by POPSUGAR Home 5

I've been totally in love with Glassybaby candle holders for months now, but I can't bring myself to spend $40 on a small votive. So when I came across CandleTech's DIY for making water balloon luminaries with very much the same shape simply out of paraffin wax, I knew I'd found an affordable alternative. All you'll need for this project is high-melt paraffin wax, water balloons, a piece of paper, a double boiler, a cookie sheet, and perhaps a candy thermometer. To learn the steps, read more.

Here's how, from CandleTech:

1. Fill the balloon with lukewarm water.
2. Melt your wax on the double boiler, keeping the temperature around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the candy thermometer if necessary to keep track of the temperature.
3. Dip the balloon into the wax just below the water level, holding it for a few seconds.
4. Lift it out of the wax and repeat several times, letting it dry for a few seconds in between.
5. Lay the paper on the cookie sheet. Then press the balloon while it's still warm on the paper to create a flat base.
6. Continue to dip the balloon in the wax until it is about 1/4" or 1/2" thick.
7. Let the balloon cool completely.
8. Take a knife, fork, or skewer are carefully pop the balloon over the sink.
9. Pull out and toss the pieces of balloon.
10. Warm up your cookie sheet.
11. Then, flatten the top of the candle holder but pressing it onto the warm cookie sheet until it's level.
12. Set a tea light inside, and light away!

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