Tuesday, November 10, 2009

~HOW TO TURN SIMPLE CANDLES INTO BEAUTIFUL GIFTS - Candle Tutorial PART 2~

BEGIN WITH INEXPENSIVE CANDLES

OK Peeps! Yesterday I shared with you how out of necessity I transformed simple, but fragrant Candles into lovely, but inexpensive gifts. If you are looking for ways this year to stretch your dollar, then read on... I don't know a lady who doesn't LOVE LOVE LOVE Candles! Do you? Follow these simple guidelines and you, too, can produce lovely gifts for a fraction of their retail cost!

Are you ready?

Good!

Begin with Candles purchased at discount places like Ross, T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, Tuesday Morning, etc. And if you are REALLY on a budget and needing to spend as little as possible, then check out the Dollar Tree in your area.

BAMBOO TRIMMED CANDLE FOR $4.99

I found the lot of amazing Candles above at several of these stores. The ones I purchased are all Vanilla based Candles and I found them in many styles! Don't forget to check out the sale racks in these stores because a couple of those I snagged (like the pink one below) I picked up for only $2.00!
THREE INCH-ER FOR ONLY $2.49!

After you've purchased the Candles you are wanting to transform you will need to assemble your embellishments and decorative finds.

You will need:

1. Bridal Tulle (not the kind on rolls - available at most fabric stores). I use off-white!

2. Flowers, vines, berries, greenery, etc. Anything you wish for accents.

3. Small charms, old jewelry, buttons, old keys, etc.

4. Ribbon in several widths and lengths.

5. Hot glue

6. Printer (optional)

7. Vintage Graphics (optional)

ESTATE SALE FIND - .25 Per Roll
(I know! I nearly fainted!)

BRASS CHARMS, OLD RHINESTONES, ETC.

GARAGE SALE FIND
Rose Covered Baskets (also .25 each)


I found these odd little baskets at a Garage Sale this past summer. The roses attached to the outside were wonderful!

The baskets themselves...NOT SO MUCH!

Finding fabulously fabulous treasures like the roses make transforming my Candles both inexpensive and extra FUN!

VINTAGE KEYS
2Die4 Estate Sale Find

I can't pass up vintage keys! I love tying them onto Candles, Pillows, refurbished and vintage Train (Gathering Cases) Cases, etc.

CANDLE COVERED WITH TULLE
I love this Candle! It is very similar to the ones I wrote about yesterday only they had cinnamon sticks around the outside.

Lay out the Tulle on a flat surface and place your Candle in a position where you can pull up enough of the Tulle to cover the Candle and form sort of a "pony tail" or "spout" on top. Tie up with ribbon as pictured above leaving the tails long (this will be tied up into a bow later on!). Trim the Tulle leaving about 3" tall on the top (don't trim too close~you can always do that later!)

BEGIN EMBELLISHING YOUR CANDLE

Beginning with your largest flower, using the tulle "spout" as the center, begin to hot glue (use it sparingly!) your embellishments around the spout. Continue in this manner trying to group your flowers, etc. in groups of three. Once you've made your way around the Candle's "spout" you are ready to add your bows, loops of lace, etc. When adding ribbons leave their tales long enough so you can tie into the mix your charms, keys, etc.
THIS ONE HAS A SWEET METAL SNOWFLAKE

Once you have completed decorating the top of the Candle you'll want to go back and add a hang tag!

I ALMOST ALWAYS ADD HEARTS

When decorating your Candle keep in mind just who it is you are giving it too! I love the pink one above... But, my sweet Daughter would flip out over the French Inspired one below!

FRENCHY CANDLE FOR MY GIRL

LABELS PRINTED
USING PAINT SHOP PRO8


If you are handy with your Home Printer and understand programs like Publisher, Paint Shop Pro (I use 8), etc., then try your hand at using on-line images for labels and custom tags. I did all of the Candles you see below just yesterday. I love how they came out and trust me when I tell you they each cost me only a few dollars in the end!

