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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Challenge Day at StampNation

Hello!

Today is a fun challenge, my favorite kind, and it's happening over at StampNation!  (Go here if you're not a member but would like to check it out.)  I've been invited to be a guest designer for the month of March, and the challenges happen each Thursday.  Today's theme is "Embellish It" (yes, I told you it was my favorite kind), and you simply need to add three (or more) embellishments to your project.  Are you kidding?  My motto is "embellish the embellishment," so this one was right up my alley.  


I've embellished a pillar candle to the nth degree, starting with melting tissue thin pieces of, well...tissue paper (a decorated paper guest towel) into the wax.  It's a two-handed yet very easy process, and the tissue actually becomes part of the candle's surface.

Here's a look at the back.  The surface is actually smooth (rolling the candle while hot is part of the process), but the tissue paper itself sometimes takes on a textured look.  

The center wrap is comprised of vellum, torn and inked, a strip of net ribbon, a strip of cream lace and a strip of vintage velvet ribbon.


My favorite part is the "flower" that I made from bits of vintage lace, new lace, a vintage applique, string pearls, a rusty metal piece from Mexico, a button and some bronze glitter glue.  I love making these unique "flowers" out of scraps of lace that might otherwise be discarded.


Here's a close up of the metal piece.  I have no idea what it is, but my mother brought it from her annual artist's trip to Puero Vallarta and it was perfect for this project.



As if all those embellishments weren't enough (they weren't), I also rubbed on a bit of gold Rub 'N' Buff over the surface.  It was the perfect finishing touch.

The nice thing about this project is that a pillar candle burns down inside and doesn't drip, therefore there's minimal risk of burning the outer surface and thus the embellishments (though you might feel more comfortable using this as a decorative candle only).  Once it's burned deep enough, you can even put a tea light (real or battery-operated) inside. 

Being a scented candle (spicy cinnamon), the scent was heavenly while I was working on it.

Thank you for joining me, and I hope you'll head on over to see what the rest of the Design Team at StampNation has created for you!  Then join the fun and create something with three (or more!) embellishments too!

Happy crafting!!

Challenges:

Craft Hoarder's Anonymous #3 - Vintage or Retro (I hoard vintage lace and pretty paper napkins and guest towels!)

This candle is for sale in my Etsy shop!

14 comments:

Paperesse said...

Another beautiful candle, Shea!!! You've done such a great job here.

Unknown said...

this is awesome! what a unique piece.
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Craft Hoarders Anon :)

Gloria Stengel said...

This is such a wonderful piece. I love it. I have to tell you my story...years ago I made this sort of decorated candle as gifts for friends, only the candles did not burn like the ones today...and I forgot to tell people NOT to burn them that they were for decor only. At least one friend started her kitchen curtains on fire due to the candle! Oopps! Thanks for playing along with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

Dee in N.H. said...

That's really pretty!

Tammi said...

This is such a great project! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Craft Hoarders!!

Glenda said...

This is an awesome project! I love the texture and the gold rub and buff just tops it off! Thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

creative lady said...

Great project, love the gold tones and the element on the candle! Thanks for playing along with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

Kathy/NorthCarolina said...

Love the metallic look you achieved with this technique. The subtle texture from the napkin is very cool, and your hand made vintage flower is wonderful! Thanks for playing along in Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge #3!

Kristie Goulet said...

So pretty, Shea!

lost coast scrapper said...

Wow, this is just beautiful!! Thanks for joining us at Craft Hoarders Anon!!

Amber Milone said...

Such a neat technique! I would have never guessed that was tissue paper on the candle. Very pretty! Thanks for joining us over at CHACB.

Jan Marie said...

This lit up my afternoon! What a beautiful project. . thanks for explaining your process. I was wondering how you got the embedded/embossed "paper towel" pattern! Adds great texture as does that bit from your mother! Gorgeous result. Thanks for joining us and sharing your style at Craft Hoarders Anonymous!

Pammejo said...

Fabulous Candle Shea!!! Love the technique, thanks for sharing with us and joining us on the Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge Blog.

Anonymous said...

This is such a pretty project. So many details...a feast for the eyes! Thank so much for playing along with us at Craft Hoarders Anonymous Challenge Blog.....I hope you come back and play again soon! Ginny from Polly's Paper : )