For the love of hemp

     I never buy candles.  All the candles I own were either gifts, or have been around my house since the dawn of time.  My brother and Sister-in-Law gave me a set of gorgeous mercury glass candle sticks for Christmas.  I love the look of Mercury glass.  (I actually have a little diy project for my bedroom redo involving mercury glass lamps, stay tuned...) Due to a very unfortunate mis-hap, my set of three is down to two.  But, I love them and it got me thinking about candles.  I took a look at my inventory and it wasn't looking so good, am I right?

Candle on the left has a sister who was
too ashamed to get in the picture.

Here is what I came up with...

Hemp!
I always have a ball of hemp sting in the house.  I use it all the time and  it only cost a couple dollars.  You can pick it up at Wallyworld or any craft store.

Supplies:
Candle : You can use any size and it can be new or used.
Clear Tape or glue dots :  I've used both.  If you don't want to see the tape, use glue dots.
Jute/Hemp String

Now focus, this project is extremely complicated...


Step 1:

Secure string with tape or glue dots. 
I used tape since you won't be able to see the back once placed.



Step 2:

Wrap, wrap, wrap, wrap, wrap...

Step 3:



Cut, secure with tape/glue dots and enjoy!  They are very Ballard Designs like don't you think?

Here they are placed on the mantle in our Family Room.



So, now my wheels are turning.  What else could you use to make those old candles beautiful again?

Wrapping Paper, buttons, Coffee Beans (that would smell good!), Thumb Tacks, Ribbon/Electrical Tape (a striped pattern would be really cool!), Glass Beads, Sheet Moss (that might be pushing it.),  or scrapbook paper!  The possibilities are endless! 

*Caution: Remember your fire safety.  Leave some space between your decoration and the top of the candle if you plan to light it!*

I had some extra scrapbook paper lying around.  Here are the candles all dressed for Spring!

Now go and decorate those candles and send me a pic! 

I want to see!

On another note: 

Look what I found at the GW today. 

I have big plans for these and it involves my new power tool that Santa brought...

Can't wait to show you!

Katie