Wouldn't it be sweet to make a Candle Label with an aging picture of someone in your family?

If you opt to print a label for your Candle, here are some tips for you!

1. Measure your Candle and fashion label according to it's size.

2. Use Tacky Glue to overlap the label in the back to keep in place. No need to permanently adhere the label to the front. If you wrap it tightly it will stay put!

3. If your Candle is the larger style try printing two labels instead one just one. You can always "lace up" the sides by punching holes and threading with ribbon! This is a charming look and you can skip the Fufu on the top!

VINTAGE GRAPHIC W/ MATCHING TAG

Here is another one using a vintage graphic! I just expanded the color around the original image until it was large enough to go around the entire candle. If you opt to do this, don't forget to add the scent of your Candle either on the label or the tag! Adding your name or business to the back side is a good idea, too!

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE
But, I LOVE PINK!

One important thing I choose to do is leave the original paper label found on the bottom in place. This has all the information a consumer will need in case they ever have an issue with their Candle. I only remove the any decorative label or original hang tag.

In addition, if a Candle comes covered with shrink wrap, I often leave this in place as well.

FINISHED BAMBOO CANDLE
Perfect for Gift-Giving

FINAL PRODUCT

When you Candle is completed you will be amazed at the outcome! It's fairly easy to turn a $5.00 gift into one that easily looks to be $30 or more!

BE CREATIVE! If you are already a Crafter then you are sure to have "STUFF" laying around that will be perfect for your own Candle transformation!

If I can help you in any way, please don't hestitate to email me!

Blessings to you as you make lasting gifts of love (while saving a dime or two along the way!)...Rebecca

29 comments:

Lisa said...

What a great idea, you have such a flare! Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer Chronicles (jenx67.com) said...

hey - this actually looks like something i coudl pull off. you're brilliant, sis.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hello Sweet Rebecca!
I so loved this beautiful tutorial and I will be purchasing tulle and also adding embellishments to my candles for the holidays. I have several co-worker that I like to purchase for and this gives me an opportunity to give a little something that looks like alot. Thank you so much for sharing with me today.

I pray you are well. I think of you often. Country hugs sweetie, Sherry

Sandra said...

Rebecca! You are a genius, my friend! You are sooo creative! I'd love to make candles like this for the girls in our family! Nieces, MIL, Aunts, Friends! What a great idea! Thank you for sharing with us! Have a wonderful day.
Sandra

Just A Girl said...

Oh Rebecca! These are just the sweetest little candles ever!!!! I think I know what everyone in my families getting this year for Christmas!!

Thank you sweet friend for such delightful inspiration!!!

xoxo Cori

GwendolynKay said...

OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH, AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!! BEAUTIFUL CANDLES!! Thanks for the great tutorial... my simple mind never would have thought of it:) Blessings!
Gwen

Anonymous said...

Hi Rebecca!
These are just gorgeous!! I love all of them...thanks so much for the wonderful tutorial!

Sweet hugs,
Lynn♥

Barbara Jean said...

Rebecca,
These are gorgeously wonderful, lovely, but too beautiful to unwrap and use! =0)
Guess a creative gift receiver would take off all the dressing and use if for another project. =0))

blessings and thanks for all your great ideas and beautiful blog.
I so enjoy my visits here.

Barbara Jean

Anonymous said...

Mmmm- Mmmmm- Mmmmm! Thanks for this tutorial, Rebecca! Just scrumptious! ♥

Debra@CommonGround said...

These are gorgeous, Rebecca, almost too pretty to open and use. I'd just have to set and stare at it, and of course smell it!
hugs,
Debra

Mary said...

Rebecca, I'm sooooo glad you did this tutorial on creating beautiful candles! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE candles! I have a whole shelf in the cabinet in my laundry room filled with candles...I buy them on sale, or a good buy, like you got at Ross, or T.J. Maxx...they have great candles for so little money! I don't have a creative bone in my body, so I need to see what other people are doing, then I just copy! Decorated candles have always been something I've loved, and now to think that I can actually do them myself! And for Christmas presents! I always prefer home made gifts to store bought, so this will be perfect for me. There are always such sweet finds at the thrift stores, like your keys and baskets...I look at them, and wonder what in the world I would do with them...now I have a purpose...thanks so much! I think this would be a great project for my little grandgirl to do with me....we can make one for my DIL, and one for my sister...they will love them!

