Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizes new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil. This much-awaited, five-day festival calls for fireworks, rows of diyas lighting up every house, colorful rangolis and lanterns adorning the pavements, and sweets galore to relish with family and friends.

Diwali is also a time for family members to get together and help each other with preparations. It involves tasks like shopping, cooking, cleaning every nook and cranny, and decorating the house with colorful lights. Though the markets are chockablock with Diwali décor, decking out your home with your own creations gives a sense of pride and adds a more personal touch to it. You also get an opportunity to flaunt your artistry and creativity.

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Try out these DIY decoration ideas to brighten up your homes this Diwali
Try out these DIY Diwali decoration ideas to brighten up your homes

If you have kids coming home, it is also a great way to keep them involved. To help you out, we’ve compiled a colorful list of the best DIY Diwali decoration ideas to lighten and brighten up your homes.

Contents

Method 1: DIY Clay Diyas

Diwali is about traditions, and what can be more traditional than adorning your home with humble clay diyas. These DIY diyas are pretty easy to make using air-dry clay. You can then paint and embellish them to your liking.

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make DIY clay diyas this Diwali

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  • Small glass bowl
  • Air-dry clay
  • Toothpicks
  • Vegetable oil
  • Candle wicks

Step 1. Mold the clay in the shape of a diya

Mold the air-dry clay over an inverted glass bowl to achieve the ideal diya shape
Place the clay over an inverted glass bowl and mold accordingly to achieve the ideal diya shape
  • Divide the clay dough into even-sized balls, depending on the number of diyas you wish to make.
  • Use your fingers to flatten out the clay on a hard surface.
  • Place the clay over the inverted glass bowl and seal the edges of the clay around the bowl.
Use toothpick to create a tiny tip for the wick
Using a toothpick, create a tiny tip for resting the wick
  •  Use a toothpick to create a pointed tip on the diya. This is where the wick will rest when you light it up.
  • Repeat the process to create more diyas.
  • Allow all the diyas to dry and harden overnight.
  • Once dry, pop them off the glass bowls.

Step 2. Color the diyas with acrylic paint, fill with oil and add a wick

Color the diyas in vibrant shades; add a wick and light them up to brighten your homes this Diwali
Color the diyas in vibrant shades and light them up to brighten up your homes this Diwali
  • Use bright acrylic colors to paint the diyas. You can add patterns and shapes too, or keep them sweet and simple.
  • Let the paint dry.
  • Fill the diya with vegetable oil and drop in a wick that rests over the pointed edge.
  • Light them up and place them in the dark corners of your home.
Light up your stunning diyas and brighten up your home this Diwali
Light up your stunning diyas and brighten up the dark corners this Diwali

Method 2: Coconut Shell Candles

These eco-friendly, coconut shell candles add a rustic feel to your Diwali décor. If you haven’t handled a coconut before, check this link to learn how to break open a coconut. Also, you need to get a couple of coconuts to make the candles. You can use the flesh of the coconuts to make a refreshing glass of coconut milk.

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make DIY coconut shell candles this Diwali

  • Coconut shells
  • Paraffin wax – ½ cup for each candle
  • Candle wicks

Step 1. Melt the wax, pour it into the coconut shells and add a wick

Melt the paraffin wax in the microwave and pour it into the coconut shell; keep the wick suspended overhead
Melt the paraffin wax; suspend the wick from a pencil over the shell and pour in the melted wax
  • Put ½ cup of paraffin wax in a glass container and melt it in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust the time if you are melting more wax to make multiple candles. Keep a watch on the wax and retrieve it from the microwave as soon as it melts.
  • Tie the wick around a pencil or any other support and rest it over the shell to allow the wick to drop straight.
  • Hold the coconut shell and carefully drop the melted wax into it.
  • Let the shell rest in a cup or small bowl and let the wax set for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2. Cut off the excess wick

Decide how long a wick you want for your coconut shell candle and cut off the excess
Determine how long a wick you want for your coconut shell candle and snip off the excess
  • Once the wax has solidified, chop off the extra wick with a scissors.

Your DIY coconut shell candles are ready to light and brighten your home. You can also make candles without using wax.

