Cerise Magazine

Any monster-filled gaming session, tabletop or video, can benefit from a little atmospheric mood lighting. It’s easy to just dim the lights, or set up a few pillar candles, but it’s also not that hard to customize some inexpensive glass holders to add an extra little touch of detail to your lighting scheme. Also, it’s fun!

Cost: moderate. Supplies for several candle holders can be purchased for around $30 US.

Time: an hour or two. This craft will take longer if you decide to make very elaborate stencils.

Skill level: those with some experience in general crafting will have no trouble with this craft. Beginners will want to start with less ambitious designs.

Equipment:

You’ll need:

Glass candle holders – votive holders are inexpensive and have nice, big surface areas to put your designs on
Glass-etching cream (I used Armour Etch brand)
Blank stencil designed for use with etching cream
Pencil
Paintbrush
Masking tape
Craft knife
A cutting surface (I like to use flaps from old cardboard boxes for stuff like this – when I’m done, I toss them in the recycling bin)
A reliable clock or a timer
A sink
Candles to fit your holders

You may also want:

Gloves
Pictures for design reference

Step 1: Cut the stencil

Use your pencil to lightly sketch the design you want to etch onto your candleholder onto the stencil material, and then cut out the stencil using the craft knife. This is the hardest part – take your time!

For my candleholder, I decided to do a dragon breathing fire (because I like dragons, and also because I was pretty sure I could draw one). I sketched the outline of a dragon head onto the stencil before cutting, but cut the tongues of flame freehand. Experiment a little bit to see what methods work best for you. You can also have some fun with pre-cut stencils, or a combination of customized and pre-cut designs.

Step 2: Apply the stencil

Once you’ve got a stencil you’re happy with, smooth it down onto your candleholder. Tape the edges with masking tape to help hold it in place and protect the glass you don’t intend to etch.

Step 3: Apply the etching cream

Read the instructions on your etching cream thoroughly, and take any precautions that need to be taken (gloves and good ventilation are a really good idea). Use a paintbrush to apply the cream thickly to the exposed areas of your project, following any special instructions that come with your cream.

Step 4: Etch!

Set your timer, or watch your clock, and let the etching cream do its work, according to the package directions (mine took five minutes).

When the time’s up, carry your project carefully to the sink and rinse it until all traces of the cream are gone.

Step 5: Remove stencil

Gently peel the stencil away from the candleholder, and give it a good rinse, too – most stencils can be reused several times, if you take good care of them.

Step 6: Add candle

Put a candle in your holder, light it (make sure the holder is on a heat-safe surface!), and enjoy your customized lighting scheme!

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Craft Check: Etched Glass Candle Holders

October 2007 Issue

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