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Lacey Candles These are easy to do and can be done with children age 8 and older. For a spring look choose pastel colored paraffin or if that isn't available color your paraffin after it completely melts. These candles look awesome because of the lacey patterns which remain after peeling away the juice carton. What You Need: 1 large block of paraffin 1 tapered candle - any color because it will be in the middle of the one you will create 1 empty and cleaned one quart juice carton Ice Newspaper What you do: Set up the cartoon on a table covered with newspaper. Set the tapered candle in the middle of the cleaned carton. As you are setting it add ice- to within 1 inch of the top of the carton. Melt the paraffin according to the package instructions. Pour safely into the carton filled with ice. Let stand, don't move or touch for 5 minutes . Using your sink or a bowl, pour off the now melted ice from the carton. Make sure you have removed all the water. Let the carton sit for about an hour. Peel off the carton from the candle, by hand or with scissors, being careful not to cut into the candle. You will be amazed at the beautiful lacey pattern and how stunning it looks when it is finally lit. Always place a saucer or some kind of candle holder underneath it when the candle is lit BOOTIES These booties are for a baby whose foot measures 3 to 3 1/4 inches long. MATERIALS: Hook: Size G Yarn: Chenille Sensations Stitches used: ch, sl st, sc, sc dec, hdc. Difficulty: EASY/MEDIUM RND 1: Ch 16, join to form a ring (being careful not to twist the chain). Ch 1, sc in same ch as joining, sc in next 15 ch. Join with sl st in 1st sc made. RND 2: Ch 1, sc in each of next 16 sc. -Place Marker- RND 3: Rep Rnd 2. RND 4: Ch 1, Do Not Turn, sc in next 8 sc. RND 5: Ch 1, turn, sc in next 8 sc, sl st in next st on rnd 4. RND 6: Ch 1, turn, sl st in same st, sc in next st, hdc in next 6 sts, sc in next st, sl st in next st on rnd 4. RND 7: Ch 1, turn, sl st in same st, sc in next st, hdc in next 7 sts, sc in next st, sl st in next st on rnd 4. RND 8: Ch 1, turn, sl st in same st, sc in next st, hdc in next 8 sts, sc in next st, sl st in next st on rnd 4. RND 9: Ch 1, turn, sl st in same st, sc in next st, hdc in next 9 sts, sc in next st, sl st in next st on rnd 4. RND 10: Ch 1, turn, sl st in same st, sc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts, sc in next st, sl st in next st on rnd 4. RND 11: Ch 1, Do Not Turn, sc in each st around. -Place Marker- Do not join the rnd, continue working a continous round.... RNDS 12-15: Sc in each st around. -Place Marker- RND 16: * Sc dec over next 2 sts. Repeat from * around. -Place Marker- Turn bootie inside out. Holding top and bottom of the toe together, sl st the corresponding stitches together to close the toe. Attach yarn to any st on the top of the bootie. Sc in same sp as joining. * ch 3, sc in next st. Repeat from * around. FASTEN OFF WEAVE IN ENDS TIE STRING: Cut a piece of chenille in the same or a contrasting color and weave through the top of the bootie (see photo) and tie a bow in the front. You can also use ribbon for this ICE CUBE SOAP Glycerin blocks Liquid food coloring Petroleum jelly Cotton swabs Ice cube trays (regular or with various shapes such as hearts) Cut glycerin into chunks, then place in a microwavable bowl. Melt the glycerin in the microwave on HIGH, stirring at 15-second intervals. About halfway through melting, add a drop or two of food coloring. With a cotton swab, coat the inside of the ice cube tray with petroleum jelly. Pour melted glycerin into the tray, filling each section almost to the top. Let cool at room temperature for about 2 hours. The "ice cubes" will pop out easily Afghan Slippers Level of difficulty - Easy Materials Needed 1 afghan hook size J and Canadian wool crochet hook No. 9 Bells if desired 4 ounces of yarn such as 100% Orlon Acrylic Gauge: 4 st - 1 inch: 4 rows - 1 inch Directions - Using afghan hook, ch. 46 sts. loosely to measure 11½". Work even in afghan st. for 16 rows. Shape Side: Row 1 - Work to last 3 sts. s1 hook under next 2 upright