Luminaries

Luminaries are candle lanterns made with small brown paper bags. They can add an accent to your landscape during the holiday season. Although they are not candles, they do use votive candles as the light source. They are simple to assemble, adding a festive atmosphere to a walkway or path for your guests.

Supplies:

1. Small brown paper lunch bags. You can purchase these at your local grocery store.
2. Sand
3. Votive candles (15 hour)


Steps:

Measure length of area luminaries will be place and double this since you want to place them on both sides. Luminaries should be placed 6” to 2’ apart. Calculate how many luminaries you will need.

Fill paper bags with enough sand to cover bottom of bag approximately 2” to prevent from blowing away in the wind, to catch any melted wax and to act as a fire barrier. This should work out to be around 2 cups.

Place these bags along the edge of your sidewalk, driveway or path leading to your entrance.

Place a votive candle inside of each bag centered in the sand.

Light when ready.



Tips:

For added effect, fold over the tops of each bag.

Cut various patterns on bags. (Do this only if it is not windy outside. The bag acts as a wind block.)

Color of votive is not important since it will not be seen.

Keep Luminaries away from flammable material, such as dry grass.

Scented candles will add a special touch if used closer to entryway when guests arrive.

Empty cans may also be used. You can use the same size or alternate various sizes.
If using cans you might try puncturing holes in sides in various patterns to let some of the light thru.