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Customize Your Candles..

My sister heard about this technique from a friend of hers. I tried it and it works-BEAUTIFULLY! Here's how you do this: Purchase a 6-inch high pillar candle, unscented for those of us who are allergic. (After many candles made, we have found that the scented candles don't hold the wax paper as well; it wrinkles. There must be oil of some kind in them.) You can use colored ones but for this one I used a white one. Choose a design you wish to use from a napkin you have purchased.

Napkins are generally three-ply. Remove the two back layers and trim the top layer with the design on it to the size of the height and width of the candle, leaving about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch overlay.
Next, cut a piece of household wax paper that is the same size as the napkin you just trimmed. Wrap the napkin and wax paper around the candle with the wax paper on top. Secure it at the bottom with a thick rubber band about an inch above the bottom. Hold it tightly in place and blow it with a heat gun all around, top to bottom. You will see the design melt into the candle like magic!

After the top is securely attached to the candle, remove the rubber band at the bottom and blow it all around with the heat gun so that the entire napkin and wax paper is melted into the candle.You can do this with virtually any napkin to customize your candles to your paper plates or other decor.

Another method that can be used would be to stamp a rubber stamp design onto a piece of paper, whatever colors you like. Cut around the design and melt a piece of wax paper on top of that and you have a completely different look. Awesome!! I would love to hear what you think about this project! Fill me in.

On A Roll!



Over 20 years ago I started a teacup and teapot collection. The reason I decided to collect them was because they are magnificent to look at and delightful to sip from. I reasoned that if you are going to collect something you may as well collect something beautiful, not to mention useful! I am always looking for ways to create beauty around me.

I have wondered many times what I could do to make toilet paper rolls beautiful! We throw so many of these away, what if we could USE them? That is how this creation came into existence!

These are drawer sachets or candy/favor holders! I present them at Teas and parties tucking a few wrapped butter mints within. They are always a hit! I listen for the oohs, aahs, and wows. If I hear them, I know have been successful in delighting my guests.

I believe these make fabulous hostess or birthday gifts too. Here is how you make them: Cut a square of fabric that will wrap around your roll and leave room to either sew or glue 1/4 inch seams around the square. I prefer to sew them. Attach left-over lace from previous projects or purchase beautiful wedding laces and pearl strands or gold embellishments from fabric stores. Finish off edges with fabric glue. These all glue wonderfully. Try to find a glue that won't yellow over time.

For the ecru roll, I chose a satin fabric, gold trims, pearl strands, and lace. I did use fabric glue to attach the lace and trims as you see. Once finished and attached to roll with glue, cut a measure of toile that is longer than your fabric that is attached to the roll. Insert potpourri within the the toile, and insert this within the roll. Tie both ends with cord or ribbon and attach any other embellishments such a flowers, ribbons, or buttons as shown. To insert candy, cut a measure of toile that is longer than your fabric-covered roll and insert wrapped butter mints (or whatever wrapped treat you decide upon). Tie both ends and place on a plate or place setting, or give as favors when your guests depart. You can say, "It was so sweet having you here", or "Your friendship is like the fragrance of Christ to me". You could also attach a note to that effect with the roll.

The burgundy rolls make a nice looking set for a friends drawers. The are tied with French ribbon and enhanced with artificial roses. These are not expensive, can be fashioned from scraps and you are doing something nice for the environment. I especially love the ones I made of brocade one year. Wish I could show you those. Perhaps I'll make more soon.
I would love to know if you use toilet paper rolls or any other throw away type things to make your world more beautiful. Please share. Thanks!









Lighten Up With Flowers

Latest floral arrangement shows off Kale leaves, purple and lavender freesia, Star of Bethlehem, purple beads that color the water purple, silk lavender firefly and a light that operates under water. Beautiful all around, the above picture is the back side of the arrangement.

Front side of the arrangement. Very quickly made and a sight to behold. Last night, my husband told me he was looking forward to seeing what we made this week as I always come home with something beautiful. How sweet! I think he has been delighted! :-)