bars and draw up 1 loop only 91 st. dec, draw up a loop in last upright bar. Rows 2, 3, and 4 - Work even in afghan st. Repeat from * 5 times more, 40 sts. Piece should measure 10" ** work across row to last 6 sts; take off loops. Repeat from ** 3 times more -- 16 sts. Work 1 sl. st. in each st. across row. Fasten off. Finishing: Fold piece diagonally, matching straight edges. Sew these edges together. Sew across adjacent side of r 4" from the corner. Draw up toe tightly and fasten on the inside. Fold down top. Using crochet hook, work 1 row s c around top of slipper. Steam lightly. Tassels: Cut a piece of cardboard to measure 3½". Wind yarn around the cardboard 20 times. Cut ends. Fold in half and draw through op point which has been folded down. Pull ends through loop. Clothes Pin Angel Very easy to make and a good craft for small children. Supplies old fashioned clothes pins (can be bought in craft store . not the kind with the spring) bits of material or crayons and paper color markers - sharp tip for face paper muffin liners (white) black or yellow yarn for hair white glue Draw a face on the head of the clothes pin. Cut some small pieces of yarn for the hair and glue on Cut a muffin liner in two for wings glue wings to back of clothes pin dress the angel in either either a cloth or paper dress, use glue to fix "dress" to body. Baby Set & Matching Afghn A dainty little outfit for a precious little one. You will need 3 ounces baby yarn and a size 6 or (G) hook or size needed to work to gauge given below. Abbreviations: st (stitch) lp (loop) sl st (slip stitch) ch (chain) sc (single crochet) dc (double crochet) sk (skip) inc (increase) sp (space) rnd (round) GAUGE: 5 dc equals 1 inch 2 rows equal 1 inch SACQUE: Ch 63 for neck edge. ROW 1 : Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each st to end of ch. Counting ch as 1 dc there are 61 dc in row. Row 2: Ch 3 turn ( ch 3 always counts as first dc), dc in each of next 2 dc,*2 dc in next st, dc in each of the next 2 sts, repeat from * 18 times dc in top of turning chain--80 sts in all. Work 3 more rows of dc, making 19 inc evenly spaced in next row and 20 inc in each of the next 2 rows. Be sure not to work an inc over an inc of preceding row. Counting turning chain as 1 there will be 139 dc in row 5. Row 6: On right side, ch 3, turn, *sk 2 dc, shell in sp before next dc ( to make a shell: 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc in space), sk 2 dc, a raised dc( to make a raised dc: Thread over, insert hook from front to back in sp before next dc, bring hook around to front on next side of dc, thread over and work off lps on hook for a dc). Repeat from * 26 times, sk 2 dc, shell in sp before next dc, dc in top of turning ch. There are 28 shells. Row 7 : Ch 3, turn, shell in ch lp of first shell, working from back to front in this row make a raised dc around post of next dc, shell in ch lp of next shell * repeat from * to * twice, a raised dc around post of next raised dc, sk 6 shells for right sleeve, repeat from * to * 8 times, a raised dc around next raised dc, sk 6 shells for left sleeve repeat from * to * 4 times, dc in top of turning ch. Row 8: Ch 3, turn, shell in next shell, working from front to back in this row, ( make a raised dc around post of next raised dc, shell in next shell) 3 times, a raised dc around post of 2 dc at underarm, continue across row in same manner, working a raised dc around post of 2 dc at other under arm. End with a dc in top of turning ch. There are 16 shells Row 9: Ch 3, turn, shell in next shell, working from back to front in this row * make a raised dc around post of next raised dc, shell in next shell, repeat across, end with dc in turning ch. Rows 11 through 15: Alternate rows 9 and 10, inc shells to (2 dc, ch1, 3 dc) in next shell. Rows 16, 17 and 18: Continue alternating rows 9 and 10, inc shells to (3 dc, ch1, 3 dc) in next shell. Row 19: Continue raised dc as before, making shells of 7 dc in this row. Fasten off. Sleeves: On right side, join yarn at underarm between 2 raised dc, ch, a shell of ( 2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next shell, working