(Photo credit: Meghan Oleson)

If you've ever felt like no one understands your love for solder wire, yarn, fabric and paper, maybe you need to find a new circle of friends. Crafty friends.

Organized craft collectives have been popping up all over the country, most recently right here in town: the Phoenix Church of Craft, the Phoenix Craft Mafia and the Arizona Crafty Burrito Collective and my group, The Phoenix Fridas to name a few.

These groups are made up of artists who meet once a month and plan events not only to sell their work but to inspire others to pick up a craft.

I recently chatted with Meghan Oleson, the "reverend" of the Phoenix chapter of the Church of Craft. Glory to glitter, she had some great answers to my questions, as well as a happy candle project.
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Craft Intention Candle

By Meghan Oleson

Supplies

One glass container (can be found at Goodwill or other thrift store)

1-2 boxes of paraffin wax (can be found at craft store)

Colored crayons (to dye wax if a color other than white is desired) (optional)

Double boiler for melting wax

Cotton candle wick

Tissue paper 1-inch x the length of your wick

India ink ad quill pen (or other kind of pen)
Spray paint

Card stock and craft knife

Decorative rub-ons

Directions: Clean and dry container. Write intention on tissue with pen. Wet tissue and wrap around wick tightly being careful not to tear it. Melt wax in double boiler, following manufacturer directions on package. Pour one-inch of wax into the container, insert wick. Fill remainder. Let cool. When wax is completely cooled, clean the outside of your candle making sure there is no waxy residue. Use the card stock and a craft knife to create a stencil for the spray paint (example, cut out the shape of a heart), tape the stencil around the outer area of the candle and spray. Let dry. Decorate the outside of the candle with paint, rub-ons and any other desired items. Burn while crafting to keep all your crafty intentions in mind.

Variation: you can also buy a store bought prayer candle if you don’t want to pour your own.

Tip: Always use extreme caution when working with or burning candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Read Meghan’s blog at http://lucky15paper.typepad.com. Kathy Cano-Murillo is a freelance craft designer and author. Send questions or ideas to kathy@craftychica.com or visit her Web site, www.craftychica.com.
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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: garden, home decor, lights