Eco-friendly Gift Idea - #3

CANDLES!

Giving someone candles is always a good way to go, especially for the people on your list that seem to have everything. Most people enjoy the romantic light which the candles emit. They are calming when placed near a warm bath and always set the mood for a romantic dinner.

An easy and fun way to make them is with old crayons or old, used candles that can no longer burn.
This is an easy tutorial on how to make candles using shot glasses and old candles that I got from www.wikihow.com


Step 1:
Break up all your old, half burned candles into a measuring cup. You may use wax dye if you want to. If you use crayons, be sure to use the same or similar colors so you don't end up with a brown candle..unless you want it brown.

Step 2:
Place the measuring cup into a pan of boiling water until the wax melts.

Step 3:
Watch to see when the wax has almost melted completely so you can add your wax dye. If you aren't using the dye, skip this step.

Step 4:
Cut lengths of wick to fit the shot glasses. You can use a homemade wick but it takes a little time to make. See the steps to make a homemade wick here.

Step 5:
Place the wicks inside the shot glasses. Make sure you only use glass shot glasses or any other thick glass. Put a small drop of glue on the tip, and press that into the bottom center of the glass to make sure the wick stays put

Step 6:
When the wax is melted down, pour the wax into each shot glass, but be careful not to submerge the entire wick.

Step 7:
When the wax is almost completely set, move the wick into the center of the glass and then leave it to fully set. Wax contracts as it cools, so you may need to do another pour of wax after the candle has set.

And there you have it! Place the candles in a bag or box with some bath salts and soaps and you have the perfect spa collection Eco- friendly gift!

much love

Brit

Eco-friendly Gift Idea - #2

So I know I may have said that I would do a gift idea every week but I can't wait any longer!
Today's tutorial is a sewing free, simple and fast way to personalize a photo frame for someone!

You will need:

An old photo frame, any type will work. Craft glue (using a hot glue gun ended up working better), craft paint, a paint brush, and a bunch of random "junk" that you don't really know what to do with.

**You can also be a bit more intentional and find items that remind you of a certain memory, maybe a vacation you and your loved one went on, etc. That way the photo you use the frame for will match the items you are attaching to the frame.**

I used the regular craft glue for the paper I wanted to stick on the frame, but for everything else, the hot glue gun worked better so I suggest going that route instead.

Glue all items on your frame. There is no need for any particular order unless that's what you prefer. Also don't worry about any of the hot glue showing, after the next step it won't matter.

Then with the craft paint and a paint brush, begin to dab any color all over the frame. You can either use just one color or go crazy and dab many different colors all over. Again, this doesn't need any particular order. Have fun with it!

As you can see, I used a couple different colors and I didn't cover the entire frame, I left some spots of the wood showing through. Like I said, have fun with it. Personalize it however you want to.
Use your loved ones favorite colors. You could also skip the painting step all together if you prefer!

Let it fully dry, insert the photo you would like to frame, and you have an awesome personalized photo frame that anyone would love!

That is an old photo of me, I was sewing a dress for a school semi-formal a few years ago!

A couple close ups of the frame.

I hope you enjoy!!

If you make any of the ideas from my tutorials, let me know!! I'd love to see some photos!

much love

Brit