Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Glittered Easter Themed Jar Candle Tutorial

Hello Ladies!

I know that Easter is still 7 weeks away, but I have been in the mood for some Easter themed crafting!  Maybe it's because it has been one of the longest, snowiest winters on record here in the Midwest, which leaves me longing for any hint of spring!  At any rate, here is a fun project that involves several of my favorite crafting mediums:  Glitter (of course!), Mod Podge, crinkly seam binding, and copies of vintage images!  As a matter of fact, I think it's safe to say that these are necessities in my craft room!
So, here is what you need to create your very own glittery jar candle:
A tall jar candle, Mod Podge (I use matte finish), glitter (my favorite is Martha Stewart coarse glitter in clear), a foam craft brush, crinkly seam binding, waxed paper, and an image of your choice.  I found this darling little Easter chick image over at the Graphics Fairy!
 I always like to cover my work surface with a piece of waxed paper.  Trust me, you will be glad that you did!  Begin by lightly brushing a thin, even coat of Mod Podge on the reverse side of your image.  Press the image onto the jar candle, smoothing out any wrinkles with your fingers.

 So far, so good!  Let this dry before proceeding.

 Then, lightly and evenly spread a coat of Mod Podge over your image.  Immediately sprinkle with glitter, shaking off any excess.
Ok, since I am a "glitter addict", I like adding even more of the sparkly stuff!  Let this dry, then you will be adding another coat, for even more bling!

Next, rather than dipping your brush directly into the jar of Mod Podge, pour a small amount into a dish or bowl. (I like saving the little plastic trays that produce comes in.) This step is really important, unless you want to get a bunch of glitter in your jar of Mod Podge!
Then just brush another coat of the Mod Podge over the first layer of glitter.  Don't worry about it looking cloudy, it will dry clear! Generously shake some more glitter over the Mod Podge, and let dry.  Any excess glitter that ends up on the waxed paper can just be poured back into your glitter container (because I hate to waste anything, especially when it comes to glitter!).

Let dry thoroughly, then the fun part begins: embellishing!
Next I added a generous couple of pieces of crinkly seam binding, to make bow.  You can stop there, or add a bit more embellishing, it's all up to you!
I love the pretty springy green color of this seam binding, and I think it's the perfect contrast to the pink background!  Posing next to the candle is a cute little Easter bunny, all decked out in glitter and pink seam binding!
Of course I just had to get some more glitter into this project! (surprise, surprise!)
I added a little bouquet of cream silk flowers, that I added yet more glitter to!

Aren't those little chicks just darling?
And here is one last look!  When the candle is lit, the entire jar just glows and glistens!  It's just magical!
So, if you decide to make your very own glittered jar candle, I would love to hear from you, and see your creation as well!
One last note:
I received this gorgeous tag in the mail today from my sweet friend Cindy, over at Her Whimsical Musings!
Isn't it beautiful!  I wish that you could see it in person, all of the embellishments and details that Cindy adds to all of her work is just amazing!  Cindy is one of the sweetest, thoughtful, and creative kindred spirits that I have ever met!
Look at the mannequin with the butterfly wings, and the mulberry paper rose!  ***sigh***
And, as if that were not enough, Cindy added a beautiful medallion of the Virgin Mary. which signifies devine protection (and who of use couldn't use more of that in our lives?!), as well as another gorgeous pink paper rose!
You can check out more of Cindy's work in her Etsy shop!  It is full of all of her amazing creations, and I just know that you will find something that you have to have there!!
In addition to Cindy's blog, she also has an on line magazine featuring many talented and creative bloggers! You can check it out here. Cindy sure is one busy lady!
Thank you so much, Cindy! You have made my day!!!

Hope you all have a terrific weekend! 

Linking up with the following parties:
Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday
The Graphics Fairy Brag Monday

17 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

I have glitter and modge podge projects in mind for this weekend. Love your candle tutorial! I'm so ready for spring/Easter crafts.

Happy Weekend!

mizdarlin said...

Okay-you have just way too much stuff to be packing and dealing with..I need that paper rose! :)
Very nice candle, and there's no such thing as too much glitter- especially when you are looking for some shine..

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Donna,
Oh what a darling project--I love those precious baby chicks and the crinkly seam binding!!! and you know I couldn't wait to get that "Friend" tag on its way to you with the medal...for lots of protection and miracles!!!
XO
Cindy

NanaDiana said...

Donna- Oh I LOVE IT! You did a great job..especially with the GLITTER!!! And I love the chick image. You have a wonderful eye for putting things together, Donna.

And...The tag from Cindy is just gorgeous...she is so talented too. I can see why you two get along...it's that "birds of a feather thing"~

I am off to put The Trio in bath and bed! Have a great night- xxoo Diana

LuLu Kellogg said...

Donna, you are so generous to share this tutorial with all of us! Thank you! What a darling project!

LuLu~*xoxo

Donna said...

You have an imagination that never sleeps and a drive to match! I so admire ambition and you hve it all!!

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

Donna ... I absolutely adore your glittered candle and thank you so much for the tutorial! I am not a crafty gal at all but you've made it look so easy! They would be lovely to give to family & friends as a wee Easter treat!

One Cheap B*tch said...

How very pretty! I have a prayer candle left over from Xmas and I think it could use some spring/Easter sprucing up! Thanks for the inspiration!

Jeanine

Leo said...

You did a great job!! You know I love your candles. Is this going in your Etsy Shop? I will have to check it out and see. :)

Christine said...

Every time I visit you, I get the fantastic urge to break out the glitter...watch out doggie! Just kidding...;)

Cindy Adkins said...

I forgot to tell you that your bunny is adorable too!!!!
XO

Unknown said...

oooh, Donna this is spectacular!!! Nicely done.
xo
lynn

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Your glittery candle holder is absolutely gorgeous!! I remember getting candles like this as a child, but you never see them in the stores anymore. How fun that we can make our own thanks to your wonderful tutorial!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I love doing those candles, Donna, although I've avoided glittering them. Maybe I'll give it a try and not worry so much about any mess. : ) What a beautiful tag! I've been lucky enough to be the recipient of a few of Cindy's pieces and every time I look at them I think of her.

Amanda said...

I adore your glittery Easter candle! Thank you so much for the tutorial! I have a modge podge phobia but I think I am ready to try it again after reading your clear step-by-step instructions! Don't you just love the Graphics Fairy? Best vintage images, ever! Those chicks are adorable!
Best Wishes and Blessings,
Amanda - Girl in Pink
p.s. I am going to follow you!

Audrey Pettit said...

What a fun candle project! LOVE that vintage Easter image you used. And I'm with you, the more glitter, the better!
Visiting from the Graphics Fairy. TFS!

Anonymous said...

Hi, first time here just wanted to say how cute your blog is. I found you on Between Naps on a Porch.. adding you to a feeder.


Erika