Frugal Crafts & Gifts
(featured column by various authors)
Patriotic Candle Jar
by Amanda
Formaro
Need some fun centerpieces for this summer's get-togethers? Why not
try this patriotic candle jar that doubles as a vase! Easy for kids to make and looks great on your table or counter.
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What you need:
empty glass jar
material with a patriotic pattern
white craft glue
water
thick bristled paint brush
scissors
goldenrod ribbon
wooden star
navy blue acrylic paint
raffia
hot glue gun
What you do:
Paint the wooden star with navy blue acrylic paint. Set aside to dry. Tie 2 or 3 strands of raffia into a bow. Use the scissors to but the bows so that all of the ends are straight, trim to even lengths. Hot glue the blue star to the center of the raffia. Set aside.
If your patriotic material has flags, cut out a few of the flags and cut the rest of the material into pieces. Size and shape does not matter!
Mix white craft glue with enough water to make a thin, paintable solution that is not see through, mixture should be white. With your paintbrush, paint the glue mixture onto the jar. Work in sections as the glue will dry before you get to it if you paint the whole thing.
Paint a section with glue mixture, place pieces of material onto the layer of glue, cover material with more glue mixture. Material will be wet, but not dripping. Continue until the entire jar is covered, pieces are placed on quite randomly. When finished, use the mixture to put the flags over the top of the material scraps.
Use hot glue to adhere a piece of goldenrod ribbon around the rim of the jar. Hot glue the raffia/star to the ribbon, covering the seam.
You can place a votive candle in the jar, or fill it with white carnations for a great centerpiece!
Author's Note: This is a great project for Cub Scouts. We made these in our Bear Den for the Blue and Gold dinner and used them as centerpieces. Each boy made one of their own and they were a hit!
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Copyright
© 2003 by Amanda Formaro
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