How to Make Cheap Candleholders and Candle Lanterns
If you're looking for an inexpensive way to add warming light to your rooms, try candles. They are cheap and you can make candleholders and candle lanterns with many items you have at or around your home. Look for objects that are interesting, and use a variety of shapes and sizes to create interest in your rooms. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shells
- Candles
- Twine
- Ribbon
- Wire
- Twigs
- Glue
- Raffia
- Bark
- Glass bowl or vase
- Rocks
- Sand
- Clear glass votive holders
- Lace trim
- Double-stick tape
- Votive candle
- Leaf or shape cut from paper
- Paper bag
- Misting jar
- Acrylic paint
- Glass jars
- Tissue paper
Instructions
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Collect empty shells for a natural element in your rooms. Razor shells work well for wrapping around the bottom portion of taper candles because they are tall and slender. Wrap shells around the candle base tightly, holding it in place with one hand. Wrap several layers for a pleasing look. Wrap a length of twine, ribbon or wire around shells to secure in place. Another option with shells is using mussel shells turned up as votive holders.
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Decorate column candles by wrapping a layer of twigs around the base. Use small dots of glue to hold it in place or secure with a length of raffia. Another option is long strips of bark.
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Fill a glass bowl or vase with rocks and place a candle in the center of the rocks for an elegant but comfortable look. You can replace the rocks with sand for a look geared more toward summer.
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Choose lace for a romantic look. Begin with clear glass votives and use lace trim for a delicate, finishing touch. Measure around the votive, add 1/8 inch and cut a length of trim the determined measurement. Secure the end of the lace with a small piece of double-stick tape. Use white votive candles for the best effect. Line several of these along your windowsill for a soothing and inviting look.
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Use paper lanterns for an inexpensive but classic look. One way to decorate them is by placing an item, such as a leaf or star cut from a piece of paper, on the front of the bag and securing with a piece of double-stick tape. Fill a small misting jar with water and add 1 tsp. of acrylic paint. Shake the mixture and mist it over the front of the bag. Allow it to dry and remove the item. Repeat on the other side of the bag if desired. Fill the bag with about an inch of sand and place a votive in the bag.
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Decorate with jar lanterns. Old, worn jars add character to rooms. The easiest way to make a lantern is simply to place a votive or small candle inside a jar. You can get more creative by adding tissue paper to the outside of the jar with a thin layer of glue. For an extra touch, wrap a length of wire around the lip of the jar, forming a handle. Use a group of three or four as a centerpiece on your dining room table for a charming look.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep twigs, bark and other flammable items trimmed well beneath the candle flame. Never leave burning candles unattended.
References
- Photo Credit Joao Canziani/Photodisc/Getty Images