from front to back * a raised dc around post of next dc, a shell in shell repeat from * around, end with sl st in top of ch 3. Work 5 more rounds in same manner. Now work a round with shells of 5 dc. Fasten off. Neck Beading: On right side, begin at right front neck edge, ch 4, sk 2 sts, dc in next st, * ch 2, sk 2 sts, dc in next st, repeat from * around neck edge. Fasten off. Steam lightly. Weave ribbon through beading. Cap: Ch 4, join with sl st in first ch to form ring Rnd. 1: Ch 3 (for a dc), 23 dc in ring, sl st in top of ch 3 Rnd 2: Ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, repeat from * around, sl st in top of ch 3--- 36 dc in all. Rnd 3: Ch 3, * 2 dc in next dc, dc in each of next 2 dc, repeat from * around, sl st in top of ch 3--48 dc in all. Pattern Row 1:: On right side, ch 3 working from front to back make a raised dc around post of next dc,* sk 2 dc make a shell of (3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc) in sp before next dc, sk 2 dc, a raised dc, repeat from * 6 times, end with dc in next dc after raised dc. Row 2: Ch 3 , turn, working from back to front * make a raised dc around post of last raised dc, dc in top of turning ch. Repeat rows 1 and 2 of pattern until there are 10 rows. Fasten off Neck band: Fold back the last 2 rows. On right side, make 42 sc evenly sp on neck edge, working through both thicknesses of folded portion, * ch 1, turn, sc in each sc. Repeat from * once. Beading: Ch 4, turn sk 2 sts, dc in next st, repeat from * across. Fasten off. Steam lightly. Weave ribbon through beading. Booties: Ch 30. join with a sl st in first ch st. Round 1: Ch 4, * sk 1 ch st, dc in next ch st, ch 1 repeat from * around, end with a s; sl in third st of ch 4. There are 15 sps which form the beading. Rnd 2: Ch 3, sk 1 sp, make a shell ( dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next sp *, working from front to back make a raised dc around next dc, sk 1 sp, a shell in next sp, repeat from * working 5 shell in next to last sp, sl st in top of ch 3. Continue working shells and raised dc in same manner for 3 more rnds. Work a rnd of raised dc and shells composed of 5 dc. Fasten off. Instep: Fold cuff in half with end of last rnd at center back, mark 3 center front sps of beading. Join yarn in foundation ch at edge of first sp, work 3 sc in each of the three center sps. Ch 1, Turn. Work back and forth across these 9 sts until work measures 1 inch. Fasten off. Foot: Begin at center back on foundation ch, ch 3, work 10 dc to instep 8 dc along side of instep, 9 dc across instep 8 dc along other side of instep, and 11 dc to end, sl st in top of ch 3. Repeat from * once. Next rnd: Ch 3, work 3 sts together as follows* thread over draw up a lp repeat from * twice, thread over in next st, thread over pull through 2 lps repeat from * twice, thread over and pull through all lps on hook at once, dc in each of next 15 dc, (work 3 sts together as before) 3 times, dc in each of next 15 dc, dc in last st. Fasten off, leaving an end. Sew seam along center of foot. Steam lightly. Weave ribbon through beading. MATCHING SHELL AFGHAN MATERIALS LIST: 5 SKEINS OF BABY YARN (make sure this is baby yarn and not sport weight yarn) F HOOK chain 199 Dc in 7 chain from hook, ch2, skip 2 chain, 1 dc in 3rd chain. repeat form * across row. Row:2 Chain 5 dc in 1st dc, skip 1 sp *shell (3 dc, ch1, 3 dc) in next space. raised dc in next sp ( directions for raised dc are in baby set above) repeat from * across row. There will be 21 shells with a space on each end. Row 3: Chain 5, repeat row 2 for 84 rows. Fasten off. Thanks Granny Plastic Canvas Coasters Submitted by Lynda Materials Needed: Plastic lids from 1 lb coffee cans (or cocoa cans or oatmeal boxes, etc.) Round plastic canvas shapes Yarn Instructions: Trim plastic canvas shapes to fit inside of lids. Weave yarn in holes of plastic canvas, finish edges with an overcast stitch. When finished stitching, place into lid. The overcast edging should make them fit snuggly. For Square Coaster liminate the coffee can lid and just use a Plastic square. Doily Spoon Angel Materials needed: spoon one six inch doily curly doll hair gold cord, or a faux wedding ring from a cake decorating store for halo, a thin point sharpie marker to draw the face. 1. Cut doily in half and accordion fold one half and pinch tightly in middle for wings, glue to the back of the spoon. 