I love to give handmade gifts…when I have the time, that is. So, I especially love a SIMPLE handmade gift because often times I have more love than time available to create a handmade gift. You can probably relate!
Well, here is an idea for crafters. It’s so simple, even non-crafters can do this. It’s a great kids craft, too. You and your child could make a stenciled candle for a grandparent or a teacher.
All you need is:
- a pre-made candle
- a stencil (I used Simply ® Stencils – Laser – Asian Symbols #28054)
- stencil brush or cosmetic wedges…you know those triangle-type foam things
- paint (I used Delta Ceramcoat acrylic paint)
- Candle and Soap Painting Medium (I used Delta Ceramcoat Candle and Soap Painting Medium.
Instructions:
- Prep the surface of the candle by wiping the candle surface with rubbing alcohol and cotton ball. Let it dry.
- Position your stencil and tape it to your candle.
- Mix equal parts of acrylic paint and Candle and Soap Painting Medium.
- Apply the paint with the stencil brush or cosmetic wedge in a pouncing fashion. Make sure and off-load the extra paint on your paint applicator (onto a paper plate or paper towel or something) before pouncing. If you have too much paint on your brush, it might seep underneath the stencil. If you mess up, just wipe off the paint (with water or paint remover) and start again. It’s mistake-proof crafting!
- To protect the stenciled area either: Apply one coat Candle & Soap Painting Medium and let dry…OR…if you are gift wrapping the candle, you can wrap a layer of tissue paper or cellophane or something similar around the candle to protect the stenciled design from being scratched. Paint only adheres so well to a slick surface like wax, so it isn’t prepared to take a beating!
There are so many wonderful stencils out there, I’m sure it would be easy to find one that fits your needs. Plus, when you’re done stenciling your candle, there are lots of other craft projects you can do with your stencil. You could even make a gift set of a stenciled frame and a stenciled candle. Lots of possibilities!
All three images on my candle came from the same stencil. I mixed the sage green color myself from some white and green paint I had already, so I didn’t even need to buy sage green paint. It’s all so easy and looks great. Time to get crafting!
Happy Crafting,
Artfully AJ
