did was use a metal punch or awl to add a matching hole to the existing holes. Now each wax collar could hold several pairs of earrings!
To do this, I set the wax collar on a piece of scrap wood. Then, I simply tapped a new, tiny hole with my awl and hammer right next to each existing hole.
And that was it! Once I had punched extra holes in each of the three wax collars, I reassembled the silver candelabra.
Now I could start using it as a jewelry tree stand!
Jewelry Tree Stand and Organizer
First, I looped some necklaces around the arms. The natural dips in the candelabra arms made it easy to set longer necklaces in them.
Then, I hung pairs of earrings on the wax collars. That’s why I needed two holes on each side!
Since I don’t actually have pierced ears, I borrowed some earrings from my good friend, Pink Dogwood Jewelry.
Don’t those wax collars work perfectly as an earring display, though?
I love that the only thing I needed to do for this entire project (besides cleaning the candelabra) was add extra holes to the wax collars.
Now I just needed to add some bangle bracelets and my jewelry tree stand would be full (and gorgeous)!
Silver Candelabra as a Jewelry Tree Stand
Lastly, I stacked some bangles over the actual candlesticks, on top of the wax collars.
You could place any type of bracelet here, such as clasp bracelets or even bulkier cuff bracelets.
But let’s face it, these Indian bangles were MEANT to be displayed on a jewelry tree stand like this!
And just like that, a silver candelabra had been completely transformed into a necklace tree.
The best part is that this jewelry tree is wonderfully sold and stable. No wobbles or fear of tipping over!
I don’t think it gets easier than that when it comes to a jewelry tree stand that started as a thrift store find! No painting, no hanging, no adding hardware. Just a few extra holes and you’re ready to fill it up!
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for a jewelry tree stand, then you’ll love how I created this beach jewelry from a strand of pearls from the thrift store!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Clever Girl, once again you’ve scored a perfect 10! Dayum, girl! Now, I just gotta find me a perfectly patinaed (is that a word, I think it’s a word)silver candelabra…..and some purty jewelry!
Ha! I might need a t-shirt with a big “CG” on it. 😉
Super practical and super pretty! Visiting from Vintage Charm party.
Thank you!!
This is really gorgeous! I love the way it looks like a piece of jewelry itself .
Thanks so much, Mary!
That is a brilliant idea and really beautiful. How come I never find silver candelabras?
Well, it’s true- they’re few and far between. But snatch one up if you ever see it. 🙂
pretty niffy (or is it “thrifty” hee hee) I’d say!! 😉
Ha! 😉 Thank you!
Sarah, this is a beautiful repurpose!! Love the way the candelabra looks with all that snazzy jewelry!! What a creative way to hang the earrings!! Love this!!
Thank you so much! It’s so crazy-pretty in person- I wish I were a better photographer!
Great idea, Sarah! This is indeed an elegant jewelry holder and you can even lit some candles in your bedroom. 🙂
Thanks, Julia!
Super idea! I love it and I just passed up a candelabra at the thrift store thinking I had no use for it. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm.
Thanks, Sharon!
Sarah, Creative idea using a candelabra for a jewelry holder! Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for sharing at SnickerdoodleSunday
Thanks, Laurie!!
Genius!! This is such an elegant way to organize and display jewelry! Thanks for sharing it at Dishing It & Digging It!
Thank you, Lori!
That is so cool and pretty. You are very creative. Love the bling. Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It.
Thanks so much, Linda!
Clever idea! I could use some more storage and I have a candelabra!!!
Thanks, Bonnie!
How awesome is this?! And it’s perfect for holding all sorts of jewelry. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday. 🙂
Thanks, Dee!
What a great project…love it…Sandi
Thanks, Sandi!
Such a fun and practical idea! I love that this is truly a display!! Thanks for bringing this by Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
Thank you!
You always come up with the cutest ideas! Love how pretty this jewelry tree is. Looks so yummy!
Thanks for joining the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & shared. Hope to see you again soon.
Thanks so much, Theresa!!
Sarah, you’ve combined my two loves, organizing and repurposing, into on gorgeous project. I will be on the lookout for a candelabra next time I’m thrifting. I’d love if you dropped by and shared some of your beautiful projects at the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party on Organized 31.
Thanks for the invite- I’ll be there!
This is just such a cute idea! I can’t believe I have never thought of this! 🙂 Will certainly be using this idea in the future. Thanks! 🙂
Thanks so much!
Very clever! The candelabra makes a great jewelry holder. I like that you added holes for earring. Nice job! I like the patina whether that says lazy or not.
Thanks so much!!
This is too cool! Now I want one!
Thanks, Robin!
Awesome! I love that you can use the holes for the earings. This would look so much better on my dresser than my jewelry everywhere.
Thanks, Sherry!
Such a neat idea! Love this!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Am blown away with your creativity… AGAIN. Featured in the new party tonight. Your pictures are gorgeous, too. Linda @Crafts a la mode
Thank you so much, Linda!!
Oh wow. This is such a clever idea. I even have an old candelabra lying around.
Thank you!!
Yesterday, I passed up the coolest candelabra at a thrift store and now I’m kicking myself! So cute! Very inventive.
HATE that when it happens!! Thanks so much, Jessica!
Love how crafty and creative you are! Thanks for linking this up at Welcome Home Wednesdays! See you again tomorrow!
Thanks, Erin!!
Hello! I am visiting from Roses of Inspiration and I just love this idea…very cool!
Thank you, Debby!
This is the coolest thing! It’s fun and funky and looks like something that would be in a bohemian-style apartment. Very cool! – Jerusha, ThePositiveYear.com
Thank you so much, Jerusha!!
Great idea!! Would love for you to share at Simple & Sweet Fridays this week! Hugs, Jody
Thanks, Jody!
What a great idea! Pinning. 🙂
I definitely need one of these! Great idea!
Thanks, Lisa!
Such a great upcycle! Thanks for linking up with Funtastic Friday.
Thanks, Victoria!
Brilliant idea. We have similar candelabras that only come out the cupboard when we have special guests. I think they’re going to be coming out the closet permanently now!!!
Thanks, Michelle!
Oh, my! I just sold a box full of old silver plate candlesticks and candelabras at my yard sale. They had belonged to my mother who was married in 1938 and were the “in” thing at the time. Darn! If I had your creativity, I would have thought of a repurpose for them. A couple guys from Chelsea bought the box ? They’ll probably do something cool with them!
I bet those boys will use them in a very cool and decorative way!!! Did you tell them the cool back story about them?
Yes! I’m a retired college student admin and spent my adult life talking (which I miss) so I engage everyone I meet, lol. The couple was fascinated and pleased with the background. I felt the items were going to a good home. As a senior citizen, I’m trying to learn to let go of lifetime collections which is difficult but necessary. I’m so pleased to see you younger people appreciating our old stuff and repurposing it! Very cool!!
It turned out great! Love how chic it looks with the jewelry
Thank you so much, Maria!