2. Take other half of doily and lightly pull the outside of the doily to the center and then fold back out to form the angel skirt, glue to the front of the spoon. 3. Glue on hair and halo. 4. Draw on angels face (This are very Easy to make) SNOW GLOBES Baby food jars (medium or large jars) Florist clay Small figurine White glitter or fake snow Glue gun Glue or aquarium sealing glue (hot glue is cheaper) Optional: any ribbon, garland plastic greenery Make sure jar is washed and clean. Note: any jar will do if you desire a larger snow globe. Attach figurine to inside of jar lid using florist clay. If you are using a small object, it's a good idea to build up the clay so the object will appear taller. Attach any optional items with the clay (greenery, berries, etc.). Use your imagination, but make sure it is waterproof and won't dissolve. Fill jar with water to within 1/2 inch of top. Use cold water as warm water tends to cloud. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of glitter, or snow into water. Insert figurine in water, screw on lid. Let stand overnight, lid side up. Use glue/sealer to ensure that it is waterproof and attach decorative ribbon over lid. You may also paint the lid rather than use ribbon. Use your imagination, the possibilities are endless! Hints Make sure the objects are secure in the clay, you could even glue them for added security. Before gluing or sealing the lid, make sure you have sufficient amount of glitter. Depending on the size of the jar, you may need more or less. To make a more elaborate snow globe, add tiny objects to float in the water, use a drop of colored oil to create a swirling effect, use food coloring in the water, various colors glitter, etc. This can be altered in any way to be a one-of-a-kind. These are very easy to make. Crochet Heart Bookmark Materials: No. 10 thread size 5 steel hook. With red Ch 20 Row 1: Dc in 8th ch from hook (ch 2, skip 2 ch, dc in next ch) across. Ch 5 turn (You have 5 spaces) Row 2: Dc in next dc, (ch 2, dc in next dc) across ending with dc in turning ch. Ch 5 turn Row 3: Repeat row 3 two more times. Do not turn. Working around the square - Ch 1, *2 sc in space, sc in next dc, 2 sc in next sp, sc in next dc, (2 sc, ch 3, 2 sc) in next space, sc in next dc, 2 sc in next sp, sc in next dc, (2 sc, ch 1, 2 sc) in next space (corner made); repeat from * once more then complete remaining 2 sides as follows: sc in each dc and 2 sc in each space to corner, In corner space 2 sc, ch 2, 2 sc. 1 sc in each dc and 2 sc in each space to last corner, ch 1 and join to first sc. Top part of heart. NOTE: ltrc = yo 5 times, pull thread through 2 loops 6 times. 14 ltrc in ch 3 loop, sl st in ch 1 sp of next corner. 14 ltrc in ch 3 loop, sl st in ch sp of next corner. Finish off. Now you should have a heart or something that resembles one I hope. Attach white to bottom corner of heat. Ch 3, dc in same sp, *(skip 2 sc, sl st in next st, ch 3, 1 dc in same sp) to first ltrc then (ch 3, dc in ltrc, sl st in next ltrc) to last ltrc of first group. Sl st in center sl st and next ltrc. Ch 3, dc in same sp, sl st in next ltrc. Continue in this manner to correspond with opposite side ending with sl st in base of beg st. Now use your creativity. I added a tassle for a bookmark. You can stiffen it for an ornament. Add ribbon and flowers for decoration if you wish. Valentine Kisses: Makes 4 - 6 Ingredients: 6 cups Krispy Rice Cereal 1 Package Of Marshmallows 3 Tablespoons Margarine Vegetable Cooking Spray Utensils: Microwave Oven Large Microwave Safe Bowl Funnel Sprayed With Cooking Spray 12" Square Of Aluminum Foil For Each Child 1" x 11" Strip Of Paper Per Child Waxed Paper Mixing Spoon Directions: Label each strip of paper to say "A Kiss For You!" Follow directions on cereal box for making treats. Allow the mixture to cool until easy enough to handle. Have children