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Friday, August 14, 2009

Repurposed Candles

What to do with those pillars you've already lit that your puppies have managed to pull off the coffee table and nibble on? Make these!! I saw these on Kris' blog at Simply Prim. She has the directions over there. I followed her instructions as much as possible, and improvised,too.
You'll need:
a pillar candle
a 1 and 1/2" spade bit
tea light candles-the ones in metal cups ( I bought 8 Vanilla Cream scented ones for $1)
Mod-Podge or school glue
your choice of decorations
the grungy one used cinnamon and some leftover Almond Roca coffee grounds (wow,does that smell GOOD!)

I couldn't find my own bits, so first I had to borrow a friends and drill out holes in the 3 pillar candles; this part is VERY easy. I used a grocery bag to set the candle in while I drilled it to catch the shavings.
On the first candle, the romantic one, I used a leftover piece of decorative paper and glued it around the candle with a glue stick. Next I found a small piece of tulle and wrapped it around the middle of the paper a couple times, then used a vintage brooch from my bits & pieces stash(es). I took an old saucer away from the puppies and placed a crocheted doily on it, and placed the candle on that, then draped an old pearl necklace on it. Very pretty! It's going on my night table!



The second one I grunged up, a LOT, by painting it with slightly thinned down school glue( I use cheap glue, something like 3/$1). I'd already mixed about 1/4 cup cinnamon and a few tablespoons of Almond Roca coffee grounds, and sprinkled that on a sheet of waxed paper that I laid out on a sheet of foil. Paint the glue, roll it in the mix, and tap it to shake off excess. Do that til it's completely covered. After it's dry you can then seal it with a clear spray, or another coat of glue/water mixture. I decided mine was too smooth and neat, so I dabbed on some glue here and there, and rolled it in more mix, til it was nice and lumpy. After that, I covered it with some more glue and let that dry. For now, it's on a saucer with some berries and flowers and a raffia bow . I used another Vanilla Cream tea light for this one,too.

Did I mention how awesome this one smells?? Go check out Kris' blog for the complete directions!
kudzu

4 comments:

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

What a great idea(-: yours look great!

Laura said...

That is amazing! I have some candles stuck in the back of cabinets that need work.
Another project!

Laura

The JR said...

Great repurpose on the candles.
Ramona

Kudzu said...

thanks ya'll; I plan on a few more since this was so easy and fast, and would make great gifts!
kudzu