Craft and Hobby Idea Instructions

Canvas Squeegee Painting Steps

Buy blank canvas, squeegees and acrylic paint from your craft or dollar store. Apply paint blotches wherever you want on your canvas. Run your squeegee across the paint in random directions. Repeat if desired (you may want to allow to dry in between).

Make Your Own Chocolates

There are likely a lot of different recipes out there to get creative, but I have kept it simple. Purchase your chocolate - I have bought chocolate candy melts from Michael’s, but also used bars and blocks purchased from the local grocery store. If using a bar/block, I break it into smaller pieces. Melt in the microwave (medium power setting, shorter time frames 30 seconds each, stirring in between until just melted), or in a double boiler. Once melted, I add a small amount of shortening. Next, fill your silicone molds. You can use a spatula to scrap off any excess. Put into the fridge until hard. Pop out of the silicone molds. If necessary, break off any extra chocolate that surrounds your mold’s shape. Enjoy! Note: These freeze well.

Wine Glass Pumpkin Candle Holders

I like to craft on a dime. Buy 2 different sized (height and width) wine glasses (think Dollar Store, Goodwill store or local garage sale). Wipe down using Isopropyl alcohol (97%+) to clean. Let dry for a minute. Using glass paint, start by painting the orange ‘pumpkin’ on the larger part of the glass. Use broad strokes - let dry before applying a second coat. Next, use green glass paint for the stem and base of the glass. One coat might do. Let dry. Flip your wine glass over so the stem is up. Use a glue gun to apply artificial leaves (think Dollar store) at the bottom of the base. You can decorate only the front or all the way around. Finally add a small candle to the top and you are done! Neat idea: take a battery tealight and place under your glass for a wonderful extra glow.