AECP Level 2 Final Challenge - Part 2

 Hi again!  As I mentioned in my previous post, I am presenting my final challenge for Level Two of the Altenew Educator Certification Program.  Because this project is so intense, I have split the projects into two posts.  My previous post, which can be found here, focuses on the cards, and this post is a photo tutorial of my altered/up-cycled items. 

I really struggled with what I wanted to make for this portion of the challenge. The possibilities were endless.  In the end, I decided to go with my initial idea, which was to dust off an old technique that I haven't used in years and alter some plain candles, turning them into something both beautiful and functional. 

I purchased a trio of plain white unscented candles at Walmart.  I liked these sizes, as I would be able to use a larger stamped image on them.  I gathered up all of my materials and dove in. 

Note:  The steps are exactly the same for each candle.  You can prepare your images for all of the candles at one time, or finish one candle and go back and do the next. 

Step One: 

Cut a piece of white tissue paper (the kind you use when wrapping gifts) a bit larger than your image and stamped your image in whatever color of ink you prefer. 

Step Two:

Color in your image using your choice of medium.  I pulled out my extremely old Stampin' Up chalk pastels and applied with a Q-Tip.  I knew that I could add multiple layers of color to get the depth that I wanted with little risk of tearing the tissue.  You could also use the layering stamps, colored pencils, or even markers.  

Step Three: 

Trim around your image with sharp, pointy scissors, leaving a bit of a white border.  If you know me even a little bit, you know that I will avoid fussy cutting like the plague.  I am terrible at it.  I didn't mind this at all, because nothing about it needs to be perfect.  When you are finished, the white edge will not show at all.  

Step Four: 

Figure out how you want to place your image on your candle.  There is no right or wrong here.  Determine what looks best and go with it! 

Step Five: 

Cut a piece of wax paper (you know, the kind you have sitting in your kitchen cupboards) that is large enough to cover the entire stamped image.  It is perfectly OK if it is larger than the candle, as none of that will matter.  What WILL matter is that your image and the white edge is completely covered. 

Step Six: 

Using your heat tool on the lowest setting, apply heat to the wax paper keeping the heat moving so that you don't burn it.  You will see it start to melt, and as it does, the white edge around your image will fade away.  Make sure that you melt all of the wax over the image, as this is sealing the tissue paper into the candle.   Don't worry about the areas of the wax paper that don't have the tissue paper under them, or edges that hang over the top or bottom of the candle.  They don't need to be heated up.  When you are satisfied that the wax is melted, gently peel the wax paper away from the candle.  

Voila!  You have a stunning altered candle that will be an amazing gift or look great in your own home. 

Here is a peek at each of the individual candles.

And again, the trio. 

Products Used:

• Altenew Fairy Tale Florals Stamp Set
• White Candles - three varying sizes (purchased at Walmart)
• Stampim' Up Stampin' Pastels (retired, but any chalk pastels will do) or coloring medium of your choice
• White Tissue Paper
• Wax Paper
• Heat Tool
• Scissors

Thank you again, for hanging in there through these posts and for allowing me to present my challenge projects to you!  I hope you have learned something and are inspired to try this incredibly easy technique that produces a stunning gift!   Happy crafting!