Creative Crafting

Posts Tagged ‘Candles’

Here is the second day of my crafting countdown. Enjoy!

Straightforward red pillars play into the peppermint scene when decorated with polka-dot ribbon or candy-cane sticks. Heavy-duty double-stick tape adheres the embellishments to the candles.

I love candles at Christmas; who doesn’t? Candles add a warmth to the season like no other decoration. No matter where or how you use them these are a economical addition to any holiday decor.

I did make these, but the picture is not mine. My camera is having trouble taking pictures, so I gave it a holiday.

I made some with holiday ribbon and some holly leaves from the craft store. They turned out beautiful and no one will notice they are handmade, and if someone does then take it as a compliment to your wonderful craftsmenship (is that a word? It should be!)

What You Need

• Pillar candles

When illuminated, these votive holders cast an eyeful of moody shadows on the walls.
CRAFT MATERIALS:
Glass votive holders
Black construction paper
Hole punch
Mod Podge
Paintbrush
Black paint

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Tear a sheet of black construction paper into about a dozen small rectangles that measure roughly 1¼ inch by ½ inch. Use a hole punch to add two eyes to each piece.

Step 2  Brush a portion of a plain, glass votive holder with Mod Podge, affix a paper rectangle, then paint more Mod Podge over it. Add the other pieces the same way, making sure the edges overlap.

3. When the candleholder is dry, use a tiny paintbrush and black paint to add little round pupils inside the eyes.

Making soy candles is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, plus if you have never made a candle it is a new experience.  Enjoy and indulge yourself in this endeavor.  However, there are a few things you should know and you should take precautions.

First:  All soy wax is not the same.  Depending on the manufacturers temperature requirements will determine how your candle turns out.  Follow manufacturers directions for temperature.

Second:  If you plan on using electronic equipment to melt the wax, it won’t work and in fact can be quite dangerous not only for your equipment but for yourself.  It is like oil and water…they don’t mix!

Looking through old holiday pictures of when the children were small I came across some crafts we did together. Although the pictures here do not represent the ones we made the result was the same.  So have fun and come up with your own variations on this theme with your kids.

You can use those small pumpkins, apples, oranges, small gourds, etc. for this project.  If you make the hole too big, use some wax paper around the bottome of the candle to take up the slack. Tealight candles work well for this because they are cheap, not heavy, won’t tip over the pumpkin, and have a small flame; however, if you decide to used tapered candles make sure the candle is secure in the holder.  If you are using pumpkins as your base, I found it easier to use the flatter kind rather than cylindrical.   Kids can help with this project by putting the candles in and helping to pick out the pumpkins. Remember safety first when you light them and once lit keep them out of reach of the kids.

Candle holders are very easy to make and they’re a great gift idea. I have been making them for years for just about every occasion and person.  The materials are inexpensive, you can even use items you have around the house.  Just use your imagination and come up with some great ideas that match your lifestyle.

Basic materials required:

·  Small glass candle holders
·  wrapping paper (thin if you can find it)
·  tissue paper
·  Decoupage medium
·  Small scissors (I use cuticle scissors)
·  Small paintbrush
·  Damp paper towel

You can purchase whatever style of glass candle holders you like. You can also find them at thrift stores, yard sales or in your own home.  At one time I even used glass baby food jars.