Pistachio Shell Flowers and Votive Holder

Sometimes mimicking nature is best done by using other pieces of nature. Okay, this is just my excuse to down a pound of pistachios. I use the leftover shells to create these beautiful flowers. If you leave a small opening in the middle, they can be used as votive candle holders.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

For the votive holder flower, you will need:

• several pistachio shells (over 1 cup works best)
• CD (use a damaged one or a Nickelback album)

• hot glue gun with glue

• one votive candle

For the small flowers, you will need

• several pistachio shells
• small circular cardboard cutout
• hot glue gun with glue
• acrylic paint
• paintbrush

Step 2: Begin the Candle Holder Flower

Place your candle in the middle of your CD to find out how much space you'll need around the first ring of pistachio shells. Dab some hot glue on the CD just outside the candle.

Step 3: Lay Down the Shells

Begin adding pistachio shells side by side, standing straight up, all around the candle on the hot glue. When you've made your first ring around the candle, start a new one just outside of it, but with the shells leaning back a bit. As you keep making new rings, lay them down a bit more each time, as if the flower is in bloom.

Step 4: Light That Fire

When you've reached the end of the CD with the shells, you're done! No drying time needed as hot glue sets up super fast. Light that candle!

Step 5: Making Mini Flowers

To make the mini flowers, glue shells in the same manner onto mini cardboard rounds. When you reach the edges, it's time to paint. Start by painting the exposed top sections, then dry for 20 minutes. Flip over and paint the bare sides and backs of the shells.