(Post update: As you read this tutorial, think beyond weddings and backyards, as Bill, from Affordable Accoutrements (http://affordableaccoutrements.blogspot.com/) did. He envisioned these in a Christmas tree! What a great idea! So these votives could be made simply with ribbon instead of wire, and they could be filled with a variety of things, where the battery-operated candles can be nestled. Or how about candy? Or shredded paper? Or tinsel? Or Canadian Hemlock pinecones? Or dried rose hips? Or.... now we're ALL thinkin'! Thank you, Bill! Your ideas are always wonderful!)
Here's how to make them:
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| These are the supplies you'll need: Needle-nose pliers Scissors 22-gauge wire Votive cups Decorative wire or other trim I already had these two styles of votive cups. I thought the "flower pot" one would be easier to work with, but I really wanted to use the one that looks like a cloche because it's more formal. I saw both styles at Hobby Lobby recently. |
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| 22-gauge wire worked very well. I bought it at Jo-Ann, and found a huge array of colors, so you can choose which one will work best for your project. I used a silvery/pewtery color that I blended well with the twigs. |
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| I bought this beautiful wire (and many other varieties) at Pier 1 several years ago. As I made the votives I remembered them, and was thrilled when I found this one--hearts and pearls! |
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| You'll wrap the wire around the votive at least three times, pushing it down (toward the top of the votive) as far as possible. Wrap the loose ends around the rest of the wire and trim remaining wire. |
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| Measure the length you'll need for the drop you want, and add two inches, so you have enough to wrap around the circle you've already created around the votive. Do that on both sides, making sure they are equally spaced. |
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| The wire will be loose, so you'll need to be careful that the cup doesn't fall out, but once you hang them they will be fine. |
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| Work the deocrative wire or ribbon (ONLY IF YOU ARE USING BATTERY-OPERATED "CANDLES"!) around the hang wire, twisting it in a few spots to keep it in place. |
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| And there you have them! I recommend battery-operated "candles" because they are safer, even around the twigs. |
Have you used hanging votives before? Where have you used them? My next project is to make them using pretty jars to hang from our birch by our patio (next spring/summer, of course... :) )
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