Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Sweetheart Lights



Sometime ago I bought a box of these candlelights from Ebay.
Monday I was challenged so to speak to get these babies out and do something with them. The lights are plain jane and needed a bit of decoration so I collected some of my fav papers, glitter, ribbon and charms and threw this little light together.
Below is a series of photos showing step by step how to dress up a plain candle light with just a few simple supplies.
You will need Mod Podge, an old paint brush, sheet music or other decoration paper, the candle stick, something to pour a bit of glue in, and a wet paper towel. Glitter, ribbons, and charms can be added as well.

Measure the candlestick height and diameter. Trim the paper to fit around the candlestick with about 1/4" ovrlap.

Hint: I cut the top and bottom edges to keep them nice and clean but tore the sides to give them a more rustic edge.

Turn paper over and spread entire surface with Mod Podge. Be sure to cover all edges. I use deli paper when collaging because it is just the right size for working with small projects like this. I can spread the glue out over the edges and not worry about having a messy work surface to deal with once I am finished gluing. The deli paper folds in half easliy when finished, leaving you with another work surface if you need it. I get a big box of deli papers at Sam's club for cheap cheap cheap! Love that deli paper!

Wrap the glued paper around the candlestick being certain to center it. The seam should be aligned with the cord in the back. Finger press in place, pushing out any air pockets.
Hint: Use the paper towel to clean sticky fingers or messes. But becareful not to overwork the paper, especially if it is old. The paper can actually tear. I happen to like wrinkles so I don't worry about those at all.
Mod Podge can be very forgiving if you lay it on thick enough. You can reposition the paper if needed as long as it is still wet. Once the glue begins to dry, the paper will be more difficult to unwrap or move.
Glitter makes everything better! Spread some glue on the base and sprinkle it with your fav glitter. Glitter the top too but becareful not to get any glitter in the socket.

The glitter here is Martha Stewart's Fine Glitter in Rose Quartz. I also rubbed the paper with Martha Stewart Pink Ink.

Hint: Spray the candle stick with a clear sealer to minimize the glitter shedding and to protect the paper finish.
Loving it now but it's not finished...
Now add some ribbon and a charm and call it finished!
This pretty candlestick will look great in a new babies nursery, a powder room, bedroom, or on the mantle.
I hope you will give collage a try. Collage is one of the easiest of all crafts, and gives simple objects a bit of beauty.

7 comments:

Alice said...

I love your candle lights. Really pretty and unique.

I Play Outside The Box said...

That is just so pretty. Thanks for sharing that, Hope!

Jody said...

Great tut Hope! Can't wait to try this one!
Jody

Holly Moulder said...

LOVE IT! :) Very cute!

Valley Primitives Gift Shoppe said...

Those are great! Thank you for sharing your creative ideas with us!!

Mrs.Kwitty said...

What a lovely project! It's very pretty. Thanks so much for the tutorial :o)
SMiles, Karen

Barbara Jean said...

Thank you for sharing your little lamp idea. It sounds like a really fun project, and quick, which we all love!
The sandwich paper (think that's what you called it)is a great idea.
I'll give that a try. I even got some at a garage sale i can use. It was free so i just had to have it, but not for sandwiches. =0))

Blessings on your day,
Barbara Jean