How to Make Paper Bag Luminarias

Luminarias are a beautiful party decoration that is easy to do and very inexpensive to make. In doing so, you can create a design that coordinates with the theme of your party or the simplicity of a seasonal design. Paper bag luminarias can be as ornate or as simple as you desire. With the added touch of a tea candle, your paper bag lunimaria creations are sure to be the talk of your party.

Things You'll Need

• White paper lunch sacks
• Tea candles
• Scissors
• Fine point felt pen
• Stencils
• Exacto knife
• Self-healing cutting pad

Instructions

1. Create design. On the outside of each white paper sack, trace a stencil design in various locations on the bag. The smaller and more frequent the designs are located on the bag, the more the light will illuminate from the bag.

2. Cut out shapes. Position the self-healing cutting pad on the inside of the bag, directly behind the design. Cut out the designs with an exacto knife.

3. Light up the bag. Light the tea candle prior to positioning it in the bottom of the bag. A flaming tea candle will normally last approximately an hour or two.

4. Position each luminary in a place that will not be easily knocked over. If you're hosting a dinner party, one luminary would make an elegant centerpiece. Illuminated bags can also be used to mark a sidewalk or walkway.

Tips & Warnings

• Battery-operated tea candles can also be purchased instead of using the candles with an open flame.