Thursday, September 29, 2011

Waxing Icicles

Good afternoon prim friends!  If you've been following me this past year then you know that I have an addiction with wax.  I just can't help it!  It's so messy and so much fun to take something and transform it into a new look.  It honestly reminds me of back in the day when I would play in the mud and make mud pies, lol.  I think that's why I love it so.

Anyway, I could hardly wait to get the kids dropped off at school this morning so I could get home and wax some plastic icicle ornaments I bought after Christmas this past year.  They come in a box of 24 with a gold string.  I cut off the gold string and dipped them in the wax.  You can see the before pile in this picture, then the after with a wax dip and rolled in cinnamon.

If you want details on my waxing process, you can visit a past post I did here on grunging candles.  So after they are dipped in wax, rolled in cinnamon... I dip them in wax one more time and then give them a little cinnamon rub to look like this...

To keep the hanging hole clear of wax, I use this antique ice pick that I got from my great-uncle and aunt's home in Morton, IL.  You know it's old when the phone number is only 5 digits!  Around here, we have to use the area code even when we are calling someone down the street, the 10 digit number.  Funny how times change, huh?

Now is where I need your advice...

If you were to buy some icicles, how many would you want in a bundle?  3, 5, 6, or 7?

And then, what would you want your hanger to look like?

Do you like the red baker's twine?

Or maybe the brown baker's twine?


How about just plain twine?

Or maybe even red and green homespun?


I know we all have opinions, it's just that some of us are more vocal with them than others, lol.  But I would really love to have your honest opinion on what you think.

I like for my wax to cure for a few days, even up to a week.  I love the patina after a waxed piece has set up.  It's always a rich, beautiful deep brown color.  I'll be adding them to my Etsy next week.

Thanks so much in advance for your thoughts.  I trust you and treasure your advice which is why this post is here.  =]

Thanks truly dear friends.  Wishing you a grand weekend ahead~

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37 comments:

  1. Karen~The Barely There Primitive BearSeptember 29, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    What a great idea! I am partial to the homespun....We need to get together one of these days! I would say either 5 or 7 in a pack.

    Bear Hugs & Blessings~Karen

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  2. Jean BarkerSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    Hi Angie,
    Your icicles look great! Me personally~ the brown bakers twine or the plain twine. I think either 6 or 7 in a bag is a nice amount.
    Hope this helps.
    Autumn Blessings,
    Jean

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  3. At Home With AmySeptember 29, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    Love the idea girl! I think 9 would be considered a good package amount. No one wants to have to buy a dozen packages of something to have enough. I also like the red and brown bakers twine and the homespun. It kind of gives two seperate looks to the icicles.

    I bet you sell out of these and very quickly at that. Good luck!

    Hugs,
    AMY

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  4. deniseSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    i think 6 with the homespun hanger. those are just too cute, denise

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  5. ChristineSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    Great job Angie! They are so prim that I like them with plain twine or homespun and probably would expect to buy them in bundles of 10 - you need plenty for a medium sized tree.
    Best wishes
    Christine

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  6. Gettysburg HomesteadSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Ha great minds think alike... my post was about wax too!!!

    I like simple... so just plain old twine for me.

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  7. Friendship CrossingSeptember 29, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    Angie girl, those turned out so prim perfect!! Great job! I'll have to try that some time.

    I personally like the baker's twine as it gives just a bit more color to it.

    Maybe you could offer a couple of ways: in packs of half dozen, then a dozen and so forth. For those who only want a small amount, and for those who'd like to decorate a whole tree. Or maybe even offer a little discount on the bigger packs, like a 'baker's dozen' or maybe two dozen, etc. (Just a thought).

    Smiles,
    Tanya

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  8. SheilaSeptember 29, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    How very clever there Miss Angie! I'm going to have to have some of these. All of the options are wonderful, but my choice would be tied with the plaid homespun since my tree is always done up in handmades from over the years in prim/country things I can never part with.
    Great job!
    Blessings,
    Sheila

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  9. GayleSeptember 29, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    I think I like the brown bakers twin the best! And packaging them six at a time seems like a good amount.

    I'd like to try my had at doing some stuff with wax one of these days - your icicles are awesome!

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  10. Sandi @ The Primitive SkateSeptember 29, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    How awesome! I think 6 in a bundle and I like the plain twine!

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  11. A Primitive HomesteadSeptember 29, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    I sure do like them. For me it is a toss up between plain jute & homespun. But 6 to a pack. Blessings!
    Lara

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  12. BrendaSeptember 29, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Hi Angie, those are awesome!! I love them! Plain jute is what I like the best, but have you thought of maybe rusty wire and maybe form the wire into like an "s" hook? I also think packages of 6 are good but I also like Tanya's idea of different size packages.
    Brenda

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  13. oldecrowSeptember 29, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Love the icicles! I think 6 in a package would be perfect (for me) and I like the homspun or the brown bakers twine.
    Have a great day!
    Wanda
    Olde Crow Mercantile

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  14. ConnieSeptember 29, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    What a great idea Angie! I personally prefer the homespun tie. They turned out great!

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  15. Farmhouse primsSeptember 29, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    What a great idea, I love them both twine and homespun, I would be tickled with both. Hugs, Lecia

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  16. ~*Marie*~September 29, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    Just found your blog and I love all your crafts. I love the red butcher's twine best, myself but they are all great! Great idea. I make some icicles from clay and bake them then roll them in German crushed glass, not as prim as these, but just as cute. Thanks for sharing your idea.

