Wednesday, July 8, 2015

By Eula Clarke


A luminary is a paper lantern that is commonly formed with a candle inside a paper bag set in some sand. It is widely common in New Mexico and southwest US on Christmas eve. Luminary candles are meant to illuminate a stairway, pathway or any other area during a night occasion. The art that began in old Mexico is now being used in other parts of the world during holidays, celebrations and other social events. In case you want to create your own luminary, use these tips.

First, select the bags you wish to use to create your luminaries. It is advisable that you choose brown bags that are lunch-sized in shape. These were the type of bags that were used in traditional Mexico. These type of bags block much light, except that light that shines through cutout areas of the said bag. You will need to pick colored gift sacks. Select those that are made from paper that is not transparent. You may opt for thick paper. Colored bags fit proms and weddings

Consider coming up with innovative designs that are appropriate with you. Select the anterior part design of bags. Make sure that the patterns on the anterior part of your bags do not allow much space openings. Large space openings on the anterior part of your bags are known to decrease your bags stability. This may result to crumbling of your bags. Consider coming up with easy and quick designs to cut out. More simple designs are easier and quicker.

You should transfer your design to a cardboard or a cardstock. By so doing, you will be in a position to use the design of your choice as the pattern on your bag. Tape or glue a colored tissue paper around the cutout pattern. The aim of doing this is to filter light. Another work of tissue paper is to make light appear in a variety of colors.

After you have glued colored tissue papers, it is time to light the luminary. Get ready to light them. You can use several light sources to provide you with enough light for your luminaries. Consider setting approximately 453g of sand on the bottom of the luminaries. The sand is necessary to weigh your luminary down. Substitute sand with a rock or other heavy objects. It is time to set light candles inside the sand. Push them so that they may sit strongly in the bag.

Set you luminaries in a row may be along a driveway, pathway or on stairwells. You may also come up with your own pattern on how to set them. Your choice of pattern may however be influenced by the type of celebration.

Right before dark, light your luminaries with the light source of your choice. If you are planning to use them welcome friends, visitors or any other special persons, it is wise lighting them 10-15 minutes prior those special ones arrive. You do not want to run up and down looking for a light source when your visitors are knocking at your door.

The make of one side of your bags should be cut out using a utility knife. One should place a wood slab, a quilter mat or cardboard beneath one layer of your bag when cutting out the design.




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