Warm-Weather Luminaria

 

For this project, you will need:

• One or several quart-size metal sand pail(s) with handle (found at an arts and crafts store)

• Any printed religious art finds you have lying around the house. (Old Christmas cards, prayer cards, print from Internet, etc. Be creative!)

• One roll of double-sided clear tape

• Glossy decoupage medium (found at an arts and crafts store)

• Paintbrush

• Play sand  (or art sand found in different colors at an arts and crafts store)

• One or several votive candle(s) (a tea light candle will work also)

The technique is really simple! Adhere your printed religious art to the inside rim of the pail, 3⁄4 of the way toward the bottom (in any fashion) with the double-sided tape. Next, apply a coat of the glossy decoupage medium with a paintbrush over the entire inside of the pail with art. Let dry for a couple of hours. Fill the pail halfway with sand and place the votive inside.

 

More ideas:

• Don’t limit them to summer use! Each pail could feature a saint and you could display them on Nov. 1 for The Feast of All Saints.

• Use a small citronella candle in place of a regular votive to use on a patio table outside.

• Use a calligraphy paint pen to write a prayer or Bible verse on the pail instead of using the collage technique.

• For really vibrant luminaria, use metal sand pails in different colors.