Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Vellum Candle Lanterns

Materials:
  • Clear vellum, 8 1/2"x 11"
  • Ribbon, string or raffia
  • Hole punch reinforcements
  • X-ACTO knife, paper cutter or scissors
  • Votive candles
  • Votive candle holders
  • Standard size hole punch
Note: Please read the Page "Working With Vellum" before you begin.

Print the design of your choice onto a piece of vellum. My images measure 3" x 6 1/4" and I could fit 3 on each sheet. Let your print out dry completely. Cut out each printed panel carefully.


Punch holes on opposite sides of the design.



Attach a reinforcement around each hole on the back side of your vellum.



To get the vellum to form a circle, roll the vellum tightly from one end, unroll, then roll again from the other end.



Lace the ribbon or string through the holes. I used a piece of raffia for this set.


Wrap the vellum around a votive candle holder with the candle in place and tie the lantern closed. Light your candle enjoy!





SAFETY TIP: Never leave your lit candles unattended!

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Friday, July 9, 2010

Guardian Angel Plaques

The graphics for both of these plaques can be found at the bottom of the page.

Materials:
  • 2 Unfinished wood plaques 7" x 5" (or the size you want)
  • All purpose Decoupage medium
  • Wood stain
  • Sponge or soft brush
  • Sandpaper
  • Scissors or paper cutter
  • Color printer & paper
  • Acrylic spray sealer
  • Old newspapers to cover your work surface
Instructions

1. Prepare your wood surfaces by sanding them lightly and removing the dust. Apply the stain as per the instructions on the can. I chose a walnut color stain for mine. Let them dry completely.






2. Open the image you want to use in any graphics program or place into a word processing program and re-size it to the measurements you need for your project. Print them out on high quality paper. I usually give my printouts a light spray of an acrylic sealer or fixative so that the ink doesn't smear while brushing on the decoupage medium. Cut out the images with scissors or paper cutter.



3. Cover your work surface with newspaper or scrap paper to protect it. Apply a thin coating of the decoupage medium to the surface of the plaques where you want your prints to go. Place your prints down onto the wet medium and smooth out any wrinkles. Let this dry completely.



4. Apply one or two more coats of the decoupage medium over the entire surface letting each coat dry completely before adding the next. You can add texture to the last coating by sponging it on, swirling it with your finger or using a stiff brush. You can see in this picture that I have just started on the first coat.



5. (Optional) You can further protect your completed project by applying a light coat of a clear finish product,
either a spray or brush on will do. The last picture shows the completed plaques. The only thing left to do is add a sawtooth or other type hanger to the back of each plaque.



"Right Click" on each of the images to save to your hard drive.


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