Party Perfect: Wax Luminaries in 2 Variations

13 May 2013

Isn’t it time for merry-making for you, too? Today, I wanted to share our Ice Lantern’s Summer Sister: Twins! Follow along below to see how you can make these, too! 2 Variations.

Style #1: Floating or simply plain.

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Style #2: Petals

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It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve shared something that’s just for you. Yes, you can make these with older children but, I made these by accident this winter the first time and used them for dinners all winter long and now, too. They’re party perfect: Parties. Weddings. Intimate dinners. Gifts.  Although these look intricate, they’re actually quite fast and easy to make. Happy Making!

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Style #2: Petal Luminaries: 

Supplies:

Candle wax — (I used about 2 cups of tea lights that had the middle wick and metal removed.)
Bowl for melting — I used a porcelain bowl
Latex Balloons
Wax or Parchment Paper
Melt wax. Inflate balloons to desired size. If you are making the one layer luminaries,
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How to get started:
1. Melt the wax. Place the tea lights in a medium sized porcelain bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and check. If the candles need to be melted further, repeat. It took me 4 minutes to melt approximately 2 cups of candles.
2. Prepare a work space where you will be able to set the luminaries to dry. I spread my work surface with baking paper which is creates the perfect non-stick surface.
3. Inflate your balloons, careful not to inflate these larger than the bowl.
4. Dip the balloon into the wax. Dip to approximately the 1/2 way point.
Variation #1: 
1. Simply dip the balloons after inflating them to the desired sizes.  You can make these uniform or at alternative sizes. Pay attention that the balloons have been as evenly dipped as possible with strong edges and no thin areas that could become holes. This is particularly important if you plan to fill these with water.
2. Once the balloon has been uniformly covered, let the wax cool slightly so that you can see that the surface has a thin outer layer that has set and then, place the balloon, wax side down, onto the covered surface. Let dry.
3. Once dry, pop the balloon and carefully, carefully, assist how it peels away from the balloon.  Completely peel the balloon away from the wax.
To use: either place one tea light in the middle of the luminary and lit, to use or fill the wax shell with water, place a floating candle and flower spring for pure magic!

Variation #2: 
1. (Follow Steps 1-2: How to get started) At step 3, you’ll need to gage the balloon size from small to gradually larger. In the example above, I’ve made 4 shells of various sizes. When making this “Flower Petal -Style” I like the edges to be a little thinner and slightly imperfect, like the petals of a flower.
2. Once dipped, place each dipped balloon on the prepared surface to dry.
3. Once the wax is dry, pop the balloons and carefully peel away the balloon.
4. Nest one inside the other, to create a layer petal luminary.
5. Place a tea light in the center of the Flower Petal Luminary. Light. Enjoy. Happy Party!
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