Painted Votive Candleholders

In preparation for the spring craft show season, I decided to add some accessories to my product line.  I needed something, quick, easy.  I had already decided to add a few shabby chic rose votive holders:

Get the instructions here!

but still felt I needed something more.  I decided to try my hand at painting some glass jars.  So, I gathered some paint, sponges, glass jars, and these amazing stencils:

Plaid Peel & Stick Stencils

Word to the wise, I think these stencils work best on flat objects, not rounded ones like I used.  These stencils have enough tack for up to 20 uses and are washable. I found them extremely easy to wash between uses then put back on the plastic until I was ready to use again.

For the flower pot votive candle holders, I used the long stencil on the bottom:

Dabbled with two or more colors (here's the stencil in reuse):

Each took less than five minutes. Here are some finished products:

I also used the larger flower stencils on some roly poly candle holders:

Another project I tried but did not feel quite as successful was to create "stained glass" candle holders.  Using the flower pots and two colors of paint, I painted vertical lines/squares in one color and horizontal lines/squares in the others:

I like the blue version, but am not fond of the red and yellow. Maybe my Chi Omega sisters would enjoy!  It's ok to let the streak lines appear - they add to the direction the paint was used.

So, we'll see how these work next week, when I hope to participate in the first show of the season. Wish me luck!

*Votive candle holders, Libbey Glass Outlet
*Paints and stencils, Plaid from Hobby Lobby
*Votive candles, D'Lites by Dorene

Don't have time to make your own? Please email me for information on custom orders!

Shabby Chic Rose Votive Candle Holders

About a week of so ago, I came across this tutorial for a candle craft I thought I'd try. Thank you Two Crafty Mules for the inspiration!

 
According to the tutorial, the supplies you will need are:

A glue gun and glue sticks
Scissors
One "roly poly" votive candle holder
Silk roses

I already had silk rose petals on hand, so I used them instead.  No cutting required!

Starting at the top of the candle holder, begin gluing your petals around the top of the jar.  Make sure you're gluing with the inside part of the petal onto the jar.  If you mistakenly glue the wrong side of the petal, don't worry, as you can easily "flip" the petal to its inside; following layers will help hold the petal in place.

When I got to the bottom of the jar it felt just a little unfinished.

I had some light green tulle on hand, so I decided to add it to the bottom of the jar to add a more polished look and to give the illusion of petals.

I eventually added more tulle.  Following are photos of the finished products.

It's a very easy and inexpensive project for the craft minded!

If you decide to make these, I highly recommend using tea lights instead of votive candles. Votives are meant to be burned in holders with a tight fit so the wax doesn't spread. The roly poly jars are larger than most votives, and when the wax spreads, it will most likely not burn completely.  You'll end up with wax left in your jar and no way to get it out, thus ruining your pretty project!