Every Harry Potter fan remembers the candles that magically float above the tables in the Great Hall during meals. Even if you’re not that familiar with the movies, you can still appreciate the mysterious effect that these candles create. This spooky lighting feature can be implemented in your own home with a little bit of time and a few materials you probably already have around.

ENGL421Project2.(Instructables).pdf
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Step 1: PREPARE THESE MATERIALS

● Paper towel tubes

● Scissors

● White paint

● Paint brush

● Dish for paint

● Hot glue gun

● Hot glue sticks

● Thumbtack

● Fishing Line

● LED tea lights [you can easily order a dozen or more relatively cheap (less than $10) on Amazon or eBay]

● Invisible tape

Step 2: TRIM THE PAPER

The paper towel tubes will comprise the body of the candles. Trimming the tubes to varying lengths will make the candles appear more realistic. Avoid trimming the tubes down to 6 inches or shorter, otherwise the candles will look stubby.

Step 3: PAINT THE PAPER TOWEL TUBES

Once your tubes are trimmed, apply a layer of white paint to the outside. One layer is recommended to maintain an antiquated look, but you can add as many layers as desired. Be sure to paint in one direction so that the brush strokes are uniform. Allow at least 10 minutes to dry.

Step 4: CREATE WAX DRIPS

Wax drips will help the candles look realistic, rather than just cardboard tubes. Using a glue gun, create wax drips along the top of the candle. Wax drips are usually ½ inch to 3 inches long, but you can make them as long as desired. Staggering lengths is recommended. Also, be careful not to get any glue on the inside of the tube, otherwise inserting the LED lights later will be difficult. Be sure to exercise caution when operating the glue gun.
Allow 5 to 10 minutes for the glue to dry.

Step 5: PAINT WAX DRIPS

Since the glue drips dry clear, they must be painted to match the rest of the candles. Rather than use a paintbrush, roll the sections of the candles with wax drips in white paint. This will ensure that the paint does not flake. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the paint to dry.

Step 6: THREAD THE CANDLE WITH FISHING LINE

Fishing line will be used to hang the candles to achieve the “floating” effect. Using a thumbtack, make a small insert in the side of the tube, roughly the height of the LED light from the top. Make an identical insert directly opposite from the first. The fishing line with be strung through these holes.

Then, determine how far you want the candles to hang from the ceiling. Cut a segment of fishing line that is double this length (since it will be tied in a loop). Thread the fishing line through the holes you created and tie the ends of the line together, creating a loop.

Step 7: INSERT LED LIGHTS

After the fishing line has been threaded, turn on the LED light and try to balance it on top of the fishing line. If the light is unstable or sits too low in the tube, you can take the candle out and create a cushion between the fishing line and the tealight using paper towels. Adjust as necessary.

Step 8: INSTALL THE CANDLES

The candles will be hung from the ceiling using invisible tape. Create a “X” with the tape by crossing two pieces (this will provide more stability than just using a single piece of tape). Using your “X,” attach the top of your loop
of fishing line to the ceiling.