mold it in the funnel. Place on waxed paper to cool completely before wrapping. Wrap kiss and strip in aluminum foil. Smelly Jelly From:Kathy F 2 C. liquid potpourri 4 envelopes Knox gelatine 2 T. salt Bring l cup of the liquid potpourri to boil. Stir in gelatine, and stir until dissolved. Add remaining liquid & salt. This keeps it from molding. Pour into jelly jars. Put a small doily or netting over the top, and tie with raffia or a thin ribbon. CANDY HERSHEY KISSES ROSES From:Lee Marie WHEN I WORKED AT MY OLD SCHOOL I DID THESE WITH THE STUDENTS TO GIVE TO THEIR MOMS AS A MOTHERS DAY GIFT. YOU NEED 2 HERSHEY KISSES, - PUT THEM BACK TO BACK FLATS SIDES TOGETHER. A 4INCH SQUARE OF COLORED SARAN WRAP. WRAP THE KISSES REALLY TIGHT AND PUT A FLOREST WIRE STEM ON THE BOTTOM WHERE YOU TWIST THE SARAH WRAP THEN PUT A BOW ON IT OR A LEAF CHRISTMAS DOOR KNOB COVER MATERIALS: Size I hook, any color 4 ply worsted weight yarn, 1' contrasting ribbon. SIZE: 3" across DIRECTIONS: Ch 4, join to form ring. Rnd 1: Ch 3, 9 dc in ring, join to top of beg ch 3. (10 dc) Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same sp, 2 dc in each dc around, join to top of beg ch 3. (20 dc) Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join to top of beg ch 3. (20 dc) Rnd 4: Ch 4, sk next dc, [ dc in next dc, ch 1, sk next dc] around, join to 3rd ch of beg ch 4. FINISHING: Weave ribbon around every other dc in Rnd 2; tie into a bow. Add other decorations as desired.These are very easy to make. CANDY KISS ROSES For each flower 2 kisses 1 square colored plastic wrap Wire Floral tape Put the two kisses together with flat bottoms touching. Put tip of one kiss in the center of the square of wrap and pull wrap down around the kisses. Put a wire up next to the kisses. Pull the wrap down over part of the wire and wrap floral tape around starting at the tip of the bottom kiss. Tape securely. Once you make the first one or two and get the technique down they go very quickly. These make a wonderful bouquet. APPLE CANDLES Yellow and red apples make a wonderful candlelight decoration for fall entertaining. Toothpick Paring knife Melon baller Votive candles Several medium-size apples, any colors desired Lemon juice Set one apple stem side up. Set the bottom of the votive candle over the stem. With a toothpick, poke holes around the base of the candle about 1/4 inch apart. This delineates the area to be removed so that the candle can fit into the hole. Using a paring knife, cut along dotted circle and straight down about three-fourths of the way into the apple. Do not cut through the bottom of the apple. Using the melon baller, scoop out the core and insides. Trim the opening with the paring knife to smooth any ragged edges. Rub the edges with lemon juice to prevent browning. Repeat procedure with remaining apples. Place a votive candle into each apple. You can place the prepared apples in the refrigerator until you are ready to set them on the table. This will also help to keep the candles burning longer! Light the candles just before guests come to the table SPICE HOT PADS 4 cinnamon sticks, crushed 2 T. cloves, crushed 1 C. raw rice Mix crushed cinnamon sticks and cloves with uncooked rice. Place in a cloth bag, about 7 inches square. Sew up the open end. Use as a hot pad. The scent will come out when a hot dish is placed on the mat. You can substitute herbs (herbal tea works well) for the spices. If you want to be more fancy, carefully sew seams across the pad, so you end up with a crisscross or chessboard pattern. This will make the pad less floppy and easier to use. "Lavender Plaid Sachet" Materials: 28 count Ivory Jobelan approximately 8 inches square ETERNA SILK™ Stranded or MiniTwist 6-ply thread in these colors: 10, 2070, 2640, 3670 ½ yard lavender ribbon (1/8 inch wide) Ivory sewing thread Tapestry and sewing needles Stitching and Finishing Instructions: Make all cross stitches using 1 strand of ETERNA SILK™ thread, over 2 threads of fabric. After cross stitches are complete, work the flower stems in back stitch using 2 strands of ETERNA SILK™ thread. Whip stitch using 1 strand of ETERNA SILK™ in 