How to Make Grubby Tea Lights
Primitive country décor is based on the decorating styles associated with early American colonials. The designs are typically handcrafted and most often incorporate colors, fibers and materials found in nature. Grubby, or grunge, candles are preferred elements in a primitive decorating style. These distinctive candles are often pillar style, but you can use tapers and even tea lights to make the grubby designs. Plain tea lights are available by the bagful in craft and discount stores. Look around your backyard for the decorative elements needed to make grubby candles.
Things You'll Need
- Wax paper
- Dried flowers and herbs
- Rolling pin
- Microwavable paraffin wax
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Place a sheet of waxed paper onto the kitchen counter. Pile dried flowers and dried herbs onto the center of the waxed paper. Cover the dried material with another sheet of waxed paper.
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2
Crush the dried material with a rolling pin. The goal is to have tiny pieces of dried material to use to make the grubby tea light candles. Pieces should be between 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch long and no more than 1/2 inch wide. Tea lights are small, and the dried material must fit on the outside perimeter of the candles. Remove the top layer of wax paper.
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3
Add 1/4 cup of microwavable paraffin wax to a bowl that's safe to use in the microwave. Melt the paraffin wax according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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4
Dip a thick paintbrush into the melted wax and then apply the wax to one side of the tea light. Press the tea light, wax side down, into the dried flowers and herbs. Roll the tea light as needed to cover the waxed section with dried material.
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5
Repeat step 4 to cover the outside perimeter of the tea light completely with the dried material. Make sure that you do not apply any dried material to the top of the candle, as this could be a fire hazard. Allow the wax to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Add a few drops of essential oil to the melted paraffin wax before brushing it onto the tea lights.
Never leave a burning, grubby tea light unattended.
