If you want a fun project to do this weekend head to Goodwill and look for candles and bright paint to make modern candlesticks. It’s fun to do with your friends, your kids or just by yourself. Plus, it’s a great Thanksgiving centerpiece or room decoration.

You’ll just need a few branches from your yard, pins, or finishing nails, and a saw to complete your project. 

First collect branches, and saw off any uneven ends.

Next remove any flaking bark and paint your twigs. Spray paint is great for room decoration but if you are working with kids use non-toxic acrylic or tempera paints. For brighter, truer colors, prime your sticks in white before adding colors and patterns. Consider using colors in a similar family (like all warm or all cool colors) or replicate your favorite patterns.

Once the paint is dry, insert pins into the branches to support your candles. If you have bigger candles use finishing nails, otherwise the needles will hold just fine. If one isn’t enough, try using a second needle for a better hold.

Then carefully push the needles through the bottom of candles. Adjust until the candles are balanced and sit upright. Make sure the candles don’t get too close to the branches, and that all the branches are very stable, you don’t want to catch anything on fire! For more versatility you can omit the candles and just paint more sticks! Or use table tea lights to accent. The branches could also be suspended from the ceiling with monofilament or arranged in a vase.

No matter how you display them, use the great supplies from Goodwill to make something together with your friends before the holidays begin!