Happy Sunday, all!

Today I have for you a DIY project that is just too cool not to share and (of course) it’s a bit creepy! From Bev at flamingotoes.com, I give you spooky crystal ball candlesticks:

They don’t HAVE to be creepy but they sure look good when they are!

I will say that you do need a few specialty items to make these look great like ink jet printable transparencies and good quality images but the original tutorial has a complete list and some resources for those images! Ultimately you’ll need: Inkjet Transparency film, candlesticks, clear holiday bulbs, hot glue, a candle, and the crystal ball shape pattern.

It starts with printing the images on to the transparency film and cutting them into the crystal ball shape:

Eye see some other great ideas in your future!

Make sure that the little tab at the bottom is included as that will become important in another step. But first, the crystal ball should look a little smoky so the next step is to light a candle and let the smoke drift up into your clear bulb:

Use extreme caution! It will get hot!

As it states in the tutorial, do this is stages so that you don’t burn yourself and the bulb does not shatter. After it is a lovely smoky shade and has cooled, it’s time to insert the image:

Also, make sure you are inserting with the tab facing out of the opening!

Once the image is inserted, the tab should be slightly sticking out so that you may glue it to the rim of the opening. This will make the image stand upright:

Thank goodness you remembered the tab, right?

Finally, it’s time to place it on your candlestick. I would definitely get a feel for the size of the rim to the size of your candlestick opening as you may have to use a little filler if the candlestick is bigger. If not, it’s still suggested that glue be applied for stability:

The eyes have it!

So there you are, some added sophistication and creep factor in your decorating this season. Next week we’ll take a look at some DIY treat bags for the kiddos.

Stay crafty!

~Laura