Hanging Mica Votive

Figure C

Steps:

1. To make the main hanger: Straighten, measure and cut 12" of copper tubing.

2. Twist a 5' length of copper wire in half and insert each end through the copper tubing, extending the wire approximately 6".

3. Curl the wire ends to finish.

4. To make the wire hangers: Make the hook using 24" of copper wire and creating a closed loop at one end with needle-nose pliers.

5. Wrap the loop end of the wire one full rotation around scrap of copper tubing.

6. Remove from the tubing and twist the small loop 90 degrees so that it aligns with the rest of the wire.

Figure D

7. Open the larger loop so that it becomes a shepherd's hook shape.

8. To create the votive holder: Measure 10" from the top of the hook and wrap the copper wire one full rotation around the glass votive holder.

9. At the junction of the loop, make a correcting bend in the vertical wires so they continue to align. The votive loop should now be perpendicular to the vertical wire.

10. Make a right angle bend 1" below the votive loop junction so the wire comes forward under the votive loop. This is the "seat" for the glass votive.

11. Set the votive cup inside the loop and adjust the vertical wire by hand so it continues to be aligned and the wire seat is centered under the glass votive.

Figure G

12. Cut the seat wire 1" beyond the glass votive.

13. Remove the glass votive and make a small finish loop at the end of the wire. Twist the loop so that it aligns with the vertical wire.
14. Create two additional hangers that are shorter by 1".

15. To wrap the glass votives with mica and wire mesh: With a craft knife and ruler, cut two pieces of mica 2" x 7" each.

Figure J

16. Heat mica with heat gun. Using an old potholder to protect fingers, slowly ease mica around the glass votive.

17. Heat mica overlap and hold with potholder until it cools and sticks together.

18. Cut a 3" x 7" piece of copper mesh. Measure and score a line 1/4" from the edge of one of the 7" long sides. Fold mesh along the line and press 'hem' flat.

Figure L

19. Wrap mesh around the third glass votive, aligning hemmed edge with the top of the container. Wrap excess mesh under the bottom of the glass.

Figure N

20. To make the glass bead dangles: Thread three glass beads on a pin-head wire. With needle-nose pliers, make a loop above the top bead and twist wrap the wire tail around the stem to secure. Trim excess wire.

21. Hang a bead dangler from the bottom and top loops of each copper votive hanger.