Sunday, December 11, 2011

Glittery votive holiday candle holders




Who doesn't want to add a little sparkle to their holiday? The answer is no one.  These glitter covered candle holders are pretty enough to give to friends and family, but casual enough to give to that person who you aren't sure is getting you a gift, but if they do you don't want to be left with nothing for them.  Plus they're easy and quick to make!

Making these candle holders is pretty straightforward–paint design on with glue, roll in glitter.  At least that's how it went for the snowy tree.  The straight lines in others were created using an tool that you know I'm fond of: tape!

Materials:

  • Glass votive candle holder(s)
  • Fine crafting glitter in various colors
  • White glue
  • Small flat paintbrush for glue application
  • Clear tape
  • Clear acrylic spray, such as Krylon Crystal Clear (optional)


Step 1:
Tape off the top and bottom of the votive so that there will be a straight edge where the glitter ends.

Step 2:
Create a design by wrapping tape around.  If using 2 or more colors, tape off the areas for the lighter colors first, making them the bottom layer of tape.  Since you will have to roll in the glitter twice, the lighter colors will be much less noticeable if some sticks to the darker colors.

Step 3:
Paint over the un-taped areas with white glue.  Put on a thick coating unless you want the glitter layer to be translucent.  It shouldn't be dripping off though.  Roll in the first glitter color.  Allow to dry and tap off excess glitter.



Step 4:
Peal off remaining tape, except for the top and bottom edges.  Paint over the exposed glass with glue (this is where having a flat brush comes in handy).  Repeat Step 3.

Only the bottom edge tape remains here, since I'm not putting
glitter above the red line.

I don't know why I only did one side at a time. You can do both.

Step 5:
If you want the avoid the chance of any glitter coming off, give it a coat of acrylic spray and let it dry according to the label.  Remove remaining tape.  

If giving these away as a gift, I suggest wrapping them in clear bags with a bit of tinsel and tied with a bow.  And like my momsie always says, if you're going to give someone a candle holder, you should give them a candle too!

Here's a few close ups:



The wintery scene on the right was done freehand, but it's a pretty basic design–a few angled swipes for the trees, and then the middle filled in with snow.  Remember do do the darker color first!


1 comment:

  1. I'd love to try it. The holders came out really nice. The tree one is a favorite.

    ReplyDelete