Hi There! Lynda from Scrapbook with Lynda back to share another Christmas gift idea. This time I made a Christmas luminary using the Graphic 45 Christmas Time bundle from Fotobella.com.
Each year I like to decorate my Christmas table with a handmade holiday gift. This year I am making everyone a Christmas luminary. Inside I’ll tuck a special treat and a battery operated candle, so after the treat is gone everyone will have this pretty little luminary to remember a special day.
It looks so pretty with the battery operated candle lit. It’s just paper, so a real candle can’t be used. But a battery operated tea light is perfect.
Making a Luminary
This luminary is easy to make, and you can use a variety of embellishments on the lit area. I chose a die cut from the die cut pack in the Graphic 45 Christmas Time bundle, but you can use anything that has an interesting shape.
Select Your Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need to make a luminary.
- A sheet of scrapbook paper
I chose this beautiful print from the Christmas Time collection pack - Vellum
A small scrap will do. You just need enough to fit the window. - A die cut shape or sticker
Look for a die cut or sticker that has an interesting silhouette. - A battery operated tea light
You can find everything (except the tea light) you need to make this project at FotoBella.com.
I selected this gorgeous print from the Graphic 45 Christmas Time collection along with the clock face from the die cut pack.
Cut, Score and Fold
Cut a piece of paper 5” wide and 12” long, then score it at 5” and 7”. I like to use a stylus to make the score lines, because I find the small ball end doesn’t tear the paper.
Fold on the score lines, then run a bone folder along the folded edge to get a crisp fold.
Make the Luminary Window
I used a 3 1/2” square die to cut the window, but you can use a paper trimmer or craft knife to cut the opening.
I just centered the die, taped it in place with washi tape, then ran it through my die cutting machine. Washi tape is great for holding dies in place, because washi tape peels off easily and doesn’t leave a residue.
Cut a piece of vellum 4 1/4” by 4 1/4”, run a bead of glue around the window opening on the inside of the luminary, then add the vellum to cover the opening.
Attach the die cut with glue to the vellum. Chose the clock face from the die cut pack, but there are lots of others in the pack that would work great too.
Assemble the Luminary
It’s almost done! All we need to do is the final assembly.
Run a strip of double sided tape along the top edge. I used 1/8” tape, but you can use a tape roller or 1/4” tape or glue.
Remove the tape backing, then press the top and bottom edges together to form a triangle.
Punch two small holes using a paper punch. These holes will be used to attach a bow at the top of the luminary.
Thread ribbon through the holes, then tie in a bow. This black and white polka dot ribbon adds just the right touch.
Finally slip the tea candle inside. I didn’t attach the candle to the luminary, because the on/off switch is on the bottom of the candle. The candle is easy to remove and put pack in place, so it’s fine to not attach it to the luminary.
This luminary has a 2” wide base, which is just the perfect size to add a little treat inside. I’ll customize the treat to the receiver. I plan to insert small bags of coffee or candy or... some small item the receiver will like. Won’t these look great decorating each place setting on my holiday table? Each will be a bit different, but all will coordinate because they are all made with the Graphic 45 Christmas Time collection. You can find everything (except the tea light) you need to make this project at FotoBella.com.
I hope you have enjoyed the various Christmas gift ideas I’ve shared with you this month. I’ll be back in January 2021 to share more paper crafting with you. In the meantime, check out my blog at www.ScrapbookWithLynda.com to see some of my scrapbook layouts and planner spreads.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Lynda
@ScrapbookWithLynda