DIY Satsuma Candle

You’ll need:

Satsuma oranges with stems attached

olive or vegetable oil

a serrated knife

a spoon

matches

The stem side of the Satsuma will be the bottom and base of the candle. Lightly score a ring around the top 1/3 portion of the orange. Peel off the top.

Because Satsumas are known for their loosely attached peels, the orange should easily be removed. Gently separate the orange from of the peel with the help of a spoon. Slowly work the spoon towards the bottom and pry the orange out from the sides, making sure not to break through the middle.

Once the flesh of the orange is taken out, the pith connecting the outer stem should remain. The pith will be the wick of the candle. Snip the outer stem off with a pair of scissors so the candle can sit flat.

Pour a few glugs of olive oil into the orange, leaving just the very tip of the pith exposed. Use the spoon to submerge the top of the pith into the oil for just a few seconds. It’s now ready to be lit! *** Tip: if you’re having trouble lighting the pith, it’s probably because it has too much moisture. Try letting the peel dry overnight (without oil) and don’t forget to submerge the tip into oil for a few seconds before lighting.

Depending on the length of the pith, the candle should burn for at least a couple of hours. Remember, never leave candles unattended while burning! xx

DIY Pom Poms

DIY Clay Jewelry Dish

It’s hard to believe that I have yet to find the ideal system for organizing my jewelry. Where is that perfect piece of storage for necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets so they could all live happily and neatly in a single place?! Alas, I have a handful of decorative ceramic bowls and porcelain dishes scattered along my dresser, separating rings from bracelets from earrings. And after seeing this tutorial on how to create a sweet faux porcelain dish, I immediately had to try it. Why not add more to my ever growing collection . . .

You’ll need:

one small and one medium sized ovenproof bowls

a baking sheet or wax paper

a paper or fabric lace doily

a rolling pin

2 ounces of polymer clay

a knife

an oven

a nail file (optional)

Preheat the oven to 275°F (130°C). Even though most polymer clay is non-toxic, all the surfaces and tools that comes in contact with the clay should be strictly used for crafts and not reused with food. The first step is to condition the clay. Knead the clay in between your fingers, until it becomes softer and more pliable. Then, start rolling out the clay on a baking sheet or wax paper.

The clay should be rolled out to a thickness of 1/4″. Place a paper or fabric lace doily over the clay and make an imprint with the rolling pin. Gently peel the lace doily away from the clay.

Turn a small bowl over and place it over the clay. Using a knife, trim away any excess clay from the perimeter.

Carefully lay the circular clay piece into a larger and shallow bowl. Place the bowl onto the middle rack of the oven and bake for approximately 15 – 20 minutes.

Allow the bowl to cool completely before removing the clay dish. Use a nail file to smooth out the edges. I personally prefer to keep it white, however, I’m sure it would look just as cute painted gold or sprayed painted in another color. Enjoy!!

DIY Gold Dipped Glassware

Tanti auguri di Buon 2014