The Answer Is Chocolate: Valentine's Lanterns

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Products in this post were provided to me. Project and opinions are mine.

Yikes. How is it almost Valentine's Day already? Time to get busy with some new decorations right? Fortunately I get to work with Oriental Trading Company and with their selection of decor and craft items, was able to come up with some new pieces I now have up not only for Valentine's Day but as part of my decor all year round!

Since I tend towards neutrals and metallics, I fell in love ( no pun intended) with these silver metal lanterns. I decided I'd make some altered candles to put inside them but since I knew I wouldn't light them, I chose battery operated flameless candles. They look great lit or unlit and no risk of burning down the house!

Never one to leave anything plain, I used a Love Letter background stamp to make candle wraps for the candles.

I stamped on plain white cardstock then tore the edges and went over with a metallic gold rub-on to give them an aged look. Adhered them to the candles with a strong double sided tape.

Still not content to leave my candlewraps alone, I cut a couple of hearts from some scrap glitter vinyl. And of course, STILL not content, had to embellish some more! What goes better with hearts than more hearts and keys?

I adhered the large keys with foam dots, wrapped gold and white Baker's twine around each candle a few times ( this also keeps the keys in place) and finished with heart charms and a rolled paper rose made w/ scraps from my stamped candlewraps. We makers don't wastestuff do we?!

Once my candles were done, of course I needed to add some embellishments to the lanterns themselves. Using scrap glitter paper , more Baker's twine, charms , and paper roses did the trick!

When lit, the candles give of a calming soft glow. I miss just sitting and looking at the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. I think I've found a solution!

Supplies Used ( unless otherwise stated all are from Oriental Trading Co)