A Bobeche

A bobeche is traditionally made from glass or paper. Bobeches are used to collect candle wax. They can be made out of dried or fresh flowers and foliage.

You will need:

• Fresh or dried flowers/foliage

• Paper-covered wire

• Stemtex (floral binding tape)

• Secateurs

Paper-covered wire and stemtex

Step 1:

Measure the paper-covered wire slightly larger than the size of the candle. I make a rough measurement by placing the paper-covered wire around the candle. Make the base in a circular shape using the paper-covered wire (see image below). Wrap the wire around itself to secure. I used green paper-covered wire to make the base. However, you can use any wire. When using wire that is not green, cover the base with stemtex.

Step 2:

Cut the Limonium into small bundles.

Dried Limonium

Step 3:

Cut a piece of stemtex and use this to bind the first bunch of Limonium (see image below). When stemtex is pulled it gets sticky and tacky. When stretched stemtex adheres to itself. Continue to add small bunches of Limonium slightly on top of the first bundle.

Add the first bunch

Keep adding small bunches in the same direction

Step 4:

Half-way through making the bobeche, place it over the candle to check you are happy with the emerging design.

Half-way

Step 5:

It can be a little tricky as you get to the end of the bobeche - a little patience is required! Once the base is fully covered, secure the stemtex, position the bobeche on the candle holder, and light the candle!

You can use any ingredients when making bobeches. They look lovely on candles at Christmas made out of Holly, Ivy and Berries.

For a more rustic look, the bobeches below are made from Ruscus - they dry beautifully and are everlasting.

Dried Ruscus Bobeches