BRONZE BUDGET BRIDE

                                         

These fun and fresh candles would be perfect reception table decorations! I'm making mine out of lemons to match my colour scheme, but you could do this project with any citrus fruit. Here's the tutorial.

Materials:

1 dozen lemons
A sharp knife
1 pound of beeswax 
A package of candle wicks with wick holders
A melon baller
Citronella oil (optional)

1. Cut the lemons in half lengthwise. Sqeeze out as much of the juice as you can, being careful not to tear or puncture the skin. Use the melon baller or a large spoon to scrape out all the pulp. You want them to be as clean inside as possible.

2. Melt the wax in double boiler or a small metal bowl over a pot of boiling water. Remove from heat once it is completely liquid. At this point you can add a few drops of citronella oil if you like. It has a nice lemony scent and repels bug as an extra bonus.

3. Cut three inches of wick and tie a knot at one end. Thread the free end through the wick holder and pull until secure.

4. Dip the wick and wick holder in the melted wax. This will stiffen it and make it stand up straight.  Press the wick holder into the bottom of the lemon and let the wick harden.

5. Pour the melted wax into each fruit half. Voila, you have a candle! Let the wax set overnight, and that's it!

This tutorial makes 24 candles. Being made from fresh fruit, they look their best within a day or two of making them.

By the way, save all that lemon pulp and juice for homemade lemonade or cooking. I'm going to use it to make lemon risotto for the reception. Killing two birds with one stone, groceries and decor!