Knock-Off Party

Knock-Off Party time!  You can link up any knock-off from any home decor catalog.  A few basic rules (more details here):

1. the knock-off must be made by you
2. please have a photo of the original item so we can compare
3. please link back to me in your post (why? read this)  If you like, just copy and paste this into your post:  Partying @ Homebody

I wasn't on the ball this month with talking up the party ahead of time, but I hope there will be at least a few links.  You're welcome to use an old post.

Also, today I'm happy to have a guest poster.  Welcome Vivienne of The V Spot!  She has a simple, inexpensive and really cool knock-off to share. 

I love these candles from Pottery Barn.

{Photo removed at the request of Williams-Sonoma, Inc.}

However, even at the relatively reasonable price of $15, I still saw no need to spend that much…


In a previous post, I explained how I can use every single bit of my candles.  I did the same thing here, using old candle wax, wicks from the craft store and a few shells that I already had.

Take the wax and put it in a microwave proof bowl. 

In a perfect world, I would have had plain white wax for this project, but alas, it is not a perfect world.  However, some of the wax was my favorite Tuscan Basil scent, so at least my imperfect world smells like Tuscany.


Microwave the wax in 30 second to 1 minute intervals, gently swirling the wax in between heatings.  You will probably need to use a pot-holder to handle the bowl.


In the meantime, take the shells and prop them up/steady them.  I used rice on a plate to support them so they don't tip over.

Since the bottom of the shell is curved, you might need to bend the wick at an angle when you place it in the shell.

Take the hot wax (carefully!) and dip the bottom of the wick in the wax to anchor it in place. Then pour in the wax into the shell. (Carefully!) (I warned you guys a couple of times that this is hot, hot, hot.  Please be careful, and if you burn yourself please do not come crying to me, because I told you to be careful...mkay? Just sayin'.)




    

Let them sit and harden.  Clean off/scrape away any wax that might have run onto the outside of the shell.


I wanted to use sand like the picture in the Pottery barn catalog, but unless I wanted to vacuum my car’s interior to try and get some leftovers from our last beach trip (which I didn’t) or go over to the beach (which I didn't) I opted to use sea-glass type filler instead.

It’ll work.

The best part?  That they were pretty much free.

Give it a try.  Cheap, easy, and it smells good too!