How to Make Electric Grubby Candles

Primitive crafts are imperfect creations that have a country grubby charm. Make electric grubby candles, using markdown and clearance electric candlesticks from after Christmas sales. These candlesticks are inexpensive and after Christmas they can be picked up for pennies. Stock up and make several for your home, craft shows and gifts. This easy project can be completed quickly, with only the drying time of glue and paint to slow you down. They are made grubby using a mixture of common kitchen ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Electric candlestick
• Medium grit sandpaper
• Old rag
• Light brown acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Sea sponge
• Wax paper
• Cookie sheet
• Dry, used coffee grounds
• Measuring spoons
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger
• Spoon
• Craft glue
• Homespun fabric, small amount
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Artificial pip berries
• Wire cutters

Instructions

1. Remove the light bulb from an electric candlestick. Lightly sand the outside of the candlestick and the base, using medium grit sandpaper. This will give the surface a tooth to allow the paint to adhere. Use an old rag to remove the sanding dust.

2. Paint the candlestick and base, using light brown acrylic paint and a paint brush. Dip a sea sponge into brown acrylic paint. Rub and dab the sponge on the cord and the plug to give it a grubby look. Allow the paint to dry. Note: The cord and the plug are finished. The rest of the steps will be on the candlestick and base only.

3. Lay a sheet of wax paper on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle a tablespoon of dry, used coffee grounds on the wax paper. Add a teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together.

4. Paint a thick layer of craft glue on the candlestick and the base. Roll the candlestick in the ingredients. Scoop additional ingredients with a spoon and sprinkle over any bare spots. Allow the glue to dry.

5. Paint a thin layer of craft glue on the candlestick and base again, over the dried ingredients. Sprinkle the wet glue with cinnamon. Allow the glue to dry.

6. Paint a final layer of craft glue over the candlestick and base, to seal the electric grubby candle. Allow the glue to dry.

7. Rip a 1-inch wide by 18-inch long strip of homespun fabric. Wrap the fabric strip around the candlestick, above the base, and tie into a bow. Trim the ends. Cut two, 3-inch twigs of artificial pip berries, using wire cutters. Poke the ends of the berries behind the bow to secure. Replace the light bulb.