Here's how to create an impressive flower shaped tealight candle holder out of plaster of Paris. These would make a great gift for Christmas or Mother's Day - or could make an unusual Thank You gift for teachers.
Time: 15 minutes plus 24 hours drying time
Age: Any age
Level: Medium
Materials
Plastic drinks bottle with flower shaped base

Look out for a plastic soft drink bottle with a flower shaped base
Method
Cut the bottom off the plastic drinks bottle to get your mould.

Moulds ready
Mix the craft plaster of Paris according to the instructions on the pack. We used 1.5 parts plaster of Paris to 1 part water. Use a disposable tub to mix the plaster as you don't want to rinse unused plaster down the sink.
Pour the plaster into the mould slowly. You will see petal shapes appear in the mould - stop filling when you still have petals, before you reach the smooth side of the bottle.
Leave for a few minutes then press a tealight candle into the centre of the plaster flower, trying to get the candle level with the top of the plaster but not spilling onto the candle.
Place a coin on top to keep the candle weighted down.
Leave to set then pop out of the mould.
Allow to dry fully for about 24 hours.
Your flower shaped tealight candle holder is now ready.
If you want to make a coloured flower, try adding a few spoonfuls of dry tempera paint powder to the dry plaster powder before you add water. You can also try shaking some glitter on before the plaster is fully set or can paint the finished candle holder with acrylic paint.
For some more plaster of Paris craft ideas for kids,
click here.
Categories
#Medium
#Under 5s
#5 to 10s
#Over 10s
#Any age
#Gift
#Mothers Day
#Christmas
#Teacher gift
#Candle
#Plaster
#Plaster of Paris
#Casting
#Mould
#Recycled
#Bottle