How to Make Christmas Tree Luminaries

This easy-to-make twist on traditional holiday paper luminaries can give your home a special glow.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Measuring Tapes
• Sand
• Votive Candles
• Christmas Tree Cookie Cutters
• Measuring Cups
• 2 8 1/2-by-11-inch Sheets Poster Boards
• Ink Pen
• Paper Bags
• Lighters
• X-Acto Knives

1. Determine where you want your luminaries to go, remembering that they're most often used to line driveways or walkways.
2. Measure the length of the area and multiply by 2, as you'll need luminaries on both sides of the path.
3. Determine how many green, lunch bag-size bags you'll need, and purchase them. (Luminaries are usually spaced between 6 inches and 2 feet apart. The bags are available at most craft and paper stores and range in price from about 15 cents to 35 cents each.)
4. Purchase a small votive candle for each bag, as well as enough sand to weigh the bags down. Each bag should have about a 2-inch base of sand ' about 2 cups for lunch-size bags.
5. Trace a cookie cutter in the shape of a Christmas tree onto poster board to make a Christmas tree stencil.
6. Cut Christmas tree shapes out of each bag using your stencil and an X-Acto knife or utility blade. (Be sure to place a piece of poster board under the bag to protect the surface of the table or countertop while cutting.)
7. Fill each bag with about 2 cups of sand and line along the pathway.
8. Twist a votive candle into the sand in the middle of each bag, making sure that it's secure.
9. As dusk falls, light each candle for a striking holiday glow.

Tips & Warnings

• Some crafts experts recommend placing the votive candles in glass holders inside the bags, although this isn't necessary.
• Burning approximately 4 hours per evening, each votive candle should last about four days.
• Craft stores sell plastic or ceramic luminaries, if you're looking for something a little more permanent.
• Regular brown lunch bags can be spray painted green if you can't find green bags at your craft or paper store.
• Practice fire safety. Don't place luminaries in areas where they could spread fire if accidentally knocked over.
• Luminaries are best used in dry areas of the country and can be used only temporarily in wetter regions, where snow or rain will destroy the bags.

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