Do you need some easy-to-do ideas on decorating candles? In this article I will discuss one of the many ways you can create beautiful decorative candles for your home or to be given as gifts.

Here is a simple project that you can get your hands on without needing any advanced skills in candle making.

At the end I’ll also share some quick tips that could come in handy when making decorative candles.

Fabric-wrapped decorative candles

For this project, you will need a double boiler, a melting can for the wax, wax, a primed or pre-waxed wick with a metal tab, dye, and some fragrance oil if you fancy to make the candles scented. You’ll also need a ribbon fabric and a glue gun.

You can use paraffin wax or soy wax for this project. If you like the deep color of beeswax, you can also purchase a few blocks of beeswax.

Now that you have everything ready to start…

1. Cut the wax of your choice into cubes and place them inside the melting can.
2. Fill the pot or double boiler with some water and allow the wax to melt.
3. When the wax is all melted, add the dye and fragrance oil to the melted wax. Stir vigorously and allow the components to mix well with the wax. When a nice, deep color has been achieved, your wax is ready for pouring.
4. Pour the wax into a pouring cup if you plan to use small votive containers or small glass jars. If not, you can simply pour the wax directly into the candle container(s).
5. Before pouring the melted wax into the container, you have to place the tabbed, pre-waxed wick into the container. Make sure that the wick is dead center before pouring the wax, too.
6. Pour the wax carefully. Leave at least a quarter inch of the wick at the top of the candle. If you can leave half an inch of wick free, then do so.
7. When the candle container is cool enough to touch, prepare the fabric by making a ribbon. Use the glue gun to secure the ribbon.
8. Apply some hot glue to the center of the candle containers and place the ribbon there. Allow the glue to set and harden.
9. Excess glue should be wiped clean.

Quick tips when making decorative candles

* The container that you choose also has a bearing on the appearance of the candle. If you can find fancy candle containers with textures and unusual shapes, you may want to experiment with those.
* Use primed wicks for all your projects; this will reduce the smoke and soot associated with burning candles.

With those handy tips and complete step-by-step guide, I believe you’re all set to get on with your next decorative candles project?

To start your floral arrangements, you will first need something to put your flowers in. Get a vase or some other container that is decorative and also holds water. Before you start your floral arrangements, you may want to consider further decorating the vase or container by spraying it
with gold or bronze spray paint. Let it dry for 24 hours and then spray on a coat of clear enamel spray. This will give your arrangement a more decorative feel.

Next, you need a base for your floral arrangements. The base is used for the flowers to have something to anchor to. You can use a ball of willow branches, grapevine, or floral foam that you can buy at a local craft store. The floral foam is called Oasis. If you use Oasis, be sure to soak it in water and poke holes in it with a pen before you put flowers it so that it doesn’t break the stems.

When cutting flowers for floral arrangements, try to do so early in the day or morning. This is because the stems have more water in them at this point of the day and the flowers are not drooping. Be sure to only use cold water in the flower arrangement because warm water tends to make the flowers open up too soon and not last as long.

If you want your flowers to last longer, you can places apple and lemon wedges in the water at the bottom of the floral arrangements. The apples have nutrients that will help feed the flowers, while the lemons prevent premature rotting and browning. It also adds a more decorative touch to your
flower arrangements.

When designing your flower arrangements, try to pick colors that go with the environment the arrangement will be placed in. First use taller flowers to create the vertical part of the arrangement. Then use full blooming flowers with bright and bold colors for the center and sides of the floral arrangements. Then fill in the small gaps with tiny flowers.

Those were some great tips on making beautiful floral arrangements. If you use all of these tips in conjunction with each other, you are sure to have a long lasting floral arrangement. With a little practice, you can be well on your way to having beautiful floral arrangements that rival those found in floral shops!