How to Make a Cut-Out Luminary

Make a custom luminary out of a paper bag.

Luminaries are light-filled bags or containers illuminated by candles. You can make luminaries to line your driveway, sidewalk or front steps using paper bags. Fill the bottoms of the luminaries with sand or cat litter, and nestle a tea light in the bottom of the bag. Light the candles with an extended lighter to avoid burning your hands.

Things You'll Need

• Paper lunch bag
• Pencil
• Stencil or cookie cutter
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Place the paper lunch bag on a flat work surface.

2. Place a stencil in the middle of the bag. You can also use a cookie cutter. Hearts, leaves, butterflies and letters work well as cutouts. Use each bag to spell one letter in a message to guests, such as "Welcome!"

3. Trace the stencil onto the bag with a pencil.

4. Poke scissors gently through the stencil and cut it out carefully by following the lines of the pencil.

References

• Rafter Tales: Spooky Lighting Ideas for Halloween Decorating
• Stamping: How to Make a Holiday Luminary