3670 over the back stitches, being careful not to pierce the fabric (whip stitch should only wrap the back stitches). After the stems are complete, work the flower leaves using 2 strands of ETERNA SILK™ thread in 3670. Back stitch the flower petals using 2 strands of ETERNA SILK™ thread in 2640. After the flowers are complete, back stitch using 1 strand of ETERNA SILK™ thread in 3670 around the outer edge of the design, and around the inside flower box area. After all stitching is complete, remove 4 horizontal threads from the fabric approximately 1 ½ inches above the stitched area, then fold the fabric in half, right sides together, matching the pulled thread areas together, and hand sew the bottom and side edges together. Trim seam allowances to ¼ or ½ inch from seam and overcast. Turn sachet right side out, and gently press with a warm iron using a press cloth. Using 2 strands of ETERNA SILK™ thread in 2640, make a satin stitch border approximately 1 inch above the pulled thread area, and trim fabric close to top edge of satin stitching, being careful not to cut any satin stitches. Weave the lavender ribbon through the pulled thread area, alternating by two threads, as shown in the model picture. Fill with dried lavender, and gently pull the lavender ribbon together and tie a loose bow. Bow Tie Macaroni Wreath Ornament Materials: Bow Tie Macaroni Craft glue Green acrylic paint and paint brush or spray paint Cinnamon "red hot"canides or a small squeeze applicator of red paint Small piece of red ribbon Instructions: Begin by gluing the bow tie pasta pieces together in a circle. Allow glue to dry thoroughly. Paint one side of the macaroni circle green with a paint brush or, with an adult's supervision, use spray paint following label directions. Allow paint to dry; turn over and paint other side. When green paint is dry, glue red candies (or squeeze dots of red paint) in groups of three to resemble holly berries. Space evenly around wreath, as shown. Finishing: Make a small ribbon bow and glue to wreath as shown. Add ribbon or decorative string for a hanger on back of the wreath, if desired JAR Candle Holder Materials Needed: Baby Food Jars Tissue Paper Glue Scissors Thin Ribbon Instructions: Using clean baby food jars, glue on small squares of colored tissue paper to completely cover it. When dried, add a votive candle and a thin ribbon around the top. Crayon Candle Materials Needed: Crayons Candle Wicks 2 Pint Milk Carton Ice Instructions: Candlemaking can be can be both fun and dangerous. You should never try any projects that use heat and fire without an adults help, and always follow candle safety rules. Cut off the top of the milk carton so that you have a "box" with one end open. Next, Melt crayons (the crayons can be broken and different colors, but the "washable" type do NOT work well. You can use the wax for candle crafts found at the discount stores and add just a few crayons of the desired color to tint it) over medium heat (there are plastic bags available that you can place the wax and/or crayons in so that you then just place that bag into boiling water to melt...saves a lot of clean-up). Place wick into the milk carton and fill carton will ice. Be sure that the wick is fairly centered and running the entire length of the carton (top to bottom). Now, pour melted wax/crayon mixture into the carton filling to the top. Let sit until hardened and ice has melted, then carefully cut and peel away the carton from the candle. You will now have a beautiful candle. The ice in the carton caused the wax to quickly harden around the cubes. The result is a "swiss cheese" looking candle. Each one lookes a little different! These must be handled carefully after finished as the swiss cheese nature of the candle make it fragile. PHOTO CANDLE Materials A round pillar mold photo pan knife the usual candle making supplies. Step 1 Mix enough wax to fill the mold. Pour into a pan about 3/8 inch thick and allow to cool. Before it is fully cooled, use a knife to cut into chunks. When fully cool, break up the chunks and set aside for later. Step 2 Wick your mold using a slightly undersized