Make Candlesticks for Christmas Gifting
December 10, 1980
CHRISTMAS CANDLESTICKS – Several local parents undoubtedly found hand-made candlesticks under the tree yesterday morning, especially if their son or daughter is a student in Mary Rich’s fifth grade class at Diamond View School.
The crafting of candle holders has become a tradition for her fifth graders, a project which commences at the start of school and is worked on intermittently until Christmas.
The ornate candlesticks are individually designed and constructed, each with its own distinct shape.
Fifth-graders Andrea Casillas and Shelley Templeton explained the process:
Each student brings several jars from home, the more “shapely” the better. The jars are then stacked and covered with three layers of papier-mâché. Lace of various designs is then added, after which the candlesticks are coated with white and then brown paint.
Finally, a gold rub-on paint provides the finishing touch, giving the products an antique look.
“Are they difficult?” Not as far as Andrea is concerned. In fact, she exclaims, “They’re fun… they’re real fun!”
Pictured are several of the proud craftspersons with their recent creations. Front row, from left, are Matt Mendoza, Karl Sherve, Hopper Hogsed and Ben Harston. Back row, from left, are Becky Bennet, Gerald Munzing, Shelley Templeton and Andrea Casillas.
Advocate photo