Light up your coconut shell candle to brighten up your home this Diwali
Light up your coconut shell candle to brighten up your home this Diwali,the eco-friendly way

Method 3: Bangle Tealight Holders

If you have a number of spare bangles in your closet, it’s time to put them to good use. You can create beautiful bangle tealight holders to give an ethnic touch to your Diwali décor.

Things you’ll need:

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Things needed to make bangle tealight holders this Diwali

  • Colored bangles
  • Glue
  • Tealights

Single-Step Method: Glue bangles together to make tealight holders

Place glue dots at regular intervals on the sides of a bangle and stick them on top of each other
Place glue dots at regular intervals on the sides of a bangle and stack them up
  • Put dots of glue on the sides of a bangle.
  • Stick another bangle on top of the first one.
  • Repeat the process, gluing together 8 to 10 bangles.
  • Let the glue dry completely.
  • Place a tealight in the center of the bangles and light it up.
Pile up 8 to 10 bangles and place a tealight in the center to make beautiful diyas for Diwali
Stack up 8 to 10 bangles and place a tealight in the center to make stunning diyas for Diwali

Method 4: Spoon Tealight Holders

If you have packs of plastic spoons left from your last summer party, you can use them in some really creative ways for making DIY lamps, vases, decorative mirrors and light shades. But today we will focus on making these beautiful tealight holders that will certainly brighten up your homes this Diwali.

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make spoon tealight holders this Diwali

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  • Plastic spoons
  • Round cardboard cutout
  • Scissors
  • Feviquick or any other instant adhesive

Single-Step Method: Cut the spoons to make petal shapes and glue them onto the round cardboard

Snip off the spoon heads and stick them in a flower pattern on a piece of round cardboard
Snip and stick the petal-like spoon heads on a piece of cardboard in a flower pattern
  • Cut the handle off each spoon to get a petal-like shape.
  • Place a drop of Feviquick at the base of the spoon petal and stick it on the edge of the round cardboard cutout. You can also use a piece of foam instead of cardboard to make floating candles.
  • Continue to stick the petals all the way around the edge.
  • Add 2 more layers of spoon petals over the first layer. Every new layer should move closer to the center.
  • Allow the adhesive to dry completely.
  • You can leave the spoons as is or spray paint them in different colors.
  • Place a tealight in the center of each holder, and your spoon tealight holders are ready to be used.
Place a tealight candle in the center and light up to brighten up your home this Diwali
Place a tealight candle in the center and light up your flower-shaped tealight holders

Method 5: Kundan Diya

If you are in a crafty mood, try your hand at these DIY diyas using tealights and rhinestones that can also serve as a centerpiece for your coffee table.

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make kundan diyas this Diwali

  • Drop-shaped rhinestones
  • Golden beads
  • Round cardboard cutout
  • Feviquick or any other instant glue
  • Tealight

Step 1. Glue a tealight in the center of the cardboard cutout

Apply glue and fix the tealight in the center of the cardboard cutout to make your base
Apply glue and fix the tealight in the center of the cardboard cutout for your base
  • Glue the tealight in the center of the round cardboard cutout. You can also use a foam cutout to make floating diyas.

Step 2. Glue rhinestones and beads around the tealight

Create beautiful layers of different colored rhinestones on the plain cardboard base
Create beautiful layers of different colored rhinestones to cover up the plain cardboard base
  • Apply Feviquick on the back of the rhinestones and glue them along the edge of the tealight. Use the same colored stones for each layer.
  • Create the next layer using a different colored rhinestone, this time with the drop pointing inward. (see image above)
  • Create a third layer with a different color.
Paste glittering golden beads on the circular edge to cover up the cardboard completely
Paste glittering golden beads on the circular edge to create a stunning look for your diyas
  • Fill the gaps on the periphery with golden beads.
  • Make multiple diyas using different colored stones.
  • Allow the glue to dry completely.
  • Use the diyas to decorate your tabletops.
Light upthe beautiful kundan diyas to brighten up your home and office this Diwali
Light up these beautiful kundan diyas to illuminate your home and office this Diwali

Method 6: Paper Cup Fairy Lights

This is one of the most popular DIY light ideas online. The paper cup fairy lights are easy to make and you can also improvise a lot on embellishing the cups. Here we have decorated the cups using different Washi tapes and wool threads.

