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How To Upcycle A Floral Centerpiece After The Flowers Die

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You can upcycle a floral centerpiece once the flowers die. Use the container and any greenery or pieces that are still usable to make a new flower arrangement.

Hey Guys, it’s Thrift Store Decor Day and for my project I upcycled a centerpiece. In fact I took parts and pieces of the floral centerpiece and made two new flower arrangements. One of my sweet neighbors brought over the centerpiece made with fresh flowers a few weeks ago. I always take them goodies when I do any baking or candy making and I guess that was there way of thanking me. So sweet.

how to upcycle a floral centerpiece after the flowers die (4)

The centerpiece was pretty but of course the flowers died. The arrangement was in a wood box and there was no reason to throw it away. I used Magnolia leaves from another neighbors yard (don’t tell them) and a candle to make the pretty arrangement in the photo above.

floral centerpiece to upcycle because the flowers are dead

I didn’t get a photo of the floral Christmas centerpiece when it was nice and fresh. This photo shows how the flowers looked on the day I made the new centerpieces.

deconstruct a floral centerpiece

I removed all of the dead flowers and the candle holders from the wood box.

wood container for a table centerpiece (2)

Then I took out the greenery that was still nice and fresh and put it aside to make flower arrangement number two.

Magnolia tree branch with Magnolia leaves for table centerpiece

I broke a couple of small branches from my neighbor’s Magnolia tree when I was taking my daily walk. Several of my neighbors have Magnolia trees in their yards and the trees are so pretty. I love how they stay green all year round.

candles for centerpiece

I went through my candle stash and pulled the ones I thought might work for the centerpieces. I always try to work with what I have. The two centerpieces I made didn’t cost anything. I already had the stuff on hand.

how to recycle a centerpiece with magnolia leaves

First I set the green candle in the middle of the box on top of the Styrofoam. I didn’t glue it down. The centerpiece is for me and I’m not worried about it falling apart. Plus I very seldom burn candles. They make me nervous. I usually use LED candles. Next I broke the magnolia branches into pieces leaving several leaves on each piece. I didn’t want to have to work with the individual leaves. Then I stuck the branches into the Styrofoam until I was happy with the look.

I originally planned to leave the centerpiece as it is now with just the leaves and the candle. I took several pictures for the blog post and after looking at them decided the flower arrangement needed more work.

how to make a table centerpiece

I went out to the workshop and found the glittery white flower stems. I clipped a few branches off and stuck them in amongst the magnolia leaves.

how to upcycle a floral centerpiece after the flowers die

Then I made a bow using the same orangish/gold ribbon I used on my flannel wrapped Fall wreath. I bought a bow maker a few weeks ago but I haven’t learned how to use it. I know, but I hate learning new things. My aunt was very good at design and crafts and decorating and she taught me how to make bows many years ago. So, I winged it on this one.

how to make a beautiful floral centerpiece for the dining room table using magnolia leaves (2)

I’m glad I added the white stems and the bow. They made a big difference in the overall look. This photo shows the wood box sitting on a mirrored tray on the dining table. Now I still had all the pretty greenery from the original flower centerpiece so let’s go make another centerpiece.

 

how to recycle a floral centerpiece (2)

The JTS bought the pretty white teapot at an auction. He got it in a large box of white dishes. I decided I needed the pot for myself.

how to make a centerpiece (2)

I cut a piece of Styrofoam and put it in the pot. Then I decided on the red candle for this arrangement. Again I didn’t glue anything down. I’m so bad.

how to make a flower arrangement

I begin by sticking the cedar greenery and the pinecones from the original arrangement into the Styrofoam spacing them out for a balanced look.

teapot flower centerpiece
Then I just used the rest of the leaf greenery stems to fill in around the candle. That’s it! Which new centerpiece do you like the best? I have to say the one in the wood box with the magnolia leaves is my favorite.

How to upcycle a floral centerpiece
How to upcycle a floral centerpiece.

Time to take the Thrift Store Decor Tour. Just click the text links below the “before” makeovers photo collage……

Thrift Store Decor to recycle

Thrift Store Decor Blogger Tour……

How To Spray Paint Wood Furniture
Upcycle Vintage Metal Library Stool
How to Upcycle a Floral Centerpiece
Shutter Mail Organizer
Upcycling Plates into a Snowman
Pine Tree Embroidery for Winter Decor
How to Easily Paint Wicker
Thrifted Wooden Box Boho Makeover
Upcycled Stepladder Decorating Ideas

As always thanks for being here, Kathy

Kathy Owen founder of Petticoat Junktion

Author: Kathy Owen
Kathy Owen is the founder of the home decor blog Petticoat Junktion where she shares tutorials on painting furniture and upcycling thrifty finds into unique home décor. Her DIY projects have been featured on the Home Depot Blog, Plaid Crafts, Behr Designer Series, and in numerous magazines.

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7 Comments

  1. TRUDY CRANFORD says:

    i absolutely love your ideas, your talent, your creativeness. i never would have thought to use a T-pot! beautiful! i love the green candle with the bow! That is great. i noticed that the candle is beady-like. Did you do that? i’ve tried gluing Epsom salt to a candle; it kept falling off every time i touched it. wonder what would stop that? i have magnolia trees, cedar trees and pine trees on my property. thanks for the ideas to use them!

  2. Kristin salazar says:

    I love how it turned out and the gold bow really makes it pop!!!

  3. Christy @ Our Southern Home says:

    Kathy,
    Both are beautiful, but I love the green one as well the best. Green is my favorite color. I think your winging it with the bow is fabulous! I used to have a bow maker but gave it away. I just wing it as well.

  4. You’re really good at this Kathy, me, not so much! 🙂

    Although I love both of them, the wooden box is my favorite. However, I want to see that teapot in a nice spring floral……

    pinned!

    gail

  5. Sue at Blu says:

    I’m a sucker for a teapot….that’s my favorite. I agree that JTS sounds much better than Mr. Petticoat Junction…so funny. And sounds industrial and manly. And, my sister, I help myself to my neighbor’s magnolia leaves regularly! I warned them I might be grabbing some from time to time. Love my neighbors!

  6. Cindy Rust says:

    Great makeover and it was a two for one! Awesome Kathy! I would say my fave is the wood box too. I bet it was fun grabbing those magnolia leaves from your neighbor ? Pinned!

  7. Carlene @ Organized Clutter says:

    Both centerpieces are great but I really like the teapot one!