wick. This will help keep the flame away from the photo. Step 3 Insert photo in mold. It is vital for appearance that the photo be aligned with the edge parallel to the bottom of the mold. Remember that the bottom of the mold will be the top of the candle - insert the photo upside down. Step 4 Use a dowel or pencil to hold the photo in place. Add the chunks from step 1 slowly, making sure the photo stays aligned and is tight to the mold. Every inch or so, press down on the chunks to force the photo against the mold. Continue adding chunks until they are above the level of the photo. Step 5 Place the remaining chunks back into your melting pot and remelt. If you want the chunks to be visible, heat in a double boiler to 190 degrees F. If you want the chunks to be invisible as shown here, it will be necessary to melt on direct heat to 275 degrees F. Use Extreme Caution! NEVER leave wax unattended on direct heat. Step 6 Pour wax into center of mold slowly. Set aside balance of wax for refilling the shrink void. Tap the mold sides for a minute or two to release trapped air bubbles. Allow the mold to air cool for at least one hour. After one hour, the mold may be placed in a water bath for faster cooling and a smoother finish. Step 7 Remove from mold, and trim wick. Variations Cut an irregular edge on the photo. Cover the candle with whipped wax. Use printed material in place of photo - it is wise to test a piece first as some inks may react with the wax. Use different color chunks and incorporate them as a design element. Summary These candles are a lot of fun and quite easy to make. Use caution when burning to prevent igniting the embedded material. They are best burned in short increments - 2 hours or so depending on the candle diameter. Chocolate Pudding Candle Materials A glass container (these look really good in a clear parfait glass) wire core wick chocolate scent oil the basic candle making products - wax, dye, etc... will be needed. Step 1 Prime some wire core wicking and add a wick tab. It will need to be at least a few inches longer than the depth of the glass. Wrap the top around a dowel or pencil so that the tab is suspended slightly above the bottom of the glass. Set this wick assembly aside. Step 2 Preheat the glass to about 150 degrees F. This can be done in an oven or in hot tap water. Caution - use gloves or a pot holder when handling the hot glass. Step 3 Prepare the wax mixture. I like to use 128/130 MP wax, and 1/4% Vybar 260, but use any container wax formula you like. Add brown dye until a nice chocolate color is obtained. Allow to cool until a slight film forms on the surface. Stir in the chocolate scent. Step 4 Using gloves, remove the glass from preheating and immediately pour the brown wax in. Leave approximately 1/4 inch from the top. Insert wick assembly from step 1, making sure it is centered and the wick tab does not touch the glass. Step 5 Relief holes should be poked near the wick as the candle cools. A repour may be needed to fill the shrink void, and care should be taken that the repour does not go above the level of the first pour. A smooth, flat surface is not required since the top will be covered. Step 6 Once the candle is fully cooled, remove the dowel and stretch wick to full length. Prepare whipping wax A good whipping wax formula is 1 pound paraffin, 1 tablespoon Vybar (or 3-6 tablespoons of stearic), and 1 tablespoon of corn starch. Melt this fully then allow to cool until a surface film forms. Start whipping with an egg whisk, spoon, old blender, etc... When the proper consistency is attained apply with a spoon or fork to the top of the candle. Make sure the wick is still centered, and allow to cool. Step 7 Enjoy your creation - but make sure no one takes a bite! Summary These candles are fun and easy. They make great conversation pieces, and sell fairly well. Sand Candle Materials Needed: A lot of sand (1 gal.) Water Wax Shells Wick material Plate big enough to hold the candle Instructions: Candlemaking can be can be both fun and dangerous. You should never try any projects that use heat and fire without an adults help, and always follow candle safety rules. 