DIY Festive Decorations

Coconut Wax Candle

You will need:

• A Clean Pot.
• Fragrance oils.
• Coconut candle wax.
• Festive decorations such as sprigs of Christmas tree, orange, cinnamon sticks etc.
• Candle wicks & Wick holders.
• Clean jars (suitable heat proof jars)
• Double-sided tape or wick stickums.
• A butter knife.
• Sharp scissors.
• Long spout pouring jug
• Thermometer
• Isopropyl alcohol for the clean-up.

Stick the wicks to the bottom of the jar, make sure they are centred. A very small amount of double-sided tape works well. Ensure the tape is not larger than the wick as this may cause a fire risk. Press down with a butter knife to ensure good adhesion.

Step 1:

Melt the wax slowly at a low heat, stir to help it melt. Heat range of 65° – 70° degrees Celsius. Set up your making area, lay down clean newspaper to catch any spills. Ensure all jars are ready with centered wicks, placed on top of the paper.

When the wax has melted, test with a thermometer to make sure wax is between 48° – 52° degrees Celsius and add your fragrance. If the wax is too hot it will burn off the fragrance, leaving you with a subtle scent, rather than a candle with an amazing scent throw. Add fragrance oils, between 8-10% of total wax weight or essential oils, I recommend 5% for essential oils.

Mix well to ensure fragrance goes through all the wax.

Step 2:

Test with a thermometer to make sure wax is between 40° – 46° degrees Celsius and carefully pour the melted coconut wax into your jar. Pour the jar 80% full, let cool to semi-solid, centre the wick and complete final pour. This is when you can add your festive decorations with a pair of tweezers and gentle place them into the candle.

Step 3:

The wax will begin hardening right away, so do not move or adjust your candle until it has set solid. Leave to sit for at least three hours before moving. I find it best to trim the wick 5 to 6 hours later to avoid the wick disturbing the top of the candle. Trim the wick, using sharp scissors. Generally, you should trim the wick 1 – 1.5cm above the level of your wax. Make sure you allow 3 days for the candle fragrances to cure before burning. Otherwise, the full spectrum of fragrance notes will not be appreciated.

Method by New Zealand Candle Supplies

Christmas Wreath

You will need:

• 4-5stems greenery {eucalyptus}
• flowers or 1 stem of thistle
• 1basic wreath

Step 1:

Trim stems of greenery leaving 1-2″ of stem to insert into the wreath. For eucalyptus, 6-8″ overall.

Step 2:

Work your way around the wreath inserting stems in the same direction as existing stems, tucking them under the evergreen until they feel secure. Keep in mind you can readjust spacing any time. That’s the best part – you get easy do-overs!

Step 3:

Trim flower stems or thistle to 4″ tucking them in at varying widths to stagger, again, in the same direction as existing stems. Insert them until almost flush.

Method by Julie Blanner

Star Wall Hanging

You will need:

• Air-dry clay
  – Yarn or twine
  – Fishing line or clear sewing thread
  – Wax paper
  – Toothpick
  – Small branch
• Rolling pin
  – X-acto knife, or small paring knife
  – Scissors
  – Stars template, or small star cookie cutter (1-2 inches)

Step 1:

On a layer of wax paper, roll clay 1/8″ to 1/4″ thick. Keep in mind that the thinner the clay, the more delicate the stars will be, but the thicker the clay, the longer it will take to dry. Cut out the star templates, lay them on the clay, printed side up, then cut around the stars with a knife. Remove excess clay. Repeat until you’ve cut out at least 20 stars. Do a few more than you expect to need, just in case any break.

Step 2:

Carefully remove the clay stars from the wax paper, and poke a hole for hanging with a toothpick. Set the stars aside to dry on a piece of wax paper. Drying time will be at least 24 hours, but it will depend on the humidity and temperature in your house. The clay will lighten in colour as it dries.

Step 3:

After the stars have dried, tie lengths of thread or string to them. I used a starting thread length of 12″ to 15″, but your length may vary.

Step 4:

Tie a piece of yarn or twine to either end of the branch to hang it up, then tie the stars to it at varying heights. Adjust the thread lengths, and trim excess thread.

Step 5:

Hang up your new decoration, and enjoy the Christmas holidays!

Method by DIY in PDX