Here are the instructions for the columns. These are so easy to do, and you can make them look however you would like.
If anyone has any questions, or needs any help just write me and we will help in any way that we can. Good luck ladies.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR OWN PILLARS
Empty carpet or linoleum rolls
Joint compound
Sheet or ½ inch thick plywood
1 inch wood screws
Spray paint of your choice
Clear finish spray
2X4 lumber (need not be great quality)
Power drill
Saw
Pencil
Square (to mark straight lines)
Tape measure
Fine grit sand paper (I used 220 grit)
Step 1
Go to your local carpet store (or local hardware store that sells carpeting or rolled linoleum) and ask if they have any empty roll. These will be the start of your pillars. Damage on the ends and even in the middle does not matter since it will either get cut off or will be covered with joint compound. Cut the rolls to your desired length, trying to keep as even as possible.
Step 2
Measure and cut out 9X9 inch squares of the plywood (you can also use any other scrap wood and use it in place of purchasing plywood. I used the bottom parts of old dresser drawers that were no longer needed). Mark 2 lines from the centers of each side as shown. This will give you the center point of the base. At this center point, drill a hole through the wood.
Step 3
Cut the 2X4 to approximately 12 inches in length. This will be the center post for the base of the pillar, giving it stability. Attach the 2X4 to the base using a screw through the hole you drilled.
Step 4
Slide the base into the carpet roll. Attach the roll to the 2X4 using screws. Screw in 1 screw at the closest point to the base as possible. On the opposite side of the carpet roll, insert another screw about 8 inches from the base to the 2X4. Repeat this step for the opposite end of the roll (if you want a base and a top).
Step 5
The joint compound may be separated when you first open the package (or after sitting unused for any period of time). Just mix it back together thoroughly until you have a consistency that resembles a very thick cake frosting. Smear the joint compound on the sides of the tube. You do not have to have a smooth surface to the compound since you will want it to look like real stone. Make sure you cover your screws well so they do not show through the compound or are exposed when sanding.
Step 6
Allow the sides of the roll to dry. Then apply the joint compound to the base. You will need to have a thicker coat on the base because the wood will show through the compound. Also check your roll for any spots where the compound is too thin or where the roll shows through.
Step 7
After all is dry, lightly sand the entire piece. Do not over sand or you will lose the stone-like detail. This gets any small loose bits of compound off and will ensure you have a good surface to paint. Wipe the pillar with a dry cloth to remove excess dust. Apply spray paint to pillar and base. We used a spray paint that gives the effect of stone (Stone Touch spray paint by Plasti-kote, Gotham Gray color). Apply clear spray finish to protect the stone paint (as this does come off).