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make paper cup fairy lights this Diwali

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  • Fairy lights
  • Glue
  • Paper cutter
  • Washi tape
  • Wool threads
  • Paper cups

Step 1. Make a slit at the base of the cups and glue the Washi tape around the top and bottom

Make a slit at the base and decorate the top and bottom using Washi tape
Make a slit at the base and decorate the top and bottom by gluing on Washi tape
  • Using a paper cutter, make a small slit at the base of each cup to insert the bulbs.
  • Stick the Washi tape around the top and bottom of the cup, as shown in the image above.
  • Let the glue dry.

Step 2. Glue wool thread around another set of cups

Decorate another set of cups by using brightly-colored wool
Decorate an alternate set of cups by gluing on brightly-colored wool
  • Take another set of cups and cut slits in the bottom.
  • Cover the surface of the cup with glue.
  • Start from the base of the cup and wrap wool thread all the way up, leaving just a centimeter gap at the top.
  • Cut off the thread and stick the loose end to the cup, too. Decorate the top edge with colored ribbons.
  • Repeat the same for a number of cups using different colored wool.
  • Let all the cups dry completely.

Step 3. Attach the cups onto the fairy lights

Attach similar patterned cups alternatively on bulbs
Attach similar patterned cups alternatively on bulbs; use it to decorate your walls for Diwali
  • Attach similar patterned cups on every other bulb.
  • Use it to decorate your walls on Diwali.
Use these paper cup fairy lights to brighten up your home this Diwali
Use these paper cup fairy lights to brighten up your walls this Diwali

Method 7: Paper Cube Lights

Fairy lights can be used in endless ways to enhance your décor. Not only do they add a dreamy feel to the festivity, you can also use them later as a permanent room accent. In this method, we have accentuated the simple fairy lights by making paper cubes and fixing them on each light. What are you waiting for? Go ahead follow the detailed steps below to make paper cube lights. Also, we would love to see your final results in the comments section below.

Step 1. Fold the paper to make paper cubes

Fold a square piece of paper diagonally; make several folds as per the instructions given below
Fold a square piece of paper in half; make several folds as per the instructions given below
  • Cut out square pieces of paper. You can either have all white cubes or use multi-colored paper.
  • Start with folding the paper in half diagonally. Open it up and fold it again diagonally using the other two corners.
Create a mountain fold by pushing in the non-creased sides
Create a mountain fold by pushing in the non-creased sides
  • Now, create a mountain fold by pushing in two non-creased sides inward. You’ll get four edges pointing outward. Bring two adjacent edges together on each side to form a triangle, as shown in the image above.
  • Flatten it down on a hard surface to get sharp edges.
Fold the bottom corners to meet at the triangle tip
Fold the bottom corners to meet at the triangle tip
  • Fold the bottom corners upward to meet at the tip of the triangle.
  • Flip it over and repeat the process with the other bottom corners.
  • Flatten out all the folds.
Fold the right and left corners inwards on both sides using your fingers
Fold the right and left corners inwards on both sides; flatten using your fingers
  • Fold the right and left corners inward. The tips of the two corners should meet at the center.
  • Repeat for the other side as well.
Fold the two looses bottom flaps inward and insert them in the pockets of the side flaps as shown
Fold the two looses bottom flaps inward and insert them in the pockets of the side flaps
  • Once done, you’ll be left with two loose bottom flaps.
  • Fold these flaps upward and insert them neatly in the pockets of the side flaps, as shown in the above image. Flip over and repeat.

