DIY Votive Favors

These votive holders are a great (and easy) idea for DIY favors. Consider hosting a "dinner night" for your bridesmaids, mom, and future mother-in-law and have them help assemble. It will be a great bonding time!

Supplies:

• Glass votive cups with a smooth surface that don't taper much
• Measuring Tape
• 1/8" double sided adhesive tape
• Paper or fabric of your choice
• Pencil
• Scissors or paper cutter
• Cardboard or sheet of heavy cardstock

Directions:

1. Create a template in order to make cutting paper to the right dimensions easy. To do this, you'll need to determine what size strips to cut. First, measure around the circumference of the cup and add 1/4" to the length. Then measure the height of the cup and cut the corresponding measurements for the cardboard or heavy cardstock. Note: covering votive cups that taper from top to bottom is a bit trickier; there needs to be a slight curve to the top and bottom of the paper when it's cut. To get the proper shape for your template for tapered votives, wrap a piece of scrap paper firmly around one of the votive cups ad hold it in place. With a pencil, trace along the top rim and bottom edge of the holder onto the paper. Unroll the paper and cut out the shape, extending the length 1/4" to create a small overlap when the votive is wrapped. Copy the shape onto cardboard or cardstock and cut it out to make a reusable template.
2. Now that you've determined the correct size and shape of the wraps you'll be using, you can cut them out of the decorative papers. Straight-edge scissors are the most obvious choice here, but decorative scissors from craft stores can be really fun. Try using small scalloped or pinking edge scissors for a look that is unique.
3. Attach the papers to the votive cups by applying a length of 1/8" adhesive tape from top to bottom. (The peel off tape usually has a red liner; remove this liner from the tape) Line up the edge of one of the wraps over the adhesive and press down to secure it. Wrap the paper tightly around the votive cup and apply another strip of tape under the unsecured edge of the paper. Remove the tape liner and press the adhesive to the votive cup.

Note: You can use this same idea to make custom match boxes. Just remember to leave the match strike area exposed so that guests can light the matches later.

This project was taken from the book The DIY Bride by Khris Cochran