Christmas Electric Candle Craft

Nothing lends warmth to your holiday decor like the glow of candles.

Candles are lovely for Christmas decorating, but they also pose dangers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of house fires started by candles jumps nearly 10 percent each December. Electric candles, also called flameless candles, are a safer alternative that also add a decorative touch during the holidays.

Benefits

Unlike real candles, electric candles don't require replacing after just a few uses and are even reusable year after year. Evergreen branches make not only attractive decorations but effective kindling, so you can keep the open flames away from them with electric candles.

Types

Electric candles come in a variety of styles. Small candles that plug into outlets and operate with a switch are ideal to set inside a Christmas village house or to illuminate an ornament or dark window. Battery-powered votive or taper candles are safe enough to use on trees, wreaths and with other decorations. They even fit in candle holders. Some electric candles look very real, with flickering LED lights and waxlike plastic which may fool most guests if they are put on tables or in centerpieces.

Potential

Because most electric candles are made of plastic or occasionally metal, they are excellent for crafting. You shouldn't touch the bulbs, but you can paint the body of an electric candle, glue on glitter or craft gems or wrap it with fabric, paper or ribbons.

Warnings

Electric candles with plugs or batteries, while generally safer than open flames, still may pose some safety hazards if not used properly. Read all package directions and follow manufacturer's instructions and use them only as recommended.

References

• National Fire Protection Association: Reports and statistics