Step 2. Expand the paper cubes and attach them to the fairy lights

Locate the hole at the tip and gently blow in to open up the cube; insert a fairy light inside each cube
Locate the hole at the tip and blow in to open up the cube; insert a fairy light inside each cube
  • Gently open up the cube. Do not pull with too much force or you’ll ruin the shape.
  • Locate the hole at the tip, and blow air into it to inflate the cube.
  • To get a more squarish shape, pinch the corners a little. Ready a bunch of paper cubes to cover all the bulbs on the string of fairy lights.
  • Insert one fairy light in each cube and hang it on your walls to brighten up your homes this Diwali.
Hang these paper cube fairy lights on the walls to brighten up your home this Diwali
Hang these paper cube fairy lights on your walls to lighten up your home this Diwali

Method 8: Wine Bottle Lights

This one is especially for all the wine lovers. You can upcycle empty bottles in your home to make bottle accent lights. These wine bottle lights will add a soft glow to a corner of your room. You can also use them later as a night lamp.

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make wine bottle lights

  • Fairy lights
  • Wine or any other liquor bottle

Single-Step Method: Insert fairy lights inside a clean wine bottle

Slowly push the the fairy lights inside a clean and dry wine bottle
Slowly push and place the the fairy lights inside a clean and dry wine bottle
  • Rinse and dry a wine bottle. Also, remove the label.
  • Push the fairy light inside the bottle.
  • Plug it in and use.

Use these DIY decorations to brighten up your homes this Diwali.

Light up your wine bottles this Diwali; afterwards use them as bedside or table lamps
Light up your wine bottles this Diwali; you can later on use them as bedside or table lamps

Method 9: Paper Lanterns

Another fun DIY decoration are these colorful paper lanterns. You can get creative by using different textured or colored papers. These cute lanterns will surely brighten up your Diwali décor. They can also be used to deck out your home for other festivals.

# With Frills

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make paper lanterns with frills

  • Glitter sheet (A4 size) – 2 (cut out fringes from one of the sheets as shown in the image above)
  • Red color paper (A3 size) – 1
  • Glue
  • Pencil
  • Paper cutter
  • Ruler

Step 1. Cut vertical stripes along the length of the red sheet

Cut vertical stripes lengthwise on the red sheet
Cut evenly-sized vertical stripes lengthwise on the red sheet
  • Use the ruler and pencil to mark 1 inch or 1 cm on both the bottom corners of the sheet.
  • Draw a straight line to connect the dots along the length of the sheet.
  • Repeat the same on the opposite corners of the sheet.
  • Use the paper cutter and scale to make 1 inch or 1 cm wide slits between the two lines drawn across the sheet. Your sheet should look like the one shown in the image above.

Step 2. Glue the striped sheet over the glitter sheet

Paste the striped red sheet over the golden glitter sheet
Stick the striped red sheet over the golden glitter sheet
  • Put glue on edge of the golden sheet.
  • Stick the edge of the striped red sheet over the golden sheet.
  • Flip it over and cut out the excess red sheet from the side, as shown in the image above.
Flip and stick the free end of the red sheet on the golden sheet to form a bulge as shown in the image
Flip and stick the free end of the red sheet on the golden sheet to form a bulge as shown
  • Put glue on the free edge of the red sheet.
  • Flip the sheets again, then glue the free edge onto the golden sheet. The striped sheet should form a bulge, as shown in the image above.
  • Allow the glue to dry sufficiently.

Step 3. Glue the fringed golden sheet at the base

Stick the fringed golden sheet at the base as shown
Stick the fringed golden sheet at the base as shown
  • Apply glue on the back side of golden paper.
  • Stick the fringed golden paper over it, as shown in the image.
  • Allow it to dry completely.

Step 4. Roll up the sheet and stick the edges together

Roll it up and glue the edges together; you can also staple the edges for a better grip
Roll it up and glue the edges together; you may staple the edges for a better grip
  • Roll up the sheet and stick the edges together with glue. You can also staple the edges for a better hold.
  • Glue on a strip of paper to serve as the holder.
  • Let the glue dry.

You can hang these lanterns as is or add a light bulb to brighten up your homes this Diwali.

