Take a Break: Tea Lights for February

February is a much maligned month, with Groundhog’s Day marking the mid way point between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. I really like the month as it brings all sorts of fun things to celebrate-Chinese New Years (Feb. 8), Mardi Gras (Feb. 9), Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) President’s Day (15) and if you’re in school-winter break. Oh, I forgot Super Bowl Sunday, which is a serious day of TV obligation for many. So today’s “take a break” is about creating some fun things with tea lights that recognize the February holidays and shines some light on dark winter evenings.

It’s recommended that you use LED T lights.

Lanterns: I’ve made these for Chines New Year and Valentines. I started with the lantern pattern that is free to download.  For the Chinese Lantern, I Googled “Chinese Windows” and downloaded an image that I used as a template. However, you can use anything you like for the windowpane and decorate the lantern itself.

Little houses: While I thought it was interesting to try making these out of felt  before I realized it was way too much work for a result that was much easier obtained using cardstock. Make Tiny Paper Houses has lots of patterns to try. 

Tea Light from a Drink Can These are good directions except you don’t need to drill out the bottom for an LED tea light Use a regular can opener to remove the top (where the pull tab is) and if you want for the bottom. Watch the video if you need a demo. Depending on where you live, there are special cans that lend themselves to a particular holiday, so try to use them if possible.

Mardi Gras Bead Lights: Fill a wine glass with Mardi Gras beads and nestle in a T light. An empty glass holder can look stellar by hot gluing Mardi Gras beads to the outside. Use beads that are your team’s color for Super Bowl Sunday.

LED Ice Ball for Super Bowl Party: Just watch the video for inspiration 

Lanterns 2: Using the pattern for Table Number Lanterns,  create a lantern with your favorite players number on it. Of course using the team’s colors is important. 

Coffee Beans and Tea Lights: Here you do need the wax variety tea light. Using a small bowl or cup, fill with coffee beans and insert candle. The heat from the candle will help generate that coffee roasting smell.

Not interested in today’s activity? Check out the Take a Break Pinterest for lots of Take a Break ideas.