Candle Crafts for Grandparent's Day
Sparkly Candles Make the Perfect Gift for Grandparents
Aug 31, 2008
Grandmothers and grandfathers are very special people. They enrich the lives of their grandchildren simply by being there. Grandparent's Day was spearheaded by Marian McQuade, a resident of West Virginia, as a way to encourage interaction to the elderly in nursing homes.
In 1978 President Jimmy Carter declared Grandparent's Day a national holiday. Grandparent's Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day every year. This year kids can make a special glitter candle or sparkle votive to brighten the life of their own grandparent, or to share with an older person in their life. The light from the candle will remind that special person of the joy that particular child brings to them every time the candle is lit.
Grandparent's Day Glitter Candles
What you need:
- pillar candle - your grandparent's favorite color or any color you like
- white school glue
- paint brush
- glitter - gold or silver is nice but you can use any color you like
- disposable bowl or saucer
- candle base - to display the finished product
What you do:
- The first thing you want to do is to paint the candle with glue. Pour a small amount of glue into a small bowl. Use the paint brush to paint a thin layer of glue on all sides of the candle.
- Sprinkle the candle with glitter. You can also pour the glitter onto a plate and roll the candle in the glitter to cover as well.
- Let the candle dry for 24 hours before touching the sides.
- Add a bow and give to your favorite grandparent.
Sparkle Votives
What you need:
- glass baby food jar - washed and cleaned with the label removed
- white school glue
- paint brush
- salt
- stickers
- small bowl
- tea candle
What you do:
- Put your stickers on the outside of the baby food jar in a pleasing arrangement. You may use whatever kind of stickers you like. You could also draw on the jar with permanent markers.
- Place a small amount of glue in a bowl. Paint over the outside of the jar and the stickers with a thin layer of white school glue. Sprinkle salt over the entire outside of the jar. Again, you can pour the salt onto a plate and roll the jar in the salt.
- Let the jar dry for 24 hours. When the jar is completely dry place a small tea candle in the jar. The salt will sparkle when dry.
These Grandparent's Day crafts are fun and easy to do. Instead of just making one and giving it as a gift why not get together with some friends and make a dozen or more. Then take them to your local nursing home and spend some time visiting with the residents. It would be a very special way to celebrate Grandparent's Day.
