Handmade Luminaria – How To

[Guest guest]

Handmade Luminaria – How To

 

Simple Solution

Luminaria are little glowing paper lanterns, a holiday tradition in

the American Southwest where they are used to line rooftops and

walkways. Placed in a circle around a special spot, or outlining a

path, they give such a sense of festive magic - and they couldn't be

easier to make!

 

One friend made over two hundred luminaria for an outdoor winter

celebration in a surprisingly short amount of time. The results -

lovely little fairy lights glowing by a pond, down a snowy hill, and

on either side of a curving path - were well worth it. Here are the

easy steps to make two different kinds of luminaria:

 

Paper Bag Method:

These are perfect for the outdoors.

 

1. You may use any kind of lunch-sized paper bag for this project

(recycled brown ones are inexpensive and easy on the environment.)

You could make cut-out designs with stencils for the light to shine

through, if you wish. Fold the top edge of the bags down about an

inch for extra sturdiness.

 

2. Pour sand or clean kitty litter into the bag to a depth of about 2

inches. This will keep your luminaria stable and less likely to tip

over.

 

3. Place a tealight in the middle of the bag, anchored firmly in the

sand. (We have found that tealights, in their own little recyclable

aluminum cups, are a safety-conscious alternative to tapers—which can

tip over—or votives.)

 

4. Put your luminaria where you want them to go and light carefully.

Keep away from very small children or companion animals. Not

recommended for use in a strong wind.

 

Special Paper Method

 

Using special handmade paper makes fancier luminaria that look as

beautiful inside the house as they do outside. Surrounded by greens

and placed in the center of your holiday table or on a mantelpiece,

these lovely lanterns will add a unique character to your holiday

lighting.

 

1. Use any sturdy, decorative, translucent paper for this project.

(If you make your own, now is the time to show it off, or you can

find lovely papers at your local art-supply store.) Cut paper to

measure 13- x 8-inches.

 

2. You will need a small shallow can for a base: a clean empty cat

food can is perfect.

 

3. Apply a strip of double-sided tape to the wrong side of the 8-inch

edge of your paper.

 

4. Remove the protective strip of the tape and place the bottom edge

of the paper (the 13-inch, untaped side) on the edge of the can,

making sure the tape on the opposite edge is facing in toward the

light.

 

5. Wrap the paper around the light until it fits snugly. Carefully

attach the tape to the other edge of the paper.

 

6. Put a tealight in the center of the can, anchoring it with a drop

or two of wax, place the luminarium where you want it to go, and

light the candle carefully. Be mindful around children and pets, and

be sure never to leave indoor luminaria burning unattended.Helpful

Hints

Caution: Anytime you use flame you need to use common sense to make

sure you avoid fire hazard.

 

www.care2.com