December 3, 201218 THE PROFILE

MaterialsBeeswax, jars, candle wicks, scissors,

boiling bags (or heavy duty freezer bags),

cooking pot, rubberband, optional:

candle scent

DIYGIFTSHandmade and from the heartBY STACEY SVENDSEN

Beeswax candle

1Begin by placing your wick into your jar.

Wrapping the end around a pencil will

keep it straight and center while pouring

the wax.

2 You’ll then break up the wax for your

¿UVW�FDQGOH�DQG�SXW�LW�LQWR�\RXU�ERLOLQJ�

bag, loosely tying a rubberband around the top. This will

allow hot air to exit when you’re heating the wax. Beeswax

is naturally scented but if you want to have a different

scent—pour your oil in the boiling bag with the wax.

3�1H[W��¿OO�\RXU�SRW�����ò�ZD\�ZLWK�ZDWHU�DQG�SODFH�LW�RQ�the stove on medium heat. Set your boiling bag in the wa�ter and wait for the wax to liquefy. Make sure that the bag

doesn’t touch the rim of the pot and that the water never

reaches a boiling point.

4 Once melted, carefully pour your wax into your jar to the

desired height.

5 After the wax is completely solid, clean up any excess

wax that may have spilled over and cut the wick so that it’s

ò�LQFK�WDOO��6 Now it’s ready to be lit and enjoyed!

Map plateMaterialsPlate or tray, paper map, MODGE PODGE, paint brush, scissors

1�6WDUW�E\�FRDWLQJ�\RXU�SODWH�WUD\�ZLWK�D�WKLQ�OD\HU�RI�PRGJH�SRGJH��2Position your map onto the plate and smooth the map into the form of the

plate. If your surface has curved edges, you might want to cut slits into the

paper so that it can easily bend around the surface without making bumps.

My map featured a lot of mountains, so I wasn’t too worried about smoothing

the bumps.

HOLIDAYPICKS

thepro!leonline.blogspot.com19

Personalized mugs

Materials0XJV�RU�FXSV��WKULIW�VKRSV�DUH�WKH�EHVW�SODFH�WR�JHW�µHP���&HUDPLF�JODVV�markers

3�(YHQO\�FRDW�WKH�WRS�ZLWK�����PRUH�OD\HUV�RI�PRGJH�SRGJH��ZDLWLQJ�IRU�each layer to dry before applying the next coat.

4�&XW�RII�WKH�H[FHVV�PDS�DQG�PDNH�DQ\�QHHGHG�WRXFK�XSV�ZLWK�PRGJH�podge.

5�<RXU�SODWH�LV�QRZ�¿QLVKHG�DQG�FDQ�EH�XVHG�DV�D�FDWFK�DOO��FDQGOH�holder, or even as wall art!

1 Think of the person who’s receiving the mug and design accordingly.

This can be as simple as their favorite quote or poem, or as detailed as a

Renoir painting. I stuck to fairly simple designs, with my most compli�cated being a drawing of my house.

2 Draw! Sketching out the design in pencil and then going over it with

the marker will make things easier if you have something more elabo�rate planned.

3 Let the ink dry completely and bake according to your marker’s

instructions.

4 Fill it with packets of cider or hot cocoa and you’ve got a cozy and

personalized gift!