Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Decoupage Candles: Bloom, Bliss, Dream

My Memorial Day morning was blissfully spent in my makeshift art studio-- a spare bedroom in our duplex that houses boxes of vintage ephemera, paint, ribbons, papers and other supplies. I wanted to incorporate one of my latest vintage ephemera finds into my decoupage candle holders. I had found a 1945 paperback edition of the French classic Les Dieux Ont Soif  (The Gods Will Have Blood) by Anatole France and disassembled it for art supplies. I also had recently bought some Paris themed napkins from DaisyFlowerPetal on Etsy, and was very inspired by their romantic designs.






First, I altered the French novel pages by painting it with a soft pink wash that was made with one part acrylic paint and three parts water. I blotted the wash with a paper towel to add a mottled appearance. Then, from my leftover morning coffee in the pot, I added coffee stains to add an aged look. After the papers were dry, I speckled burnt umber acrylic paint.








After cutting and sizing the French novel pages for the glass votive candle holders, I adhered them to the surface with Mod Podge. Then, I cut out images of a romantic rose from the napkins and separated the top tissue layer. I had wanted to stop there, but felt like something was missing. This feeling is always with me while making collage/decoupage/mixed media projects and helps lead me into new creative territories! There is a point when the artist knows they have finished the last detail. So, I had the idea to stamp the words "Bloom", "Bliss", and "Dream" on white tissue paper. I carefully cut them out and glued them centered on the flower images. 










I sized three circles from a sheet of two-sided scrapbooking paper for the candle holders bottom. To seal them, I first applied two layers of matte Mod Podge, then added a final layer of glossy, acrylic varnish. 






I just love how they look lit up! The layers illuminate in the candle light and give off a romantic aura. 

I have added these candle holders to my Etsy shop, which you can check out here for the listing:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/100952688/decoupage-votive-candle-holder-set-bloom

4 comments:

  1. Thank you so much Barbara! They were a joy to make :)

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  2. These are soooo cool looking!! Your candle holders are always very unique and so elegant!
    I stopped by your Etsy shop just now, and hearted these, and your newest cigar box beauty - and your shop looks so very beautiful. The colors and the patterns are all beautifully photographed, and your designs show off so well together.
    You will go far, my dear! I just know someone from Stampington Art will be knocking on your door soon to publish you!!!
    xoxo
    Sherilyn

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  3. Thank you Sherilyn! I appreciate you stopping by my Etsy shop and hearting my newest creations :) I have been meaning to get some Stampington Art subscriptions as there are so many inspiring things in their magazines :) Take care and hope you are busy with lots of creative endeavors!

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