How to Make Tealight Candle Holders From Paper Bags

Create glowing luminaries with paper bags and tealight candles.

Tealight candles can turn ordinary lunch-sized paper bags into strikingly brilliant luminaries. Perfect for lighting patios parties and other outdoor events, these glowing candle holders also provide a decorative touch to walkways and gardens for some everyday magic. To add to the glowing effect, shapes can be cut into the bags to allow the light to shine through and project the shapes onto nearby surfaces. This makes it simple to incorporate the luminaries into any theme or occasion.

Things You'll Need

• Stencil
• White paper bag
• Pencil
• Cardboard
• Utility knife
• Craft knife
• Pebbles
• Tealight candles
• Lighter

Instructions

1. Place a stencil over the front of a white paper bag and trace small shapes onto the bag with a pencil.

2. Flip over the bag and trace shapes onto the other side of the bag the same way.

3. Cut out a piece of cardboard about the same width of the paper bag with a utility knife. Slide the cardboard into the bag. This will protect the other side from being accidentally cut.

4. Cut along the penciled lines with a craft knife to remove the shapes. Do this on both sides of the bag.

5. Remove the piece of cardboard and open the bag to a standing position.

6. Fill the bottom of the bag with a 1/2-inch layer of gravel and place a tealight candle in the center.

7. Light the candle with a lighter. The candle flame will illuminate the bag and shine through the cut-out shapes.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch the candles at all times while they are lit.

• Battery operated tealights are available and serve as a safe alternative when the candles cannot be watched.

References

• Wedding Bee: About Mrs. Blueberry Instructions for Luminaries