DIY Resin Candle Holder

This week's DIY is a make it yourself resin candle holder. You don't have to stick with the cylindrical shape that I've used. The square and bowl shaped holders would work just as well. The best thing about this project is that it takes no time at all to make and you only need a few supplies.

Supplies:

2 glass containers (one small enough to nest in the other)

E-6000 or any other strong glue

Resin (I ended up using about 12oz.)

Any type of filler

Remember, you want your filler to be light enough in color for the candle to show through. I'm using the Agate I collected this summer in Alaska. Glass drops would work as well and they come in a wide variety of colors. I plan on making one with sea glass once I manage to find enough.

The first thing I did was adhere the smaller glass inside the larger one using a good size dollop of the E-6000. Make sure it's centered, press firmly and wait a few minutes to it to take hold.

This gives me about 3/4" - 1" of space on all sides.

Slowly start adding your filler. I covered the center with my hand to prevent rocks from falling into the smaller glass.

It's not quite up to the top but I'm all out of Agate. And I'm ok with that :)

Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect!

I chose to use a paper cup to mix the resin not only because I can just throw it away when I'm done but I can also squeeze the top sides together to get a more direct pour.

Once your resin is mixed slowly start to pour the resin over your filled between the two glass containers. Don't worry if you end up getting some on the glass. Just make sure you wipe it off with a paper towel when you get done pouring.

It takes a while for the resin to make its way down to the bottom. I actually ended up doing 4 small pours with about 5 minutes between each.

The resin will eventually settle at the bottom. I kinda like the look of the Agate that the resin has passed through.

And the finished product. Place your container somewhere it won't get knocked over and let sit 24 hours to harden. You can drop in a tea light candle (or larger, depending on your container)

I can't wait to see how this looks in the dark. I'll try to take some photos tonight.

Getting Pinched By Bears

This summer I was lucky to have my day off fall on July 4th. It was a slower week for us and I was able to fly out with the guys to Brooks River. If you've ever seen any photos of bears near a waterfall, more than likely, they were taken here.

First time visitors have to watch a 10 minute bear safety video (don't feed them, don't approach them, they don't like hugs or kisses. etc.) They give you a nifty little lapel pin (photo coming soon) and then you're off on your own.

Since I wasn't fishing or involved in taking photos for the website, I was stuck on bear duty. So, every three or four minutes (sometimes in lesser intervals) I would say, 'Incoming. Three o'clock.' And one of these guys would show up. (See above)

While these guys, Todd & Ryan, were busy documenting.

It was a little unnerving at first because there was a lot of tall grass but after awhile I sort of got used to having them around.

Doesn't he look cute? Yeah, looks can be deceiving. Later on, this clever boy decided we were a little too close for comfort and decided to charge us. Well, more specifically Todd, but since we were all standing together, we all got the full effect.

Incoming!

(Click on the pic for a detailed version of some lovely sharp teeth)

(And lovely sharp nails)

Scuba Steve! It cracks me up that they stick their heads under the water and look for fish. I guess everyone has their own way of doing things.

This big boy had perched himself on the falls and was waiting for salmon to jump.

(Click the photo for a larger view and you can see all of his battle wounds from other bears)

The falls, so beautiful. When we first got there only a few bears had taken up residence. By the time we left there were about 10-12.

They remind me of really big dogs.

Mr. Grumpy Gus. I love all of their facial expressions.

Hopefully I'll be able to go back in the next couple of years. Later on in the season more bears flock to the falls and that's what I want photos of!

:)

Wednesday Giveaways!

{Your choice of wire wrapped earrings from Contempo Jewelry Designs}

{$50 gift certificate to Vintage Child: Modern}

{You Are Here Now print by Farouche}

{$25 gift certificate to use at a sponsor's shop of your choice}

{Recipe Box by November Seven}

Today I...

{Organized soap}

{Pounded the treadmill}

{Contemplated taking a nap}

{I didn't!}

{Networked, did some craft planning, texted}

{Started getting ready for Fall}

{Got movies ready for craft time}

{Tried not to get attacked while I cleaned the tank}

{I did.}

{Read a few chapter from Jane Eyre}

{Enjoyed lunch}

{Admired my flowers that are somehow still alive from a week and a half ago.}

Wednesday Giveaways!

{Acrylic painting by Oddball ArtCo.}

{Mixed set of 3 airplants from toHOLD}

{Watch or zipper ring from Apostrophy Designs}

{Autumn Tree necklace giveaway from Janimie}

{Choice of caramel or nougat bar from Have It Sweet}

{Matchbook Stamp Set & Washi Tape from Chickydoddle}

{300 Items from Modern Typography}

{$20 gift certificate to Red Leaf}

{Love, Peace & Cookie Dough Apron from Green Couch Design}

I'm Back!

{Portage Lake}

Can't believe it's been more than 4 months since my last blog post! I was beginning to have serious withdrawals. Summer in Alaska was absolutely amazing. I had lots of long days, lots of hard work but met the best people who I now consider part of my extended family. I don't have nearly enough good things to say about the experience. And the scenery! Oh my stars! I've spent the past week decompressing and getting back into the swing of things. I wasn't acclimating too well at first :)

Anyways, I've had lots of time to plan so I have lots of fun stuff in store for you guys. Here's what you can expect to see in the next few weeks:

30 Days of Photos (with a different prompt for each day)

Wednesday Giveaways are back (starting tomorrow!)

Featured Etsy artists (starting later this month)

MP3 Swap (Cause who doesn't like free music?)

Friday DIY Links

Bloggers To Watch

Free Downloads

Blog revamp

Giveaways

Contests

And more!

If you'd like to check out some more photos from my Alaskan adventure, head over to my travel blog, Wanderlust. I'll be posting them throughout the day.

I hope you all had a wonderful summer and I can't wait to see what you guys have in store for this fall. The Etsy Holiday Boot Camp has started and I'm in dire need of a boot camp buddy so if you're interested, drop me a line :)