Some of the best ideas are the simplest. That’s definitely the case with these snowy tea light holders. Once again, they’re made with recycled items, and they’re a really quick and easy make.
All you need is some empty jam jars (I used Bon Maman ones as I like the shape), a packet of rock salt crystals, some tea lights and a few scraps of ribbon or cloth.
Wash and dry the jam jars. Half fill with the rock salt and nestle a tea light on top. Tie the ribbon around the neck of the jar, well away from the flame.
There’s something about a row of tea lights flickering in a group in the dusk at this time of year.
Here’s another simple idea. Use old tart tins or chocolate moulds as tea light holders. I prefer the ones with a patina of age. These came from a job lot that I found on eBay, but you can also source them on Etsy and find them at flea markets and antiques fairs. They rarely cost more than a pound or two.
Finally, I made these mini rosemary wreaths to put around the base of candlesticks. The idea came from an old issue of LandScape magazine (pictured) which often has ideas for beautiful natural crafts. I no longer have a big garden full of greenery to choose from, but even in my little courtyard space here in town, I’ve got rosemary growing in my pots and raised beds. I love it, for its evergreen leaves and its spicy scent and flavour. It’s also indestructible!
Enjoy these candle ideas.
- I’m dedicating this post to my old schoolfriend, A, who died last weekend. We were best buddies through secondary school. She was a super-talented woman, who could turn her hand to anything, music, science, sewing, painting and languages, and yet she was incredibly modest about her achievements, and I don’t think she ever knew what a special person she was. A light has gone out, so this year, my candles are for her.