I always love visiting your blog...its feminine, sweet, interesting, entertaining, informative, and just precious...like you!

God bless,
Mary

Anonymous said...

Hi Most Beautiful One! Oh, this was a great tutorial. These candles look so beautiful! You just know how to make pretty. I think I've said that before.
Now, Rebecca, since we're twins, I wanna look like you! ;)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Dolores said...

Oh my, this is such an informative tutorial. Now I need to shop for candles .....etc.

All of the candles are so beautiful; almost too pretty to open!
Rebecca, thank you for sharing.....
Blessings to you!
Dolores

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Very pretty and I appreciate you sharing this wonderful idea!
Now to find the time to do it.
Warmly,
Deb :)

blushing rose said...

Rebecca ~ You know there is even HOPE for me to be able to do this all by myself, yes there is! They are gorgeous, but wouldn't have expected less from your talent self. TY for sharing.

I am glad I got up to check & see if you had posted.
Hugs, Marydon

Sandy~Romantique Inspirations~ said...

Hello Rebecca, Your right just about everybody likes candles who wouldn't want a candle looking like those. You did a wonderful job embellishing the tops and thanks for the info on the tags.

Great Gifts that's for sure-

Hugs-

Deanna said...

You have sure added some charm to these candles.
Great post!
God Bless,
d

Tara said...

What fabulous-ness! It was worth waiting for. You seemed to have found some true treasures at estate sales. Thank you for sharing one of your little tricks of the trade. Have a great day!

Carol Mae said...

Love your Candle gift idea, they will make wonderful little gifts for Christmas and year round. Love your blog, you are so inspirational with all your talents and ideas. Thanks for sharing,Carol

Linda K. said...

What a wonderful idea and such transformations! Thank you so much for the ideas. I surely have lots of things in my ever growing stash to make these adorable candles into designer gifts.
Blessings,
Linda

Ginger said...

Rebecca, Just got home from OKC and looked at your blog and WOW how amazing your candles look after you decorate them. My daughter would love one of those. She has a china cabinet full of candles and is always on the look for more. I will try this!! You are a master at your art.

Hugs
Ginger

Anonymous said...

Wow, wow, wow is all I can say! The transformation is AMAZING!

Abby:)

June said...

Hi Rebecca sweet, can we do a brain swap until after Christmas??? I love how you have made the ordinary...divne! Any one of my friends would love to get a gift this lovely. I cannot wait to try my hand at this. You are the best!
Love you,
June

Cottage Rose said...

Hi Rebecca; What gorgeous Candle's you made.. You have inspired me to give it a try... Love them all thanks for showing us how...

Have a great week.

hugs;
Alaura

BECKY said...

Beautiful, Rebecca! Just beautiful!! I love doing stuff like this and am definitely on a budget this year!! Thank you for the tutorial!! You sure have a special touch with things!!

Love and hugs,
Becky

Unknown said...

So, so pretty! You've given me some great ideas! Thank you!

Nancy

karen said...

The candles are wonderful. Thanks for the ideas. You have so much talent. And so nice of you to share.

Tanza said...

Ooohhh sweet ~r~,
These are ALL beautiful !! But, did I expect anything less from oohhh talented YOU !! pssst ... guess which one is my favorite ?! mmmm ... It starts with P !!! yep ..that PINK, sweet smelly one right there !! LoVe them all !! Why... oh... Why do I fall in LoVe with all your pretties ?! You NeVer cease to amaze lil' ole' meee ~
Big huggers
~tea~xo

Mary H said...

~~Rebecca~~Wow, these are fabulous...thank you so much for sharing with us. Really great ideas!!
Visit me soon...love & hugs,
Mary H.

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