Twinkle

I love light.  I like windows with the shades open.  I like sunshine.  I love things that reflect and shine and have that iridescent quality.  And so it comes as no surprise that I love holiday lights.  We need help to get our lights up on the house and I ask the company that does it for us to make sure that we are first on the list for getting them installed.  I love the twinkle on the trees and the strands that follow the length of the roofline.  To me, light represents hope and peace and celebration.

We have a neighborhood Christmas party tomorrow at our local church and there is virtually no budget for it.  So my friend Nikki and I came up with an inexpensive but beautiful luminary centerpiece for each of the tables.  The beauty of this idea is that it can be used anytime throughout the year - just change the color and the cut-out design and you have a whole new decoration.We used some of my designs that I have created for the Cricut.  I admit that this project is easiest with a Cricut, but you can adapt this idea if you do not have access to one.  Our example pictured is using a 12x12 sheet of cardstock but any size will work - I think that making them 6 or 8 inches high would look really great.  Nikki used the Provo Craft Design Studio software to create an overall pattern for a 12x12 sheet and cut them with the Cricut.Next, I used scallop scissors along the top edge of each sheet.  To create the circular shape of the luminary, I tried multiple strategies.  I finally decided that the best way to create the cylinder was to keep it simple.  I punched two holes on each side of the sheet, about 2" apart and threaded a wide ribbon through them, tying a bow to secure.  I didn't used adhesive because I liked the way the edges lifted just a little bit where I tied them together.

Once the luminary is tied together, place it on a plate to give it more bulk and dimension.  I found these glass plates at Wal-Mart for $1 each.  I got enough of them to use for parties or get-togethers in the future.  You can also add greenery or cranberries around the base of your luminary.  Use a battery-powered tea light in the center and you're done.Can you see how this project would be easy to adapt for other holidays or events?  Use black, orange or lime green paper, string some spider webbing over the top and you have e a spooky Halloween decoration.  Use pink paper, pink tulle and place a tiara at the base for the perfect princess theme.  How about using team or school colors?  Adding confetti or paper flowers around the base?  You could even spray paint them silver or gold for a metallic look.  I'm seeing endless possibilities here.Share ideas that you have for adapting this project.  How would you do it without the use of a Cricut?  What other inexpensive ideas do you have to make this project your own?Enjoy all that twinkles and shines this holiday season.