Water Balloon Luminary

16 Comments

Create a beautiful, translucent candle holder with the help of a water balloon.

Materials:

Small Water Balloon(s)
High-Melt Paraffin Wax
Saucepan or wide metal can specifically for melting wax (you won’t be able to re-use a pan for other purposes)
Larger saucepan for boiling water (double-boiler method)
Cookie sheet

Instructions:

Fill the larger saucepan partially with water and bring to a boil. Place your wax chunks into the smaller saucepan or wide metal can for melting wax. Grating the wax helps it to melt quicker. Place this can into the larger saucepan to melt the wax. Or, use a double boiler specifically for this purpose.
You ideally want to keep the wax around 180 degree Fahrenheit while you work.
Completely fill a small balloon with room-temperature water and tie off the top. Holding the balloon at the tie, slowly dip the water-filled balloon into the wax just under the water line. Do not dip past the water line in the balloon or the balloon will pop.
Hold the balloon dipped in the wax for a few seconds and slowly lift it out. Let the wax cool for a few seconds. Repeat this process two to three more times, letting the wax cool for a few second between each dip.
After the last dip, while the wax is still warm, carefully set the balloon onto the cookie sheet. This will give your luminary a flat bottom.
Continue to dip your balloon into the wax until you reach the desired thickness.
Set the balloon on the cookie sheet again and allow it to cool.
Once completely cool, hold the balloon over the sink and pop with a needle, knife, or other sharp object. Remove the balloon from the inside of the luminary.
Heat a cookie sheet on the stove or in the oven until quite hot. To level the top of the luminary, place it upside down on the hot sheet so that the edges melt until even.
Allow to dry right-side up again. Once cool, place a tea light inside and burn, preferably on a candle holder. See how it glows!

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Toby K Editor

Jul 18, 2016

This seems so easy! I can't wait to try it. I've always loved luminaries

magpie57 2022482

Jan 22, 2012

I saw this demonstrated on PBS and they used beeswax. One of the cautions they stated was to fill the balloon completely and not leave any air in it at all. Instead of using just small warmer candles you could also use taller ones. They also worked some dried flowers and leaves in the last two drippings. You have to be careful not to get burned. They used their fingers but I think tweezers would have been better. Just glue the items onto the bowl (while the balloon is still in it) using some of the melted wax as glue. It was very pretty that way

karens 0578919

Jun 19, 2011

A picture would be very helpful. I believe what you are trying to make here is a luminaria, since a luminary is a celebrity who inspires others.

lisataylor9 346052 4

Jan 16, 2011

please give us some pictures, it would be helpful.

driftawayangel

Jan 04, 2011

Thanks, Can't wait to try this:)

agypsyangel

Nov 25, 2010

I havent heard of this, great idea

randi56071 4613223

Nov 11, 2010

This sounds like a fun project for my kids. I will definately give it a try.

Wild Orichid

Aug 27, 2010

this is a great way to recycle scented candles and make ur own scent... makes great project for girl scouts

cattylady8

Apr 05, 2010

I used this same technique for making chocolate bowls....you can put ice cream, berries, whatever you like to eat with chocolate in them. My grandkids loved eating them making them.

Snowwhite

Feb 14, 2010

It was so Pretty

mamaritz

Jan 31, 2010

sounds like fun, but I would have loved a picture. Most of us that make crafts by looking at something are very visual.

Crafter 7624138

Jan 26, 2010

this sounds like a great prodject. would anyone have a picture of it? thx lorraine

Crafter 17570

Jan 25, 2010

This sounds really cool! And my daughter would LOVE it! Does anyone have any pictures of either their final luminary or any in process pics? Thanks for sharing this awesome idea!

Melissa34

Jan 24, 2010

I have an image of how this finished product would look,,,,,but would love to see pics.... There could be endless possibalities with this project if its like I have imagined....Thanks for sharing this idea!

Elizabeth Pardo

Jan 21, 2010

That is a great idea! I'll have to try it tonight.

Crafter 7401228

Dec 21, 2009

great idea to make for christmas in a group for the centre of the christmas table.