Use this lantern with frills to decorate your home this Diwali
Use this lantern with frills to decorate your home this Diwali

# Without Frills

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make paper lanterns without frills

  • 2 pieces of thick, colored paper (A3 size)
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Paper cutter
  • Ruler

Step 1. Cut fringes out of the first sheet

Fold the sheet in half and cut equal-sized fringes
Fold the sheet in half and cut equal-sized fringes
  • Fold a sheet of colored paper in half lengthwise.
  • Using a pencil and a ruler, draw a 1 inch or 1 cm wide line lengthwise, as shown in the image above.
  • Use the ruler and a paper cutter to cut equal-sized fringes across the length of the paper.

Step 2. Glue the fringed paper over the other colored sheet

Stick the colored paper over a different colored sheet as shown
Stick the colored paper over a different colored sheet as shown
  • Open the folded sheet and use the glue to affix one edge of the fringed paper to the edge of the other colored sheet.
  • Glue the other end of the fringed paper on the sheet about 1½ inch from the edge.
  • Let the glue dry completely.

Step 3. Roll up the paper and glue the ends together

Roll up and stick the two loose ends together
Roll up and stick the two loose ends together
  • Apply glue on the shorter edge of the sheet.
  • Roll up the paper to form a cylinder and glue the two loose ends together.
  • Use a piece of wadded paper to form the hanger and glue it on the top of the lantern.
  • Allow the glue to dry completely before hanging the lantern.
Decorate your home this Diwali with this hanging lantern that has no frills
Decorate your home this Diwali with this hanging lantern that has no frills

# Chinese Lantern

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make Chinese lantern

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  • Red colored paper
  • Glitter sheet
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Any sharp object to make small holes
  • Ruler
  • Golden pen
  • Glue
  • Thick golden thread
  • Thin golden thread
  • White printer paper

Step 1. Create a stencil using white paper

Use white paper to create a stencil
Use white paper to create a stencil
  • Fold a square sheet of paper in half diagonally.
  • Place one finger on the center of the diagonal edge and fold the left corner over up to your finger, as shown in the above image.
  • Fold the other corner inward as well.
  • Draw a straight line that divides the shape into two symmetrical halves.
Draw and cut out the stencil
Draw and cut out the stencil
  • Draw the convex shape on both sides of the drawn line, as shown in the above image.
  • Cut out the shape to get your stencil.

Step 2. Use the stencil to cut the shape out of the red sheet

Use the stencil to trace and cut out shapes on the red sheet
Use the stencil to trace and cut out shapes on the red sheet
  • Use the stencil to trace the shape onto the red sheet.
  • Also, add small round tabs at the tip of each petal. These tabs will help when sewing the petals together.
  • Use any sharp, pointed tool to pierce small holes in each tab as well as in the center of the shape.
  • Use scissors to cut out the shape.

Step 3. Prepare the tassel

Use thin golden thread to create the tassels
Use thin golden thread to create the tassels
  • Take a wide strip of paper. The length of the strip should be double the length of your required tassel.
  • Tightly loop the thin golden thread around paper until you get the desired thickness.
  • Pull the looped thread off the paper.
  • Place a toothpick in the middle of the loop and pull the ends down.
  • Use some thin golden thread to tie the two ends together tightly, just below the toothpick. Refer to the image above.
  • Remove the toothpick and cut through the two looped ends to get your tassel.

Step 4. Outline the cutout and glue it on the round base

Create a thick outline using a gold pen and stick a thin strip of glitter paper in the center
Create a thick outline using a gold pen and stick a thin strip of glitter paper in the center
  • Use a gold pen to create a thick outline around the cutout.
  • Cut out a thin strip of glitter paper. Apply glue on its edge, make a loop and stick it in the center of the cutout.

Step 5. Fasten the tassel to the base of the cutout

Attach the tassels to the base
Attach the tassels to the base and secure it with a knot
  • Pass a string of thick golden thread through the hole left after removing the toothpick.
  • Secure it by tying a knot.
  • Cut off the extra length from only one side of the knot. You should be left with a long thread on the other side to help attach it to the lantern.
  • Pass a small golden bead through the golden thread.
  • String the thread of the tassel through the base of the cutout and secure it with a knot on the inside.

