Pay tribute to the Stars and Stripes (emphasis on the stripes). Red, white, and blue bands of sand dress up votive candles to make flickering lights that are cheerful and fun. Sand is available in a variety of colors at art-supply stores; designing a candle is as simple as pouring layers into a glass. Make several, and create a patriotic centerpiece to coordinate with china or linens for outdoor dining.
To make a sand candle, fill a clear drinking glass with enough sand so that a votive candle placed on top falls just below the rim. Set the glass inside a clear glass vase or jar. With a funnel, fill the gap between the two containers with layers of colored sand, using enough to reach the rim of the drinking glass.
OK so when you're done do you just throw it out? How do you keep the sand in place to use again, or is this a one time decoration
Easy Sand Candles
Russell's Saturday Dinner Centerpiece
Beautiful and Lovely!
Here is a link for making chalk colored salt: http://www.ehow.com/how_2116773_color-salt-chalk-sand-art.html
How do you get/make chalk colored salt? I like this idea but am not sure how to do it.
I have used chalk colored salt instead of sand. Once finished, add a layer of white glue on top of the salt. When dry, the glue will peal off and the salt will have hardened from moisture making the candle more permanent.
I like the idea of mixing alcohol with food coloring; that would work with the tempura poweded paint as well I think. You can also get sanitised playground sand at Wal-Mart in the garden center. Probably everybody's got a Wal=-Mart near them...
I love this craft. I would color sand (bought in the bags at Lumber Stores) using rubbing alcohol and food coloring then mix that with the sand. Probably, to 1 cup sand I would use 1/4c alcohol, and add the food color until a strong color is achieved. Mix with the sand, stir to mix well. Pour this into a jellyroll pan, set it in the sun for the day to dryout. Then make the candles. I have done this method with curly edged noodles for the roof of a Gingerbread house (not edible) It works great
Michael's carries colored sand in the children's craft area. Also, it might take some trial and error, but my mother used to color sugar with food coloring during the holidays. If you could find white beach sand (I live in Florida), you might be able to color it using powdered (Dry) tempera paint... Some schools carry this, and I've seen it at Michael's too. Mix a little in until you get the color you want....
Where do you find colored sand?
Votive candles liquify and therefore need something to contain them. Plus, this keeps the sand wax free and able to reuse.
I think you run the risk of your burning candle melting into your sand if you don't place it in a separate container. This way, you can replace the used candle without disturbing the sand art.
I think you run the risk of your burning candle melting into your sand if you don't place it in a separate container. This way, you can replace the used candle without disturbing the sand art.
I really like the idea...honest...but why so many steps? Why can't you just fill up a "glass" w/alternating colors of sand and leaving ample room @ the top, securely place a Votive candle, instead of, then placing the "votive candle w/holder inside a separate container~~as stated in your instructions. Did I just misunderstand the whole project or am I "good-to-go"?
BAM! ! That's it!! This is just exactly the look I have been searching for for my new apartment. My deco theme is Americana.... Tah-Dah!! And it's easy enough for a non-talented-would be crafter. Thanks.
I love the look and the ease and versatility of this craft...can use it for absolutely anything.
Absolutely love the colours and look of this craft.