Sunday, November 21, 2010

Christmas is Coming!

   


The goose is getting fat.  Please put a penny in the old man's hat.  
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do.  
If you haven't got a ha'penny, God Bless You!

It's Thanksgiving this week and 4 weeks later it will be Christmas.  There always so much to do and sometimes those dollars and cents get away from us so we make our own Christmas ornaments and in true crafty fashion we usually make them from things we already have on hand, after all a "penny saved is a penny earned".  

I've been making these wax ornaments since the 60's.  They're easy to make using left over candles - recycling at its best - and they look so pretty on the tree since the wax glows when it catches the light.    You can also make them from beeswax for an "antique" look and color them with "Rub'n Buff".
BTW:  This is a adult craft and not recommended for children.



    Here's How:   Melt wax in a double boiler.  I have an old one I use only for this.  Place PLASTIC
cookie cutters onto wax paper.  You can use a variety of sizes and shapes.  Don't let the wax overheat.  You'll know when it's ready by dipping a metal spoon into the liquid wax.  If the wax coats the spoon as soon as you pull it out, then it's at the right temperature.  Spoon wax slowly into the cookie cutters.  It should be about 3/8" thick.  Don't worry if some of the wax seeps out around the sides, you can break it away when the wax becomes hard.   Let the wax harden then gently pop the cookie away from the wax.  The little angels were made by pouring wax into a candy mold.  Let these harden in the freezer for 15-20 mins, then tap the mold sharply on the counter - the shapes will pop right out.  The best thing about this project is, that if one of the ornaments breaks, or doesn't look right, you just pop it back in the double boiler.  Definitely a "McGoof proof" project.  Once all the ornaments are made I thread gold or silver thread onto a tapestry needle, then heat the end of the needle in a candle flame and push thru the top of the ornament.  When using a candy mold, make a hanger first by knotting the ends of about a 4" piece of thread, then placing it into the mold before adding the wax.

More ideas to come so, ya'll come back now!

Yours truly,
Julie :)

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