Dip Dyed Candles

These candles seem to glow before they've even been lit. The dime-a-dozen pillars were dipped in beeswax tinted with crayon shavings -- raid the kids' art supplies and your color options will be virtually endless. Group candles of different sizes, with wax bands of varying heights, for a striking scene on a sideboard or as a centerpiece.


How to Dip-Dye with Tinted Wax
Melt the wax in a double boiler or in a slow cooker with a nonstick insert. Let leftover wax solidify, and it will pop out easily. (Wash the pot or insert well afterward to use it again for food.)

Tools and Materials

White pillar candles, assorted sizes, $3.50 to $10 each, jamaligarden.com
Bleached beeswax beads (for melting), $13 for 1 pound, sculpt.com
Double boiler or slow cooker
Vegetable peeler or knife
Crayons, in various colors
Wooden spoon
Taper candle
Ceramic plate or baking sheet
How-To
1. Place wax beads in a double boiler or a slow cooker, filling about a quarter of the way. Melt wax, adding more chips for a higher wax line.

2. Use vegetable peeler or knife to shave bits of crayon into wax (totaling about a quarter of a crayon). Stir to blend. Let any bubbles settle, and dip a taper candle into wax to test the color (once beeswax dries, it can be broken off, so you can use the taper for the next batch). Add more shavings for darker color. Remove wax from heat.

3. With a slow, even motion, dip base of 1 pillar candle to the desired height. Hold candle in melted wax for 5 to 10 seconds; remove, and set candle, tinted end down, on plate or baking sheet to dry (once wax hardens, the candle should be easy to remove). If making multiple candles, return wax to heat as needed to maintain proper consistency.

Read more at Marthastewart.com

xoxo Hannah

DIY Christmas Tree Tumblers

Oh the many possibilities this DIY drinking glass project creates! Gifts, candle holders, special party glasses... the list goes on and on! With just some glasses, a paint pen, and a bit of patience, these are an adorable way to add some extra flair to your holiday party this year!
You could paint drinking glasses as demonstrated. You could also use the same treatment on candle holders or on old Mason jars. You could simply trace an image by putting it on the inside of the glass and painting the outside. Or if you're feeling artsy, go ahead and free hand it! Silhouette glasses for each family member maybe? Or how about monogram glasses? You could also recreate your child's favorite animated character to make their new favorite drinking glass!
You'll simply paint the design onto the glassware with a paint pen (available at art and craft supply stores). After letting the paint dry the recommended amount of time (in most cases, 24 hours), bake the glasses in a 325 degree oven for 40 minutes. Make sure to NOT preheat the oven as sudden changes in temperature may break the glasses. Rather, put the glasses in the oven, set the temperature, let them bake for the proper amount of time, then turn off the oven and let the glasses gradually cool inside it. Then just fill with your favorite beverage or a candle and enjoy!

xoxo Hannah