Step 6. Thread the tabs together

Use a golden thread to string the tabs together
Use a golden thread to string the tabs together
  • Take another string of the golden thread and tie a knot.
  • Thread the string through the holes made on the tabs to bring all the petals together.
  • Make another knot to hold the petals.
  • Your Chinese lantern is ready to be hung.
Decorate your homes using these DIY Chinese lanterns this Diwali
Decorate your homes using these DIY Chinese lanterns this Diwali

Method 10: Mason Jar Lights

Keeping up with the Mason jar trend, here are four ways you can decorate and use them for Diwali.

# Using Glass Pebbles

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make Mason jar lights using glass pebbles

  • Glass pebbles
  • Mason jar
  • Hot glue

Single-Step Method: Stick pebbles on the Mason jar and add lights

Glue glass pebbles on the outer surface of the jar and insert lights
Glue glass pebbles on the outer surface of the jar and insert lights
  • Place a blob of hot glue on the flat surface of the glass pebble.
  • Stick the pebble on the Mason jar.
  • Continue gluing on the pebbles until you’ve covered the entire surface of the jar.
  • Allow the hot glue to dry completely.
  • You can either place a tealight inside the jar or stuff in fairy lights.
Use these Mason jars to light up your home this Diwali
Use these jars to lighten up your dark corners this Diwali

# Using Spray Paint

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make Mason jar lights using spray paint

  • Star-shaped paper cutouts (you can also choose any other shape of your choice)
  • Mason jar
  • Spray paint (any color of your liking)

Step 1. Glue the cutouts on the Mason jar

Paste the cut out shapes on the Mason jar
Paste the cut out shapes on the Mason jar
  • Use some glue to attach the paper cutouts onto the Mason jar.
  • Let the glue dry.

Step 2. Spray paint the jar

Spray paint the jar with black and then outline the shapes using white paint
Spray paint the jar with black and then outline the shapes using white paint
  • Spray paint the entire surface of the Mason jar.
  • Do not touch the jar until the paint has dried.
  • Once done, pry off the paper cutouts. If they don’t come off easily, simply dampen the paper with a wet towel, then gently scratch it off.
  • Use some white paint to outline the star shape. You can use your creative liberty to decorate the jar further.
  • Let the paint dry.
  • Fill the jar with fairy lights and plug it in.
Light up your dark corners this Diwali using this DIY Mason jar lamp
Light up your dark corners this Diwali using this DIY Mason jar lamp

# Using Lace

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make Mason jar lights using lace

  • Hot glue
  • Mason jar
  • Strip of lace

Single-Step Method: Glue the lace on the jar and add lights

Glue on the lace on the outer surface of the Mason jar
Glue on the lace on the outer surface of the Mason jar
  • Apply hot glue around the neck of the Mason jar.
  • Neatly attach the strip of lace around the neck. Cut off the excess lace.
  • Apply another layer of glue near the base of the jar and attach lace over it, too.
  • You can also cut out small pieces of the lace to decorate the middle section of the jar, as shown in the image above.
  • Let the glue dry completely.
  • Add in the fairy lights and use.
Insert fairy lights and decorate your home with these vintage-style Mason jars
Insert fairy lights and decorate your home with these vintage-style Mason jars

# Using Rope

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make Mason jar lights using rope

  • Glue
  • Thin rope
  • Mason jar
  • Loose craft glitter

Step 1. Glue the rope onto the Mason jar

Glue the rope on the top and bottom of the Mason jar
Glue the rope on the top and bottom of the Mason jar
  • Apply glue around the rim and neck of the Mason jar.
  • Wrap the rope tightly over the glue, making 6 to 8 loops. Cut off the excess rope and glue the loose end to the jar, too.
  • Repeat the same process to cover the lower section of the jar.

Step 2. Decorate the jar with glitter

Decorate the jar using golden glitter
Decorate the jar using golden glitter
  • Make patterns of your choice on the middle section of the jar with the glue.
  • Sprinkle loose glitter over it and set it aside to allow the glue to dry.
  • Dust off the excess glitter and place a tealight or fairy lights inside the jar.
Light up your Mason jars to brighten your home this Diwali
Light up your Mason jars to brighten your home this Diwali

Tips

  • If you are involving kids in candlemaking, make sure they are supervised to avoid any burns from hot wax.
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