1. Put the sand in a LARGE bowl. 2. Pour water over the sand to make it wet. 3. Make a hole in the wet sand as big as you want your candle to be. 4. Place shells around the sides if desired. 5. Take the smallest shell you can find and tie it to the wick and put it in the center bottom. 6. Melt the wax in a tin can. 7. Pour the wax in the sand mold while holding the wick up enough to keep it straight. 8. Hold the wick there for about a minute or until the wax has hardened enough for the wick to not fall in it. 9. When it's hard and cold, dig about an inch away from the candle a trench about 6-10 inches deep, depending on how big your candle is, and then GENTLY pull the candle out. 10. Put the candle on the plate Jelly Jar Candle Holders Materials Needed: Glass jelly jar (or baby food jar etc...) Construction paper Clear contact paper Scissors Small votive or tealight candle Instructions: Wash and dry glass jar. Cut out shapes from colored construction paper (red Valentine hearts...green Shamrocks..etc.). Use fine tip markers to write phrases on the shapes (heart...Love) (Shamrock...kiss me I'm Irish) etc.... Cut a piece of clear contact paper at least 1in. larger around than the construction paper shapes.. Peel the backing off of contact paper.. Place decorated construction paper shape on sticky side of contact paper with decorated side of the "shape" showing through the non-sticky side of contact paper.. Use scissors to trim the contact paper according to the shape ...MAKING SURE to leave at least 1/2-inch of the contact paper exposed around the outside of the "shape". Stick the shapes onto the glass jar. Insert small votive or tealight candle. Pop Bottle candle holder Materials Needed: 2 liter pop or water bottles Sand Small votive candle holder Patio Brand paint Sandpaper Wiggle eyes Felt Craft clay to make a carrot nose Instructions: First, either with the craft knife or scissors, cut the top off the bottle just below the neck or lower depending on the size you want. You can cut several different sizes if you are making a family. With sandpaper, lighty sand the outside of the bottle to prepare it for the paint. Wipe with a tack cloth or clean lint free cloth to remove any dust from sanding. You only need to sand a little just to make the paint adhere to the surface. Now, with your Patio paints (these seem to adhere better), paint the bottle. I have used while for snowmen and while still damp sprinkle with a light dusting of glitter. Let dry and then using a clear coat of varnish like clear coat or something simular add at least 2 coats dry inbetween each coat. For snowman, use the large wiggle eyes; apply with glue let dry. For the mouth, I like to paint a heart on each cheek and then use a black permanent marker to draw his mouth to each side to the tips of each heart. For his nose I used clay; you can buy it in tubes at Micheals and it comes in different colors. I used orange for the carrot nose. Form a carrot shape and dry. When completely dry, glue to face. You can either buy a large felt hat to fit the open top or use felt and make your own. Add sand to the inside of the bottle to weight it down and to provide a safe area to place your candle and holder. DO NOT BURN with hat on snowman. I use these at night to line my walk way or arrange them on a table on your patio. When not in use place hat on snowman. For October and November you can also paint them orange to make pumpkins. Use your imagination and you can create most any animal using these simple steps. They are fun to make and you will enjoy all the compliments from your friends, family and neighbors, or give them as gifts. Sand Candle Holder Materials Needed: Jars Sand Food Coloring Ribbon Glue Instructions: Place the sand in a glass or metal bowl and use the food coloring to tint it the desired color (you can also use rice). Fill the jar about two thirds full with the colored sand or rice. (It is easier to store these candle holders if you save the jar lids!) Glue and/or tie a ribbon around the top of the jar. Push a candle into the middle of the jar, pushing it into the sand. |
