Heartmade Project ~ Christmas Votives
Treat yourself, or a loved one, to some of these little tealight votives (made from recycled materials) for a lovely, festive display.
Quick and easy, but effective and endlessly adaptable, you could make a set of co-ordinating votives in an afternoon. (These photos are from an article I wrote for Creative Crafting, about Mothers’ Day. Been so busy today, I haven’t had chance to finish some especially for Christmas. The basic idea is the same for Christmas, though!)
The basic idea is very simple:
- Make holes in an opaque base material to create a cover
- Place this over a translucent lining material
- Wrap around and attach to a small glass or jar
You can use any size jar, but baby food jars are perfect for little tealights. Cut a piece of paper so that it will wrap round your jar (with an overlap of about 1cm) and be slightly taller than your jar.
I have used the card from the inside of some Christmas wrapping paper here, but plain brown wrapping paper works well and you can experiment with all kinds of paper, card, fabric or foil for example.
Use a punch to cut shapes from your base material.
Cut a slightly smaller piece of lining material (tissue paper or organza, for example) and glue to the back of your base material.
You can leave your votive cover just like this or decorate it in any way you like. Try writing something in metallic pens or paints. It’s a good idea to practise on a scrap of your base material first. To ensure there won’t be any smudging or bleeding and to get your spacing right.
Glue some foil sprinkles, confetti , glitter or small gems to your base material. You might also like to glue some on the inner side too.
Glue the overlap and form into a tube around your jar.
You can fill the gap around the top with tissue paper, making sure it is securely tucked below the rim.
You could also fill the gap with tiny glass beads or sprinkles.
Slip a tealight into your votive and it’s ready to wrap and give to someone special.
If you don’t have a paper punch, you can cut simple shapes with scissors. Or for some intricate images or fine detailing, try using a very sharp craft blade.
Swap your (opaque) base and (translucent) lining by gluing shapes to your jar and covering in tissue paper or thin fabric.
I used the stars from punching earlier, but you could use stickers or sequins.
Try gluing buttons or a fabric symbol onto a tissue background. Use natural fabrics and materials, including found items from a favourite nature walk, for example.
Even simple string, wound round and glued to the jar, creates a lovely effect.
You don’t have to use glue to attach your votive cover; try ribbon, wire or string. The simplest hessian wrap is very effective when lit from inside
Wrap your votives individually, in pretty paper and ribbon, or put them in a gift bag or box. Or you could arrange a few in a wicker basket, with scented tealights and some pampering bath treats.
Have fun experimenting with various materials you have lying around, with various ways of cutting out or layering and attaching to your jars. Explore the infinite combinations of colour and texture. You can use anything that isn’t highly flammable; just remember to remind people never to leave candles unattended.
Heartmade Recipe ~ Simple Pasta
Pasta is great comfort food and this recipe is very quick and easy; perfect for a quick supper after a hectic day.
Put a pan of salted water on the hob to boil.
Meanwhile, chop a few cloves of garlic and soften gently in a little olive oil.
Add two tins of tomatoes to the pan and mix with the garlic and oil.
Allow to simmer, while you cook the pasta (following packet guidelines.)
Add some chopped fresh basil to the sauce a few minutes before the pasta is ready.
Enjoy!
We like freshly grated parmesan with ours and I sometimes put some mixed Italian herbs, chopped bacon or red peppers in. Play around with the basic recipe, adding things you love. Or have to hand!
Heartmade Tip ~ Keep Things Simple
Simple is definitely the best way to go when it comes to Christmas:
Keep your colour scheme simple (just one or two colours) for a stunning effect.
Theme your decorations (perhaps having only angels on your Christmas tree, like my parents do; their tree is always gorgeous!)
Wrap all your gifts using the same materials; leaving it until Christmas Eve also means you only have to get out all your wrapping materials once.
Keep your Christmas menu simple too.
It’s easy to get carried away at this time of year, piling all kinds of things on our lists (to get and to do) but think about what you really can’t do without, what Christmas really means to you. All the rest is extra … and sometimes it detracts from the Christmas we really want.
Last year, we had lots of decorations, cupboards full to overflowing and plenty of pressies under the tree. The perfect Christmas. Then we all came down with flu and were all too poorly to eat (let alone cook) Christmas dinner, or to open presents.
This year, I hope we are all healthy and happy. That’s all. And that’s what I wish for you too! :O)
