Featured Article - December 2009

Video: Holiday How To—Candle Magic

Candle Magic

At holiday time, the symbolism of light penetrating darkness unifies cultures. This December, the staff of New Mexico Magazine gathers round as Taos-based craftafarian Judy Morita demonstrates the decorating technique for her signature shimmering votive candles. Follow along with us. Then, deck your own halls, or give the gift of illumination. Project by Judy Morita. Photography by Douglas Merriam.

What You'll Need + Fun Extras

Basics:
• 7-day votive candle
• Scissors
• Christmas card or holiday image
• Avery White Full-Sheet Shipping Labels™
• Star Lite Top Coat™ or Chunky Glitter Glue™
• Glitter Glue™ tube paints
• Self-adhesive sequins, rhinestones
• Mod Podge™
• Clear acrylic, high-gloss spray sealer for glass
• Beaded craft ribbon
• Tacky Glue™

Extras:
• Religious 7-day votive candle
• Scallop-edged craft scissors
• Gallery Glass™
• Mylar confetti

Step 1:

Select the image—Choose the image for your candle. Christmas cards are ideal. Then, color photocopy it onto an Avery White Full-Sheet Shipping Label. (Or scan it and print it from your computer accordingly.) Next, cut out the image to form a flexible, durable sticker.

Tip: Scallop-edged craft scissors, shown here, add a decorative touch.

Option: Start with a votive bearing a saintly image, and skip ahead to Step 3.

Step 2:

Peel and stick—Peel away the sticker’s backing, and attach it to the votive.

Step 3:

Apply Glitter Coat—For durability and added shimmer, liberally coat the image and surrounding glass with a glitter gel like Star Lite Top Coat or Chunky Glitter Glue. Let dry.

Step 4:

Embellish the image—Using Glitter Glue tube paints, highlight areas on your image. Have fun! There aren’t any rules. The more Glitter Glue accents you draw, the more the votive will sparkle when lit. Let dry.

Step 5:

Add gems, then seal—Break out the rhinestones! Craft stores sell self-sticking rhinestones in every size, color, and shape. Add these to your votive for a bejeweled effect. Not shown: When the embellishments are dry to the touch, use a paintbrush to coat the entire surface with Mod Podge. This will help seal the embellishments so they don’t come off during shipping or when the lit candle warms the glass. When this coat is dry, take the candle outside and coat it with any clear acrylic, high-gloss spray sealer that can be used on glass. These steps make your votive beautiful and durable. Let dry.

Step 6:

Cut beaded ribbon—Cut a length of beaded ribbon the circumference of your candle, plus an extra half inch for overlap.

Step 7:

Glue ribbon—Lay flat, and apply Tacky Glue. Hold the ribbon taut, and give the glue a few seconds to get tackier.

Step 8:

Attach ribbon: Press the ribbon under the lip of the votive, gently wiping away excess glue.

More Ideas:
• Gallery Glass is a product similar to bath-tub caulk that comes in many shimmery colors. Try using it to decorate any exposed glass surfaces.
• Family photos of holidays past make for great images and fun, personalized gifts.
• Try embellishing smaller votives for a different effect.
• For a fun finishing touch, sprinkle Mylar confetti in the votive. It adds sparkle and won’t burn when the candle is lit.

Order New Mexico holiday cards for this project in
our gift shop.