How to Build a Luminary

Make luminaries for outdoor birthday or pool parties.

Making your own luminaries is a creative way to decorate your upcoming event. The trick to crafting your luminaries is to make them out of white paper bags. White paper bags are inexpensive and act as a reflective surface to allow the light to shine bright. Position luminaries along the outer edges of a walkway, patio or outdoor reception area. Luminaries are ideal for use on cloudy days or at night, when the light in the bag shines most prominently.

Things You'll Need

• White paper lunch bag
• Pencil
• Thumb tack
• Stencil
• Battery-operated tea light or tea light candle
• Extended-arm lighter
• 4 small stones

Instructions

1. Lightly trace a star or other shapes onto the front of a white paper bag. Use a stencil to make your outline if necessary.

2. Unfold the bag so it sits upright. Poke small holes along the trace lines with a thumbtack.

3. Sit the bag outside at dusk or at night. Position the bag so the shape is facing whoever approaches.

4. Place four small stones into the bottom corners of the bag to prevent the live-flame luminary from blowing on its side in the wind.

5. Set the unlit tea light candle down at center into the bottom of the bag. Extend the wick straight up. Insert the end of an extended-arm lighter into the bag. Ignite the flame with the trigger. Closely monitor the flame to ensure only the wick is lit. Release the trigger and pull the lighter out from the bag.

   Alternately, turn on and place a battery-operated tea light down into the center of the bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Monitor live-flame luminaries at all times.

References

• Bridal Cookie: How to Make Wedding Paper Luminaries; March 10, 2011