LIGHTS OF LOVE CENTERPIECE

Not sure if you want to use silk or fresh flowers? Included in the directions are hints for both. Even if you put in what you would put into a bud vase, it looks elegant. You can also sink the pedestals into concrete in a terra cotta dish to make a planter with live plants. Be sure to line the wall of the dish on the inside with dry foam so the concrete doesn't crack the dish. Add flowers in water tubes to the design. This is the least expensive way to go. Or even propagate ivy around the pedestals in the planter if you have time.

If you're interested in do-it-yourself lessons? Click the button "About Us" on the first page. The first one is Fresh Flowers-Lesson 1. Even though you may not want to do your own bouquets, you might want to learn how to work with fresh flowers. Be sure to sign up for the lessons if you want them to continue - just click the "Contact Us" button on the first page and let them know you are interested in the lessons. THEY ARE FREE!! And fun!

This craft is courtesy of the Wedding Flowers Website and is used by permission. They retain all rights; copyrights to all contents, and directions are the property of the Wedding Flowers Website. Candle image courtesy of Jeri.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• 3-14 inch plastic pedestals (can be ordered from the Wedding Flowers Website.
• Hot glue
• Glass dessert dish or other planter or dish
• Glass gems
• Acrylic Water
• Florist foam
• Tiny plastic cup (necessary if you are going to do fresh arrangement, optional if doing silk)
• Spanish moss (optional)
• Silk or fresh flowers and greenery
• 3 glass votive cups
• 3 votive candles
• Small amount of 1/4" ribbon (optional)
• Fabric coated green wire cut in half (for silk)
• Stickum

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut 2 of the pedestals shorter than the others (see graphic). If you would like to order them from the Wedding Flowers website, click on this URL: http://hometown.aol.com/nanplom/page4.html.
2. Hot glue ring (comes with pedestals) to top of pedestals. (You may wish to hot glue ribbon to the ring first. If you do it first be sure to put the bows facing the front when you hot glue your pedestals in). The graphic shows a bow that was put on to cover the ribbon seam.
3. If your dish bottom is not level you may pour a thin layer of Acrylic Water and let it set. It is much easier to level it this way than to try to do it with hot glue. Hot glue pedestals to glass dish, foot side down (see graphic for where to put them) and make sure they are sitting straight. If you poured Acrylic Water to level the dish or plate just put a small amount more of the Acrylic Water to stick them to the plate. This is only temporary and will not ensure the hold of the pedestals to the glass dish.
4. Pour in "Acrylic Water" (DO NOT USE ACRYLIC WATER IF YOU ARE MAKING A PLANTER) after following mixing direction. Add glass gems everywhere BUT the space inside of the pedestals. Put your plastic cup there if you are doing fresh. Or sink your wire there for the foam if you are doing silk (and do not wish to use a cup) - ends sticking up so when the time comes to put in the foam...the wires will hold it in securely. Make sure your pedestals are straight.....once set you will never be able to move them.
5. Let set 24 hours or longer depending on the humidity.
6. Your centerpiece is ready to design. Design like the graphic.
7. Stick glass votive cups to pedestal rings with "Stickum". Add candle. This step should be done AT the reception site not before transport; they are too top heavy that way. You may wish to set the arrangement on a mirror square. To make a larger centerpiece you may wish to use the 21" pedestals and a larger plate.

NOTE:You may purchase many of the materials listed here at craft stores or places like Walmart.