Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

7 Ways To Make A Candle Luminary

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As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, it’s time to start thinking about ways to add a festive and inviting atmosphere to our outdoor gatherings. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a pool party, or an evening of stargazing, a handmade luminary can be a lovely and affordable way to add some ambiance and warmth to the occasion.

Luminaries are essentially vessels that hold candles or lights and diffuse their glow through decorative cutouts or translucent materials. They come in all shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials such as paper, glass, and even tin cans. Not only are they visually pleasing, but they can also be functional, helping to light up a walkway, patio, or other outdoor space.

If you’re looking to create your own luminaries, there are a multitude of options to choose from. Some popular materials for DIY luminaries include mason jars, paper bags, and even recycled materials such as wine bottles and tin cans. Each material offers its own unique texture and lighting effect, and can be customized to fit the occasion or your personal style.

Here are 7 ideas to get you started on your luminary-making journey:

pineapple

1- Pineapple Candle Centerpiece from Smarty Had A Party

patriotic

2- Patriotic Luminaries from Saved By Love Creations

lilly

3- Milk Jug Waterlily from Fab Art DIY

masonjar

4- Easy Mason Jar Luminaries from Dream A Littler Bigger

yarn

5- Yarn Wrapped Painted Jars from The Forge

starrynight

6- Starry Night Luminaries from The Shabby Creek Cottage

starfish

7- Star Fish Luminary from The Inpired Room

 

 

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Etsy Feature – Pottery Travel Mug Template Set (3 Pieces)

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade travel mug. It’s practical, stylish, and makes your daily coffee or tea ritual feel that little bit more special. With this set of 3 pottery travel mug templates, you can create your own ceramic mugs that not only look professional but also make thoughtful, personal gifts.

What’s Included

This set comes with three different templates for slab-building your own travel mugs. Each template has slightly different proportions, giving you variety in size and style. That way you can experiment until you find the perfect fit for your hand—or make a matching set for family and friends.

Why These Templates Are Worth It

  • Reusable & Reliable: Print and trace them as many times as you want.

  • Practical Design: The angled opening and lid slot make them comfortable and functional.

  • Perfect for Beginners: Templates take the guesswork out of hand-building.

  • Gift-Worthy: A handmade travel mug is a unique, eco-friendly present that anyone would appreciate.

Inspiration for Makers

  • Try a speckled clay body with a matte glaze for a modern, minimalist vibe.

  • Add underglaze designs or decals for a personalized look.

  • Make a full set of mugs in coordinating colors—perfect for a couple or family gift.

  • Pair your finished mugs with a bag of specialty coffee or tea for a beautiful handmade gift set.

Why You’ll Love It

Handmade pottery mugs have a warmth and character that no store-bought cup can compete with. Using these templates makes the process approachable, while still leaving plenty of room for your creativity to shine. And honestly? Everyone I know could use a good travel mug—so why not make one that feels personal and one-of-a-kind?

You can grab the set here: Travel Mugs Set Templates (3 Pieces) on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I share clay tools and templates that make creating both functional and decorative pottery easier and more fun. And if you’re looking for a project that balances everyday use with handmade charm, these travel mugs might be your next go-to.