DIY {Chic} Tiered Stand

I never know what is going to inspire my next DIY project. 

I was strolling through Target this week (best store ever!), and saw the cutest tiered stands. 

 It got me thinking.....could I make one myself??

So, I picked up these two adorable plates:

Aren't  they SO cute?!

I'll give you a Sneak Peak at the finished product:

Supplies for a {Chic} Tiered Stand

Melamine plates (one large, one small)

Threaded Rod (found at Lowe's on hardware aisle)

4 Nuts (that fit your threaded rod)

Bic Pens

Drill

Measuring tape

Spray paint

"Topper" for your stand (I just used ribbon)

Step 1

Disassemble your bic pens, like so:

Step 2

Spray paint the body of your pen (the WHITE part) a color that will coordinate with your plates.

I choose Ballet Slipper, a very girlie pink, since I am making a Valentine's Day tiered tray.

(Just in case you were wondering, you will be using the "pens" to cover up the threaded rod)

Step 3

Measure your plates to find the EXACT center.  Mark with a pen.

Step 4

Place your plate on a wooden block (or surface you don't mind drilling in to), and drill a hole in your plate at the spot you marked.

TIP: Push down gently, and BE PATIENT as you drill your hole.  If you apply TOO MUCH pressure, your plate will crack. 

If you are unsure about how much pressure to use, try drilling on a "practice plate".

Your plates should now have nice holes like this:

Step 5

Take your threaded rod, and push it gently into your bottom plate.

On the bottom of your large plate, put on a nut, and make it level with the bottom of your plate.  Like this:

Step 6

Slide on one of your spray painted "pens", and top with another nut.

Step 7

Gently slide on your smaller plate, and top that with a nut, and then a spray painted "pen".

Step 8

Top your spray painted "pen" with another nut.

(optional step: if you feel the top of your rod is too large to cover up, you can cut of a little with a hack saw-if you don't have one, they cost about $4 at Lowe's.)

Step 9

Time to cover up the top of your tiered stand!  I used some matching ribbon, and called it good!

Step 10

Pile high with goodies, and enjoy!

Total Cost:

Melamine Plates: $3.50

Threaded Rod: $.97

Nuts: $1

Bic Pens: free; already had some!

Spray paint: free; leftover from other projects

Ribbon: free; leftover from other projects

Total:  $5.50

Linking up to these great parties!