A Winter Project~ Luminaria

Luminaria by Deborah Moen 2013

There are times when we would like to light the way, show we're thankful or give a meaningful gift. I have found this luminaria to brighten up many occasions and what it didn't cheer, it soothed. I give it with a battery operated flameless votive candle and some tea lites. The flameless candle is amazing and really is good for leaving a candle a glow overnight for special occasions. I also purchase a glass heart votive holder also. It all makes a very nice and unique gift set.


What you will need:

• wax paper
• gathered and pressed leaves, flowers, grasses
• glue stick
• scissors
• iron set on low heat
• pencil
• ruler
• buy Japanese Washi tape or you can cut about 10 strips of wax paper 12" x 1/2" you will need 6 but it is good to have extra.
• Votive candle holder and candle, tea lite or flameless votive.

 Directions

1. cut 4 pieces of wax paper 9" x 4 1/2 "
2. fold the 4 wax paper pieces in half  so it makes a 4 1/2" sq.
3. open up the folded paper and on the bottom half ( inside), lay pressed leaves in the design you desire.
4. carefully close the top half over the foliage and press with iron on low heat. ( this adheres very quickly so do not hold the iron on the wax paper for too long) 2-3 seconds is enough. Experiment as iron temperatures run differently.
5. Do this with all 4 pieces of wax paper

Apply the Washi tape or self cut wax paper strips to close the bottom of each wax paper square. To do this: fold one strip ( 12" x 1/2") long ways in half . You will have 1/4" on each side of fold.

1.  cut 4- 5" pieces of the folded strip (Washi tape is already cut and ready to stick)
2. On a sheet of paper for protection, run the glue stick down the inside of fold of wax paper strip ( Washi tape is self adhesive)  covering the whole surface of the strip and attach to the bottom to finish the edge on all 4 wax squares. Cut off any overhang.

With remaining flat strips

1. Run glue stick over the back of a 1/2" wax strip and place it  evenly over the  joint of  2 squares together. Fold over excess and cover the back seam cutting off any excess. The last one can be draped over a sleeve board or held off the table in hands to join.
2. Crease each corner to the outside and you are done.

Storage or gift giving.

The Luminaria is fragile like a Chinese paper lantern and must have support inside the box when it is stored or given as a gift.. Use card stock to hold it's shape inside. Cut 1 sheet of card stock down the center long ways and fold each at 4 1/2 " . You will have 2 folds with 3 sections on being only 2 ". Lay the first folded half of card stock inside then lay the second half in overlapping the small section. you can crumple some tissue inside.

I found that a long 12 pack carton of Mountain Dew or any soft drink is a perfect size, about a 5" square box. I cut it 5" up, leaving one side with and extra 7" for a lid ( fold under 2 " of the lid to tuck carefully inside)

These luminarias are so beautiful at night and will give you many days of enjoyment.

I hope you enjoyed this project.
thank you for visiting Little Utah Farm's Journal
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Until then "Let There Be Light"
Deborah `MOON`