Chic DIY Books and Arrows Table Centerpiece

I love the red and pink hearts, the roses, lace and doilies (and of course the chocolates!) that are associated with Valentine’s Day. But for a fresh take on this day-of-love, I put together a wintery, modern, and eclectic centerpiece inspired by Cupid’s arrows! Using sticks, paint, and feathers, this is an inexpensive project that makes a trendy statement on your table. 

To suit my wintery theme, I made mine in neutrals using whitewashed sticks with black, white, and gold stripes and feathers, but you can use any colors to match your look.

These were made to accompany the painted book table runner I stationed at the center of my table.

Supplies:

Clear glass cylinder vases

Somewhat-straight sticks in various lengths

Utility knife

Spray primer

Assorted paint (acrylic, craft, latex…)

Small paintbrushes

Gold Rub ‘n Buff

Feathers

Hot glue gun

Tying material (twine, yarn, etc.)

Directions:

Step 1: Collect sticks that are fairly straight so they look more like arrows. If necessary, cut or break them to suit the heights of your glass cylinder vases.

Step 2: Using a utility knife, carefully carve a point on one end of each stick.

Step 3: Mist the sticks outside with spray primer. You don’t need them to be covered – just enough to give them a whitewashed look.

Step 4: When they are dry, paint solid bands of color around them. Leave some parts as primer to keep whitewashed areas. I made all different stripe arrangements using black and white latex paint leftover from other projects. You could use any sort of paint (acrylic, craft, etc.) I also made metallic stripes using gold Rub ’n Buff.

Step 5: Once all the paint has dried, use hot glue to attach feathers to the ends of the sticks. I used black feathers, two types of white feathers, and a few gold ones that I spray-painted, which I kept grouped by type. Then wrap and tie down the bases of the feathers. I used twine, gray yarn, and gold stretchy cord.

Step 6: Sort the arrows by size in clear glass cylinder vases to complete the modern look!

Add even more color and dimension by placing them on an eclectic painted book table runner.