Never doubt the power of a pool noodle, because it’s not just a tool for summer fun. With a little DIY, you can transform these floppy foam toys into gorgeous accents for countertops. Instagrammer @littlepettittpad shared how she turned pool noodle pieces into floral candle holders in minutes with Dollar Tree items.
This hack isn’t just cute—it’s cheap, too. It’s a short trip to the dollar store to pick up a green one Brightly colored foam pool noodleA Luminescence LED taper candleAnd a cluster of false flowers. Note that the flowers will set the vibe of the candle holder. Choose from a wide variety of vibrant colors Brighten up your home decorOr stick to leafy foliage and a flower for a more muted, natural display.
The entire project will cost less than $10 per candle holder. You don’t even need to buy any tools, as common household supplies will work for this project. As a bonus, this idea pairs well with many others Kitchen island and countertop decor ideas While adding a touch of nature with soft, ambient lighting.
How to make a beautiful candle holder out of pool noodles
The first step is to measure how tall you want the candle holder to be before cutting it. The original DIYer behind the idea cut her down to about 3 to 4 inches tall. That said, if you decide this isn’t to your liking, you can always shorten it. Use a serrated knife to see through the pool noodle, and don’t worry about it being jagged or slightly lopsided, as artificial foliage will hide these imperfections.
The bulk of this Sweet floral decor DIY The sides of the pool noodle include inserting individual plant stems. You will most likely need to trim the flowers and greenery to shorten them, which you can do using a pair of wire cutters. They should stick to the foam without any additional adhesive. However, to set the flowers at a certain angle, use super glue for extra support. Any extra balls of glue will be hidden under the dense artificial foliage.
Different ways to customize your countertop decor
Yellow flowers with green leaves are sure to give the finished project a spring or summer-esque look. However, you can adapt this design to other times of the year by changing the foliage with Dollar Tree’s seasonal collection. Another option is to complement the design with outdoor elements of artificial greenery.
Add that Floral Garden Polyester Burlap Ribbon For a rustic touch or a Floral Garden Satin Edge Velvet Ribbon For a chic look. If you’re feeling festive, splurge Seasonal collection of patriotic-themed paper cutouts To celebrate patriotic holidays. Use hot glue or super glue to add ornaments, accent stones, or decorative gems to the mix to break up the foliage with some stiff texture. The added layers give the candle holder more visual contrast, so it’s more aesthetically pleasing.
Once the foam is completely covered, the candle holder is ready for use. Keep in mind that a narrow pool noodle center is too delicate for traditional candles. This project is designed for long, thin taper candles, especially battery powered LEDs. Pool noodles and dollar tree foliage are made of polyethylene, which is flammable and gives off gas when heated. Therefore, countertop decorations should not be near an actual candle or any light fixture that gives off heat.
