Sister Diane posted this neat project that reuses those metal cups that come on tea light candles. She made them into cute collars for Christmas mini-lights by cutting and embellishing them.
This is timely because I just noticed that you can get a bag of 100 tea lights at JoAnn fabrics for about $5, which works out to about a nickel apiece. I knew there must be some cool projects out there using tea lights, but I didn’t even think about the possibility of getting double-use out of them!
Project Estimate:
- String of mini lights, on hand
- Metal cups from used-up tea lights, free (or .05 each for initial purchase)
- Permanent marker, on hand
- Junky scissors, on hand
- Paper hole punch, on hand
- Glue (like E6000) on hand, or similar from dollar store, $1
- Sequins, rhinestones, other shiny things, $1-5
Total cost: From $2 and up
Bonus related project: Punched “Tin” Light Shields from Gingerbread Snowflakes
3 Comments
Jocelyne
What a great Idea, I have been throwing those things away like mad lately. I might take this idea and incorporate it into something more year round friendly, like a head dress, jewelry of some kind or a larger art piece. Thanks so much!
Sister Diane
Thanks for the shout-out! I’ve been collecting lots of tealight cups this year – hope to get time to make a wreath’s worth of metal stars, at least…
Satsuki
What a cute craft! If you wanted to get double uses from the tea lights you can gently pull the wick out from the bottom, place it in a seashell, then melt down the wax to make seashell candles. Throw em in a bowl of sand and you’re all set for mood lighting at your next summer party.
Thanks for the feature too btw- much appreciated. ^^