The Desi Way - Using Chai Glasses to Create Candle Votives

After creating candle votives from normal drinking glasses and shot glasses, I’ve discovered yet another way of making candle votives, that too, from simple and affordable glass products. My recent craft stint was with the famous “Cutting Chai Glasses”. Well, I don’t need to explain to you what these are as this is a term which is known to every Indian irrespective to the state you belong. 

Chai glasses are very simple and affordable and can be easily purchased from any local vendor who supplies chai glasses. They’re budget friendly and great if you want to use them as a part of your decor not only for your home but also for festivals. A great lighting accent to use especially if you're fond of lot of lighting.

Along with a set of 4 large glasses, I've also tried making votives of the medium sized ones. In fact, the medium sized ones are the just perfect as votives. Here's a snapshot of the medium sized glasses:

 Here are snapshots of the large sized ones.

Colourful aren't they? Perfect for lighting up your home with tea lights in the evenings and especially when you want some soft lighting when its still not dark. This is the only time the colours will truly show up. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to take snapshots during late evening, but I've got pics of how they look in pitch dark. I used LED tea lights to light them up.

If you’re one of those who is not inclined towards exorbitant and expensive products for the  home, this is a great way to decorate your home. 

A few tips when you try these DIY Chai Glass candle holders:

·      The best way to paint these is using some vibrant colours (in this case I've used Ceramic paints since they tend to give a darker finish; you could also use glass paints as an option) as shown in the pictures above.

·   You could also use leftover lace, decorative stones to decorate the rim (the plain part above the textured part of the chai glass).

·   Use either LED lights or wax tea lights. In case of wax tea lights, place some water in the chai glass (up to half) and place the tea light candle into it. This will not only help in balancing the temperature but also show up the designs on the glass very well.

In case you have tried out making votives out of chai glasses or if you have more ideas, we'd love to know about them. Do not forget to leave a link to your work in the comments section below.

Till then, Happy Crafting

Karen