Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• 6 or 8 inch styrofoam cube
• Assorted scrapbook paper in black and white print (I used black, silver and white and it came out great)
• If you have wrapping paper around, you can use it instead of scrapbook paper
• A wide putt knife
• Circle punches ¼ inch; 5/8 inch; 1 inch (optional)
• Card stock in black and white (optional)
• A household sponge
• three glass votive holder with candles
• A pencil
• a ruler
• Scissors
• Paper paste (Elmer’s works well)

Cut six 8 inch paper squares from you scrapbook or wrapping paper. If you wish, you can create patterned paper on the solid cardstock by cutting or punching holes out of a contrasting cardstock.

Using the putty knife, spread a thin layer of past on one side of the foam cube and on the back of one of the paper squares. Make sure to spread the paste all the way to the edges. Adhere the paper to the foam smoothing with your fingers until the paper starts to stick.

Repeat this process on all six sides of the cube. You may need to let each side dry a little bit before working on the next side. If the paper is too wet, it may slide while you’re working on another side. After all of the sides dry, wipe the cube with a damp sponge to remove any excess paste.

When the cube is thoroughly dry, place the votive cups and candles on top. Remember, never leave candles burning unattended.  Enjoy!

Post from: Blisstree

Candle Cube

Kathy Zengolewicz

Here is what you will need to get started:

• Paraffin Wax
• Wicks and wick tabs
• Muffin or a cupcake pan or novelty wax molds (I used square molds)
• Scissors
• Melting pot for wax (Instead you can use an old double boiler)
• A thermometer
• Candle coloring and candle scent (this is optional)

Take a little bit of vegetable oil on a clean napkin or paper towel and grease your muffin pan slightly. Prepare the wicks by inserting them in the wick tabs. Boil some water in a saucepan of the double boiler and put the melting container (top part of the double boiler). Place a few chunks of paraffin wax into the top pot and start melting. Make sure to keep your thermometer in the wax and turn it off when it reaches 180 degrees F.  Paraffin wax will ignite at 375 degrees F, so be careful and have a box of baking soda or a hand held fire extinguisher on hand.

Once the wax is melted and the heat is off you can add coloring and scent if you desire. You can use dye chips for candles or liquid dye that you add with an eye-dropper for the coloring process. If you are adding scents to your candles, please use shaved pieces from scent blocks and not essential oils. Most essential oils are not recommended to be use with the high heat used when making candles. So always use caution in this area.

Now, pour the wax into your muffin pans or molds and let cool. Oce the wax begins to set with a skin on the top, push the tab of the wick into the bottom of each mold using a wooden skewer.

Once the wax has set and hardened, pop out your candles and float them in water. For a more dramatic effect try coloring the water.

Post from: Blisstree

Floating Candles

Image: sxc.hu

Some of the artistic techniques for serving food:

• Add candles in a variety of arrangements to your dining table.
• Use pretty dishes, even mix and match ones when you don’t have complete sets.  I recall the attractive serving dishes my aunt used for family meals, even just a cut glass pickle dish or flowered jelly jar.
• Find attractive or themed placemats and napkins.  These may be ones you’ve made or purchased.  Those handed down through the family add memories to the meal.
• Arrange food with eye appeal on plates and serving dishes.
• Plan your meals with coordinating colors.  I recall my home economics teacher, in junior high, telling us not to serve all one color on a plate, but try to vary them.
• Learn to use garnishes that add color and variation: sprigs of parsley, radish curls or rosettes, strips or rounds or red and green peppers, a sprinkle of paprika, a dab of relish, chocolate curls or shavings, marshmallow petals, etc.
• Arrange a centerpiece…flowers, fruit bowl, a toy for tots, small knick-knacks, candles, holiday themes.  Children enjoy creating table decorations, too.

How do you add art to your meals?

Post from: Blisstree

Add Art to Food Preparation & Serving

To avoid harmful fragrances check with Skin Deep before you purchase a body care product or cosmetic item. Skin Deep can tell you which, if any fragrances are included in thousands of products. Also, use green cleaners, natural air fresheners, candles scented with essential oils vs. fragrance when possible, and buy non-toxic products for kids (read your labels).

Post from: Blisstree

Chemical Fragrances Are Not Eco-friendly

Image: Glade

Post from: Blisstree

Soy-based candles by Glade

Scents include Bali Lime Papaya, Hawaiian Ruby Guava and Brazilian Mango Grapefruit. Time for a little pampering!

Available at Pacifica Candles

Post from: Blisstree

Fruits of Paradise

Each year, my husband would always take the kids out and let them buy me whatever THEY wanted. That usually meant that I would receive two big bottles of soda and two big bags of potato chips. But there was a year when my son was old enough to walk up the lane to the variety store all by himself and he excitedly bought me a pair of cracked gray candles with his own money. I’m thinking that the price was right

He was so proud of himself and just couldn’t wait for me to open them. Luckily Moms have this built in ability to look surprised and extremely pleased when they open up gifts from their kids. And this one took some doing It’s the kind of gift that you stare at for a minute or so before you know quite what to say! But just one look at his face said it all. I instantly melted.

And, it was the first time I didn’t get a big bottle of soda and bag of potato chips. Ahh… the memories!!

And then there was the year that Britt made me cry…She must have been about six or seven. Her gift was a huge poster with her little hand prints decorating all around the edges. But it was the poem that got to me.

It was about how I shouldn’t get upset with her when I see her little handprints on the walls. And here was the clincher… because some day she would be all grown up and those little hand prints wouldn’t be there anymore.

As I write this I can feel the tears coming again.

sp

Photos

Post from: Blisstree

Mother’s Day Memories