These terracotta flowerpots gain a shot of glamour with a shimmering of gold around their rims. Not only does the candlelight add sparkle to outdoor entertaining, but a generous dash of citronella essential oil in the candle wax deters annoying insect invasion as dusk falls.
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Tools & Materials
Small paintbrushes,
Acrylic gold size,
Terracotta flowerpots,
Gold-coloured Dutch metal leaf,
Scissors,
Soft bristled brush,
Amber shellac,
Modelling clay,
Wick,
Pencil or thin twig,
Candle wax,
Bain-marie (double boiler),
Candle colourant (optional),
Citronella essential oil
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- Brush acrylic gold size around the rims of the flowerpots and leave to dry until transparent, but not so dry that it has lost its adhesive property. The length of time this takes will depend on the ambient temperature and humidity and may be anything between 10 and 30 minutes - some acrylic size has an indefinite 'open' or working time, making it foolproof to use.
- Cut the metal leaf into manageable peices. Place the metal leaf on the sized area and gently ease into place using a soft bristled brush. Gently brush away excess leaf. Continue untill all of the sized area has been covered.
- Apply a coat of amber shellac to the gilded area to form a protective seal. Leave to dry, following the manufacturer's directions.
- Push a small piece of modelling clay into the drainage hole at the bottom of th3e flowerpot to seal it. Suspend the candle wick centrally in the pot by attaching the upper end of the wick to a pencil or twig laid across the top of the pot. Emded part of the bottom of the wick in the modelling clay, allowing the remaining part to lie across the bottom of the pot so that the finished candle will burn for as long as possible.
- Melt the candle wax in a bain-marie (double boiler). Add candle colourant if desired and a few drops of citronella essential oil.
- Pour the molten wax into the flowerpot and leave until set, then snip the wick with scissors.
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