you heard it right: a guide to decorative support sticks

now, you might be thinking to yourself: what? how – whaa? well, i'm here to tell you this is no practical joke or pipe dream. they're real. and they're a lot easier to come by than you think.

decorative sticks have long been a dream of mine, and, i thought, an invention of mine as well. it wasn't until a friend in the community informed me that they have been a thing for ages AND that she personally uses one. she used it for a rather ingenious purpose, though – it didn't stick out of her stand, but she would insert it into a transparent glass stand. genius! she said that whatever her stand concoction was, even a regular mason jar, the stick would immediately up its wow-factor. WOW, truly! and i know just which sticks to show you:

Vertical line scored dowels: i am using a picture of a tiny dowel, as the larger specimens i constantly see in the stores have proven to bee quite elusive creatures on the Internet. this one is a simple, elegant, and modern option, ready to go with any simple-shaped stand and also ideal for stacking with some of it's brethren. imagine having a cornucopia of support from 8 of these guys! such luxury!

Colored dowels: 

these ones are also very functional, if somewhat flashier. they add a certain flair and twist to any stand, especially if it's a transparent colored one and the colors overlay to create a veritable rainbow of luxury. what's great about these guys as well, is that they come pre-cut in pretty handy sizes. i've never shortened a colored dowel, or been disappointed it isn't longer. they're mainly found in crafts stores.

Decorative wooden legs/curtain rods: 

these are a dream! sure to zazz up any stand concoction, and they come in so many wonderful shapes and finishes! when i first got my hands on one of these, i couldn't stop wearing it. my daily duties were not ones that required this degree of boozhee-ness, but i was just so amazed i couldn't resist. find them at yard sales and flea markets, because they're much cheaper there and often come with an interesting story.

DO NOT use whirly-shaped or asymmetrical sticks if not so advised by a medical professional! it can cause dangerous amounts of spinning, instability and the unequal straining of the right and left side of your PPL! please, stick to the suggestions above to insure you're safe, as well as fashionable.