Every year on the last Saturday in March, people around the world observe Earth Hour by turning off unnecessary lights and appliances for an hour. The World Wildlife Fund, which founded Earth Hour in 2007, was hoping for a billion participants in 2010. Many of them probably lit candles—which, proving no good deed goes unpunished, can also create pollution. Read more
CREATIVE SOLUTION | Regular hardware store metal window screening, with its nostalgic cottage connotations, has obvious uses-and some that are less apparent. Here it has been folded into holders for votive candles.
Start with a form and fold the screening around it. I used plastic nursery-style flowerpots because of their gentle tapering shape and the variety of available sizes.
Use utility scissors to cut out a square of screening big enough to wrap up and over all four sides of the flowerpot. Set the pot down in the centre of the square, making a sharp crease along the bottom. Fold the remaining sides, bringing the corners together as if you were wrapping a box. Pinch all folded edges firmly against the form. Trim the excess screening to about one centimetre above the top of the pot. Carefully remove the pot. Fold the top edge to make a tidy hem. Smooth and adjust the crimping with your fingers.
I used aluminum-coloured aquarium stones to surround my tea lights. They weigh down the base of the holders, keep the candles in place and make the entire product more stable.
These candleholders make an attractive gift for anyone with a cottage (or patio, for that matter). They are also a great project for family members on holiday suffering from rainy day cabin. — Brendan Power
You can find metal mesh window screen at hardware stores.