Last week, our subscribers got a fun surprise, or actually several fun surprises, and one of which was this light holder tutorial Chris or Chris Isham Photography and Katelyn of Mod Fete. We think these would be fun to make with family over the holidays, don’t you? These gilded plaster candleholders are easy to create and make a beautiful statement when clustered alone or scattered throughout a tabletop centerpiece. Enjoy!

Here is what you will need:

Water Balloons
Wire
Plaster of Paris
Water for mixing
Whisk & Spoon
Area to hang drying balloons
Martha Stewart Transfer adhesive {or a comparable gold leaf adhesive)
Foam brush & Paintbrush
Gold Leaf

1. Prep the balloons by blowing them up with air and attaching 1’ of wire to the knot for hanging.

2. Combine 2 parts Plaster of Paris to 1 part water in a medium container. Mix enough Plaster of Paris to allow the balloons to be dipped at least halfway. Quantity shown is 3 cups plaster to 1.5 cups water.

3. Whisk quickly and begin dipping balloons immediately as the plaster will dry in several minutes. If the plaster begins to thicken, it’s ok to add a splash of water and remix, but do not repeat as this will greatly weaken the plaster.

4. After all balloons have been dipped once and hung to dry, begin with the first balloon and dip all balloons a second time.

5. Once balloons have been dipped twice, dip only the tip of the balloon in plaster and set carefully on a flat surface to dry fully. This will take 2+ hours.

6. After the plaster is completely dry, pierce the balloon next to the knot and allow it to slowly deflate, rather than simply popping the balloon.

7. Brush the transfer adhesive into the cup and allow 1-2 minutes for the glue to become tacky.

8. Place and smooth pieces of the gold leaf until the area is covered. Overlap is OK. Once the glue is dry, use a brush to remove any excess leaf.