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  17. Linda ★ Parker's GeneralSeptember 29, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    everybody has an opinion. mine is---odd numbers always--5 or 7--homespun
    this would be the most perfect package from my view.
    I have a wax list myself. I have some plastic pears that I am going to double or triple dip. I dried some corn that Mike cut into chunks for me and I'm going to dip it. I'm going to wrap some plastic candy canes with homespun and dip them. and lastly, I bought some tiny grapevine wreaths and some votives that fit right in the center. I'm going to wax the votives and put a wire on the wreath to use on my Xmas tree. I made a couple last year and just loved them. I plan on a couple dozen this year. I guess waxing is a passion of mine, too!
    Warmest autumn blessings, my friend,
    ★Linda★

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  18. Donna B.September 29, 2011 at 11:27 PM

    Well...when you make mine...I'd like them with homespun. :)

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  19. The Rusty ThimbleSeptember 30, 2011 at 4:06 AM

    Hello Angie I would say an odd number is best to sell in groups of items. Love the icicles, I am currently learning this wax dipping adventure myself and I just did some in glass glitter they are awesome. I also used some of the glitter on some nubby candles so neat!
    Hugs
    Brenda

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  20. LibbiesHomeSeptember 30, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    I LOVE THESE!! I like the brown baker's twine the best, and I would put them in packages of 6. Not sure why, but I think today is an even number day for me. :)

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  21. Art by Susie KrichbaumSeptember 30, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    These are great! I like the plain twine and maybe bundles of 6. I love playing with the wax too. I even put wax on the muzzles of my teddy bears to rough them up a little. got the idea somewhere..

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  22. PokeyOctober 1, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    You have a bunch of advise here! I like the baker's twine, it adds character and color, but not more labor and expense (like the homespun). I'm leaning towards 5 or 6 to a pack. You put quite a bit of work into these, but the rewards of their finished look is beautiful!
    :-}pokey

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  23. JessicaOctober 1, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    You certainly got a lot of opinions! My preference is 7 and homespun or brown.

    The icicles came out great. I want to dabble with wax too. I want to try using a crock pot instead of a double boiler. We have a gas stove and the top is a pain in the rear to clean, plus it's stainless steel.

    Have a good weekend Angie!

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  24. frontporchprimsOctober 1, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    What a fun idea. My kids would like to do this too. I love the brown bakers twine and the homespun. How fun to think about Christmas ornaments!!! I would love seven in a package if I had a choice. -Steph-

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  25. Susan At Glen Oaks PrimitivesOctober 2, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    Hi, Angie, I am now going to be a follower of your blog. What a great post to meet you on! My opinion on the icicle bundles (love the waxing, oh, what kind of wax do you use? Is it beeswax, it looks so golden): I would like bundles of 7, and I like the RED baker's twine. I've never seen it before and I think it's perfect for tree ornaments. On other items for the house that would hang from little cupboards or such, the other twine would be perfect. I'm going to read your tutorial on the waxing and spend the rest of the night (it's morning now) looking through your blog.
    Warm Regards,
    Susan

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  26. My Colonial HomeOctober 3, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Hi Angie, what a great post.
    I saw this on Pinterest and it intrigued me.
    Thanks so much for the tutorial!
    Karen

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  27. Valley Primitives Gift ShoppeOctober 7, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    Wow, what a great idea! I like the homespun the best, and I think bundles of 7. You are so crafty :D
    Kim

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  28. AnonymousOctober 8, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    Hi Angie: Love these Girl!! I'd go with Amy and say 9 or even 12...I just bought some halloween ornies for my tree and bought 12 so it would fill it up! I'd love to dip some and use mica or german glitter glass for my tree.
    Have a great rest of the weekend!
    patti

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  29. AnonymousOctober 8, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Oh and I love the homespun or the thin twine (can't think of the name right now; used for jewelry...oh yeah...HEMP!
    :) patti

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  30. PrairiedogOctober 10, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Angie, that's a great idea, and I just remembered I have a chunk of wax stored at my daughter's barn. I'll have to go get it and try the wax stuff again. Used to, but the idea of using a crock pot intrigues me. Does it get hot enough to melt the wax to the right temp? I prefer homespun for my ornaments, I have lots of it. Good luck selling the ornaments. I need to make one for a gift, so maybe this will be it!! I really like your blog and check often for all your great ideas. Karen

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  31. Danice GOctober 12, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Thanks for the icicle tutorial. I love the icicles. Very creative :)

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  32. UnknownOctober 12, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Angie!!what a great idea to share with all of us. Using these plastic icicles you can't even tell there plastic. They look so prim.

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  33. AnonymousOctober 13, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Great job Angie, I love them! My preference would be plain twine (I coffee-stain mine) or a rusted metal ornie hanger :) xo

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  34. MargieOctober 15, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    Oh I just love these icicles with the homespun hanger !!! They are just adorable and I think a set of at least 6 would be a good amount but the more the better. They are really , really nice !!!

    Hugs,
    Margie

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  35. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    I ahve just found you today,, I too have a fondness for all things wax,, I love the bakers twine, I think if I was to buy these, I would like at least 7 in a bundle, peeferably 10. I'm looking for the follow button. I shall be back

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  36. Debbie GeigerOctober 18, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    I love the idea the homespun is my fav. If it were me buying I would want 8- 10 in the bag but I like even numbers.

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  37. HIBISCUS HOUSEOctober 22, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    These must smell really good...I like them.

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Thanks for visiting me today, I delight greatly in your comments! =]