How to Make a Christmas Candle Shade

Most people will tell you that they are too busy to even think about making holiday gifts. But what if they were simple and inexpensive? You know that the frugal part of you is just screaming out, "Yes!" Here is an idea to get you through that 'yet-another-Christmas-party' blues!

Everyone loves candles especially during this time of year. This candle shade will dress up any cylinder candle without having permanently altering the candle holder itself. It is also perfect for those of you who are skilled at scrapbooking. All of these items can be found at any craft or discount shop.

You will need:

Three 8-3/4 inch tall cylinder glass vases

Three 12X12-inch pieces of vellum

Ruler

Pencil

Cutting mat

Craft knife

Painter's tape

White paint pen (optional)

Assorted sequins and beads

Thick craft glue

Toothpick

Double-sided tape

¾-inch chenille rickrack

Scissors

Directions:

This is made up of two pieces of paper layered together over a clear glass vase. The outer paper is cut out to reveal a decorative opening through which the candle light shines. Use a simple pattern such as a Christmas tree, outline of an angel, a simple ornament or a Christmas gift. It's best to use contrasting colors, for example one piece being white and the other a light green. The candle light seems to radiate better when doing this. Also use a tea light in your cylinder vase so a tall flame doesn't cause a safety hazard with the candle shade.

Measure and mark the vellum pieces to 8-3/4inches and cut. Center and tape (with the painter's tape) each pattern on one side of the vellum so that the patterns can show through. Your craft knife in hand, cut out the shape following the pattern. Remove the pattern and the painter's tape.

Center and tape the pattern on one side of a piece of white vellum so the pattern is showing through. Leave a 1-1/4 I inch margin from the bottom to allow room for the top of your design. Cut out the shape following the pattern. Remove the pattern and painter's tape again.

Now lay the vellum pieces flat. Layer the white vellum over the corresponding vellum. You can now embellish your pattern now with sequins and beads but only on the patterned object (such as a tree or ornament). Use a toothpick to glue these items. Be careful not to put on too much glue or the vellum will wrinkle. You may use the white paint pen to draw small snowflakes on the white vellum, if you like. This is strictly optional but it has a nice effect when the candle light shines though the paper. Let this all completely dry.

Apply the double-sided tape along one short end and on the entire length underneath the paper of the vellum. In this way, when you wrap the vellum around the candle vase, the vellum sticks not only to the side but the bottom of the vase. Repeat this for the top layer of the vellum as well.

Cut two pieces of rickrack and make sure that they are about 11-3/4 inches each in length. Glue the rickrack around the top and bottom of the vase and let them dry completely.

This quick craft doesn't only make a wonderful Christmas gift but they can also be interchangeable if you choose to make several to fit different occasions. Just let the creativity flow!