Make your own Luminarias!

[A10CalGal]

Hey girls,

I mentioned this idea in another thread started by TammyM, so I wanted to post the instructions. The idea is, instead of tealights/votives on the table which might blow out, to use these luminarias that will be printed with our logo & possibly used as a place card for each guest (I would print their name on it). You could also use them as decor on walking paths or stairs or railings, really where every you might want some lovely warm glowing light. I got this idea from a knottie on the DW board some time ago. I cannot remember her knottie name (sorry).

 

What you will need:

 

Small paper bags

Vellum

Adhesive spray

Printer

Tea lights/votives

Sand

 

1. Print design on to vellum –

 

Unfortunately, this is very time consuming

because you have to enter each name

and print them page by page. I’m sure there

Is some way around this using Word, but

I couldn’t figure it out.(edit: I would create a mail merge document in word to allow continuous printing. Create a spreadsheet w/all guests names in excel, and then do a mail merge in word to pull the info into your template.)

 

2. Cut vellum according to size of bags –

 

I used a fiskars sliding paper cutter to do this. It was much more accurate than using scissor.

 

3. Glue vellum to bags –

 

I used a spray adhesive after trying a few different glues. It works the best because you don’t see globs and it’s very strong.

 

4. Cut bags to desired height

 

5. Use small amount of sand to anchor the luminaries and hold the tea light in place.

[TammyB]

Cute idea Christa, I can totally see them marking a pathway at an evening ceremony on the beach.

[*JillD*]

that is a really cute idea, and I can picture it, but I have a dumb question, what the heck is vellum, sorry I'm not very crafty, actually this is the type of project I'd buy all the stuff for and never do , somedays I'm so ambitious, but those days are few and far between!

[NABUMBAH]

very creative, Christa.

 

does the CS have any restrictions on candles or anything? i didn't even check!

[A10CalGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jilly76 that is a really cute idea, and I can picture it, but I have a dumb question, what the heck is vellum, sorry I'm not very crafty, actually this is the type of project I'd buy all the stuff for and never do , somedays I'm so ambitious, but those days are few and far between!

No worries Jill! I didn't know what vellum was prior to planning a wedding. So, vellum is like the semi-transparent (or translucent) paper that you sometimes see as the top layer on various kinds of invitations. Here's an example:

[A10CalGal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NABUMBAH very creative, Christa. does the CS have any restrictions on candles or anything? i didn't even check!

Well sh*t Tasha, I don't know! Seriously, I don't think they do, because my preliminary planning with Maye includes candle stuff. I know she's worked w/Cabo Surf before, so I'm kind of assuming she would tell me if I couldn't have candles. Also, there is no mention in the "contract" I've signed, so I'm just going to proceed as I choose. So there!

[A10CalGal]

OK, so here's a pic from a Cabo Surf reception, and I definitely see candles & luminarias! I love the big table out on the lawn....hmmmm.....

[SASSYGIRL]

THis is a great idea! And it could be really easy to pack and not cost a ton! I am going to have to remember this one!

[MERRYME]

I think I saw a package of white paper bags at Costco CHEAP!

[LCBride2007]

For anyone that uses these, can they post pictures ... please! I am really bad at imagining something w/o being able to see the finished result. I've love to see how they look!