| Luminaries |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-304 |
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Q: I'm looking for an inexpensive centerpiece idea. Do you have any suggestions for me? A: (From Debbie Stapley, Ask DIY Crafts Expert) I think I've got an idea you're really going to love - homemade luminaries. Materials: Hurricane glass (open glass cylinder, as shown in figure A)
Decorative papers in the desired patterns and colors (figure B)
Natural grass or twig woven placemats
Glue gun and glue sticks
Decoupage glue
Paintbrush
Scissors
Candles
- To get started on your luminaries, you'll need to make a trip to your local craft store where you'll find a variety of decorative papers and glass hurricane candle covers. Choose a few sizes and styles you like, and pick up a couple of woven placemats made of natural materials like grass or twigs.
Then get ready to create a group of beautiful luminaries that will make a perfect centerpiece (figure C). - Short glass dishes (figure D) can also be used with votives to make luminaries -- simply brush a light coat of decoupage glue over the entire surface, wrap a sheet of decorative paper carefully around the dish, smoothing out any air bubbles.
- Allow to dry, then cut off any excess paper along the top edge, brush on a final sealing coat of the decoupage glue and you're done!
- To create luminaries using natural placemats (figure E), apply glue to a tall hurricane and simply roll the placemat around the glass. Secure the ends of the placemat with wire woven through at the top and bottom and twisted together ( figure F).
- For flatter woven placemats, follow the same steps, but finish the ends by folding back the edge piece and securing it with a glue gun (figure G).
Woven placemats like the one shown here will often have a back edge piece in a contrasting color that adds a nice finishing touch to your luminaries (figure H). In addition to using decorative paper to cover smaller luminaries like the glass dish described above, you can also use it for covering an entire hurricane, in much the same fashion as the placemat. Of course you'll need to make sure you have a large enough sheet to work with, but once you have your paper ready, the rest is easy. - Simply brush a medium coat of decoupage glue onto the back of the sheet (figure I) and over the entire surface of the hurricane (figure J).
- Then carefully roll the paper around the glass, smoothing it carefully as you wrap (figure K).
- In the same fashion used for the small glass dish, brush a protective coat of the decoupage glue over the entire surface of the paper (figure L). You'll need to make sure the underlying glue has dried completely before brushing on the protective coat.
- Once you've created all your luminaries, place the appropriate size candle in each and group as desired. Whether you use your luminaries as a centerpiece, a mantel decoration or individually throughout your home, these easy yet elegant creations will make great additions to your decor for many years to come!
RESOURCES :
Basic Steps to Candles
Author: Suzanne McNeil
Candle Making in a Weekend : Inspirational Ideas and Practical Projects
Model: 1581800096
Author: Sue Spear
The Complete Book of Candles: Creative Candle-Making, Candleholders and Decorative Design
Model: 0754802760
Author: Gloria Nicol
The Candlemaker's Companion: A Complete Guide
Model: 088266994X
Author: Betty Oppenheimer
(August, 1997)
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
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