How To Upcycle A Floral Centerpiece After The Flowers Die

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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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. Kathy’s newest website is HappyHomeDIY.com