Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Stations of the Cross Votive Candles-Repost

I saw this lovely idea over at Ruth's blog Just Another Day in Paradise. (She also has many other very nice Lent activities-so make sure and go check them out.)
This activity adds a lot to the devotion of the Stations of the Cross.

For this activity you need:
14 votive candles-(I got mine in packs of 12 at the craft store for 4 dollars)
purple tissue paper
white glue-watered down
foam core board (for the stand the candles sit on)
wooden letters (we choose to put the word SACRIFICE on our stations)
dark purple paint
light purple paint
These small printable Stations of the Cross
First we used watered down white glue to put the purple tissue paper onto the candle holders.
Laura helped me with this step.
While Laura put the tissue on the candles, I got the Stations of the Cross printables ready to adhere to the candles. They came out just lovely, and the sun shining on them today made them even more so. I love the purple look the tissue gives the candles.
Daddy cut foam core just wide enough to hold the candles. We glued three on top of each other because I think we needed the strength for the heavy candles. He also cut a strip of board a little taller than the base board is thick. This provided a finished looking edge to the front and a lip at the top to help hold the candles.
Gracie painted the letters for the word SACRIFICE in light purple.
She did a great job.
It came out just lovely.
We will light all the candles at the beginning of our devotion and then blow one out after reading about each station. Years ago I purchased many copies of The Way of the Cross for children so all the kids can follow along with their own book.
The only display area here in "the little house" is on top of the toy kitchen, so I did glue the candles onto the board to try and prevent smashed candles. (If you live in a "little house" you have to use whatever space is available). This is also where our shrine to Our Blessed Mother is. I put the traditional "crown of thorns" in this special place of honor also. When a good deed is accomplished (and approved by mother) the good child can remove a thorn from the crown, to show how our good deed and sacrifices can help relieve some of Jesus' sufferings. Hopefully all the thorns will be gone before Easter Sunday.
We pray that everyone has a holy and prayerful Lent as we journey towards Easter.

10 comments:

Laura O in AK said...

I love this idea and just might get my arts and crafty boys to help make soemthing like this. I have a friend who did miniature crosses for each station in a square for their kitchen table which looked great. But, I think the votive candles are easier!

Also, I've tagged you for a 'fun' post on my blog, Here's the link to the specific post:
http://daybydayinourworld.blogspot.com/2009/02/blog-fun-first-initial-game.html

Anonymous said...

This is great! Another item (the votives!) to buy at our trip to Michael's tomorrow. I don't think I've told you how much I LOVE your blog and wish I had half the energy to pull off all the fun things you all do over there. I won't let me kids look at your blog for fear they'll desert me! :-) Thanks for this idea!

KackyK

Anonymous said...

This came out beautiful, Joann!

Lilly said...

It looks so sweet!! Useful tips for decorating candles... Love the sweet little house and it's pretty decoration!! It is also a great gift idea!!

Sheila said...

I also love this idea thank you so much for sharing this and the printables.

Sheila

Lacy @ Catholic Icing said...

I'm sooooo doing this! But I just went to the store last night and forgot votives again! Urg! I blame pregnant-brain-syndrome. lol!

Lacy @ Catholic Icing said...

PS. I love how you made them purple! Totally stealing that idea ;-)

M. T. said...

This is a beautiful idea! I'm going to try to do this too!

Melissa @ Homegrown Catholics said...

I really like this idea. Thank you for sharing!

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