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Hotcrafts | Soapmaking

This week's Craft of the Week features Squash Candles.   All you need is a beautiful acorn squash and some paraffin to make a beautiful centerpiece for Thanksgiving or a lovely gift.

What You Need:

• Acorn squash
• Knife
• String for wick
• Paraffin
• Upholstery needle
• Newspaper for working surface
• Putty

What you do:

1. Cut the top off an acorn squash. Remove the seeds and inside flesh.  Use this hollow squash for a candle mold.
2. Thread a wick through the bottom of the squash using a long upholstery needle or other large needle.  Seal the bottom with a bit of putty.   Stand the squash in a large glass to keep it level.
3. Pour your melted paraffin, remembering to keep some in reserve to fill the shrink well as the candle cools.  You may have to do this several times, poking a small hole along the wick to relieve any trapped air.
4. When your candle is fully hardened, cut away or peel away the squash shell and you are left with a wonderfully shaped unique candle.  The flesh of the squash will leave a rustic patina on your candle as well.    Flatten the base of your candle by rubbing it in on an old frying  pan on low heat.

Carla's Candles
is brought to us by Carla Strunk. She has a great way to make beautiful candles. Here are Carla's ideas: "I am making candle with my boys. It is a great way to get them involved in preparing for power outages that we expect to happen on occasion in the winter. We will also make some for Grandma's and Aunt Debbies Christmas gifts." Find out more.

Great Gift & Fundraising Idea
Brownies in a Jar Gift
Everyone loves brownies.  Brownies are the perfect gift and you'll love our Brownies in a Jar. All you need is a one quart jar that you can pick up at your local craft store.  Just take the ingredients for the Double Fudge Brownie Mix and fill the jar.  You can make the jar festive by using a colorful ribbon to tie on the recipe instructions along with a note from you.  Using a small piece of material you can also cover the lid of the jar add the ribbon and you have "wrapped" your gift!

Halloween & Fall Centerpieces
This craft is great for decorating your house, classroom, or party table. It can easily become a Fall decoration if you decide to make the wooden craft spoons into pumpkins, apples, or acorns just by using the appropriate colored acrylic paint. For example, if you would rather make pumpkins instead of ghosts for your centerpiece, then by painting the wooden craft spoons orange and making pumpkin faces you have a fun pumpkin Halloween or fall centerpiece. Halloween Pots are simple to make, kids from age 4 and up can have fun making these festive Halloween decorations.