Use your imagination To Make Natural Candle Holders

Natural candle holders can be made from a variety of things. Halloween pumpkins are familiar to everyone, but there are many more natural containers that you can use to display your candles.

Many different fruits and vegetables can be hollowed out and make beautiful natural candle holders. You can use gourds and melons and citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and limes. They have leathery skins and make ideal candle holders.

Make a grouping of oranges and lemons containing tea lights and they will make a beautiful centerpiece.

How to make citrus candleholders

You first need to sketch your design on the outside. The best designs for the top are zigzags and scrolls. Leave the top 1/2 in. undecorated as it will be cut off. Make some simple geometric designs like crosses, zigzags or curving scrolls. It is easier to gouge out your design before you hollow out the fruit because it will be firmer when still whole. I use an x-acto knife but you can use any sharp knife you like.

When you have completed gouging out your design it is time to cut off the top. Cut around inside the orange flesh with your regular sharp knife, freeing it from the sides. Be very careful not to cut through the skin as this will weaken it and not work very well as a candle holder.

Scoop out the orange flesh into a bowl and scrape away any that is left around the sides (you can use this in your favorite drinks or else just eat it). Now scrape down to the dry pith so that the skin is thin enought for the candlelight to show through.

Take your kitchen scissors and snip around the top to make a zigzag or scallop design. You can also use your scissors to cut any loose membrane inside, as it would get in the way of the candle flame.

Place a tea light inside the orange. You can make them ahead of time for any special occasion and just put them in the freezer until you need them.

Sea shell candleholders

These natural candle holders are very easy to make. Use some clay to stabilize your small shells so that they sit flat. Heat some wax until melted, and transfer to a small jug. Put a small taper candel into the shell and pour wax around the base. This will fill up the shell and hold the candle firmly in place. Hold the candle in position for a minute or two until the wax has set enought to hold the candle.

Use different kinds of shells and different sizes to make a very effective setting. You can also arrange them in a flat container with small rocks or even sand and a few dried flowers. This will give your display a very natural effect.

Seashells come in very many different sizes and shapes.

You can use large shells and put 2 or 3 taper candles or even a pillar candle. This really makes a nice display. They make a great centerpiece or you can put them on a mantel or any of your small tables.

If you have any questions or crafts ideas please contact me and I will add it to my site.

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