DIY Network

Hawaiian Print Luminaries What a great way to illuminate your party table! From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-101L

Light up the night with our easy-to-make luminaries bearing colorful Hawaiian prints.

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Materials:

Hawaiian Print Luminaries

clear cylindrical vase
2 color-copied images of Hawaiian fabric
scissors
ruler
white primer paint
glossy découpage medium
foam paintbrush
gold acrylic paint
clear varnish (optional)
votive candle with glass holder
waxed paper

Figure A

1. Determining the size of your color copies: for the height, measure the cylinder from top to bottom and subtract 1/2". For the width, measure around the cylinder, subtract 1/2", and then divide by 2.

2. Color copies: Make two color copies of Hawaiian fabrics using a laser copier to the appropriate size as determined in step 1. Trim both copies if needed.

3. Using a sponge brush, paint the sides and bottom of the vase with a coat of primer (figure A) and allow drying time.

4. Using a foam brush, apply a liberal amount of découpage medium to the vase. Place one copied image printed side down onto a sheet of waxed paper and apply a liberal amount of découpage medium to the back of the image (figure B). Turn the image over and apply a liberal amount of découpage medium to the printed side of the image (figure C). Position the image on the vase approximately 1/4" from the top edge of the vase. Use your fingers to smooth out any air bubbles (figure D). Use the foam brush to smooth out any finger marks in the decoupage. Repeat step 4 for the other color copy, positioning the image 1/4" from the top edge and centered on the backside of the vase. Allow the découpage to dry overnight.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

5. Using gold acrylic paint, paint the top edge, bottom edge, sides and the base (where the primer is) and invert to dry (figure E). Once the gold paint is dry, you can coat the vase with clear varnish. Allow drying.

6. Insert a candle and light. Using a candle that is either a tealight (with a metal band) or one that has a glass holder helps keep the hot wax contained (clean up is a snap), and when you want to use it as a vase, there is no messy wax build-up.