Simple Apple Tealight Candle Votive

One of the foods most associated with celebrations of the autumnal equinox and second harvest is the apple, so it makes a perfect decorative item this time of year. This craft is so easy, and you are likely to already have all the materials you need to make it. 

Though not really a craft for toddlers, my son was very interested; he enjoys saying "apple" and having an apple of his own to roll around. He also enjoys the circles (a.k.a. unlit tealight candles). 

Here's all you need:

• Apple
• Tealight candle
• Lemon juice
• Small knife
• Pen and optional marker (not pictured)

Here's what you do:

1. With a pen, trace around a tealight candle on the top of your apple to mark where you need to cut.

2. You might find it easier to judge how deep to go with your knife if you use a marker to mark the height of the candle on the tip of your knife.

3. Using a small knife, cut out the circle.

4. Once you've carved your hole, use a small spoon to carefully scoop out the apple just to the candle's depth. Be careful not to go too deep, but you want the hole deep enough to completely hide the candle's edges.

5. Brush a little lemon juice onto the apple flesh to prevent browning, and then push the tealight candle into the apple, so that the candle is as flush as possible with the top of the apple.

6. Light and enjoy! A grouping of apple votive candles would be very pretty. I also think arranging a few in a bowl filled with acorns would be lovely and seasonal. Our back yard is covered in acorns right now, so I think my son and I will start collecting!