How to Make Star Luminaries

This easy-to-make twist on traditional paper holiday luminaries will give your home that special starry glow.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring Tapes
• Sand
• Votive Candles
• Measuring Cups
• Star Cookie Cutters
• 2 8 1/2-by-11-inch Sheets Poster Boards
• Paper Bags
• X-Acto Knives
• Paper bags
• Measuring cups

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 dark blue, 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 star-shaped cookie cutter onto poster board and cut out the shape to make a stencil. (Or you may choose to make several smaller stars instead.)

6. Use an X-Acto knife or utility blade to cut stars out of each bag. Be sure to place a sheet of poster board under the bag to protect the surface of the table or countertop while you're cutting.

7. Fill each bag with about 2 cups of sand and line the bags along the pathway.

8. Twist a votive candle into the sand in the middle of the bag, making sure that it's secure.

9. As dusk falls, light each candle for a starry holiday glow.

Tips & Warnings

• Some craft experts recommend placing the candles in glass holders inside the bags, although this isn't necessary.
• Burning approximately 4 hours per evening, each votive candle will last about four days.
• Regular brown lunch bags can be spray painted dark blue if you can't find colored bags at your craft or paper store. Or substitute other colors or alternate green and red bags.
• Some craft stores sell plastic and ceramic luminaries, if you're looking for something a little more permanent.
• 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. Exposure to snow or rain will destroy the bags.

on 11/22/2005 Use plastic milkjugs and C5 or larger Christmas lights. Cut off tops of jugs below handles. Cut hole in bottom, large enough to fit socket through. Stake down string of lights so sockets are upright. Screw in bulbs from top openings. Add weight if needed.