Thursday, February 3, 2011

A Striking Idea (with Guest Blogger Lea)

 Out of the blue this week, I got an email from my childhood friend, Lea (who you might remember from this post or this post), with a couple of pretty great ideas for blog posts (with even the photos included!) that she just whipped up 'cause she felt like it. I have been busybusybusy (so what else is new?) and this little unexpected surprise arrived in the nick of time. Check out yesterday's post for the best method for cleaning waxy, smokey, dirty old glass votive holders. And read on today to see some of the unexpected ways Lea has used them around the house.  Candle holders: They aren't just for holding candles anymore. Thanks, Lea!

I hate throwing things away and, just like my mother, I have nightmares of landfills filling up. So, instead of trashing the old votive candle holders I collected for my wedding, I cleaned them and repurposed them. I even turned a hexagonal votive into a great matchstick holder and striker- just the thing to accompany all those candles. Here's how to do it: 

 
Step 1: Cut the striking strip off a box of all-purpose strike anywhere wood matches.
Step 2: Use an all-purpose glue stick to adhere the strips to the side of a glass holder. 

Step 3: Wait until glue dries,  then fill the votive with matches. Much cuter than a matchbox, you can keep this match holder close at hand for whenever you need a light. It's one way to really strike a bargain.



And even if you aren't feeling quite so crafty, you can find a million uses for glass votive holders all over the house. Votives are so pretty, match with any decor, and are very useful for holding all sorts of things. They make great bud vases, cotton swab holders, toothpick holders, mini bins for office, sewing, or art supplies, and whatever else you can think of (the possibilities are endless).

10 comments:

Jade said...

Great Ideas!
I'm making a matchbox votive immediately.

Mrs Foote said...

I love this idea especially when it comes to holding chapstick on my nightstand! Can't stand it when they fall over and roll off :-)

Thanks for the ideas!

Mrs Foote said...

Love the ideas - especially for keeping chapstick on my nightstand! Can't stand when they tip over and roll off!

Heating Allen Town PA said...

Yeah amazing! You're a genius=)

Muffy said...

What a darling idea. "Strike a bargain" -- nice pun. I'll have to make my own little match holder votive.

Unknown said...

Where did you get the votive candles? My daughter is getting married in the fall and I'd love to use some. Thanks!

Girl About Here said...

I adore your website. Thanks for sharing!

garden sheds said...

Nice idea. It doesn't always need to be expensive;just creative.

Contemporary Furniture said...

Indeed a very innovative idea. I really love it! I will definitely put some of this in our house.

Daphne said...

yes! great idea. New to me, I will definitely try it ASAP.