Wax on, wax off

This is my little tutorial (and long story) on removing spilled wax from tables, tablecloths, carpets, etc.

♫ Let's start at the very beginning – a very good place to start ♫

We hosted our friends from work for a belated office Christmas party last night. The January party idea actually works very well, as people have a lot less commitments and the timing is perfect for a Christmas re-gift exchange!  (Anybody in the market for a ceramic cat dish?  No?)

Before the guests arrived I grabbed my camera to document all the festive details to post on this here bliggity blog, but I only got one shot before the first wave of people came. It's not even in focus, darnit. I couldn't very well be like, "Can you please stand by the door while I photograph my home?"

(By the way, the TV was playing photos and videos from the past year, not, you know, ESPN.)

Here's one of the cute decorations I was proud of.  I took scrapbook paper and wrapped it around mismatched candles with raffia and scattered them on the tables.  If you squint, you might be able to see in the above photo the scrapbook paper-turned-placemats.  It was very cute, F yer I.

So at the end of the night, my friend went around blowing out the candles, and I went around collecting them.  This one was still hot, and wax flew all over the tablecloth (which was really a $4 white bed sheet from Walmart).

So here's what you do to get it off, before putting it in the washing machine.  First, pick or scrape off as much wax as possible and remove all the loose pieces.

Then, cover the waxy area with a paper towel both on top of the cloth and on bottom.  Otherwise you'll end up with wax soaking through to the ironing board.  What me?  No, I didn't do that.

Cover the paper towel with a dish towel, or just iron directly on the paper towel if you've had all your coffee.

You'll notice the wax start to come off onto the paper towel.  Continue doing this until you feel like you've gotten off everything you can.

This is how my twin-sized flat sheet tablecloth looked when I was finished.  Better!  We'll see if the ol' washing machine can finish the job.

Now, if you've spilled colored wax, well, Kellerwoman can't help you there.  But I'll hold your hand while you cry.

Remember last year when...

The house was squeaky, scrubbed, glammed and glowing?

And we laughed and sang carols with our family and friends?

When we tried 'em out in other linguas?

And the shutter caught the poppin' top?

When the sons threw in the white towel and it paid off?

Remember when we fell in love all over again?

When Chris gave me the evil eye?

And the newlyweds got mushy?

When Shellie and Izzy put on a fashion show?

The boys were back in town?

And Brayden got a new helicopter?

Remember when I had less than two hours to giggle with my gals?

And we got news that was so exciting AK actually agreed to set up the tripod and capture the moment?

Sam, Alex and gang rode into Dallas?

And the Trouble Twins jumped for joy when they saw me?

When mom and her sisters got sent to time out?

And Sam stood still long enough for this beauty?

Remember when Maria smiled so pretty?

And Franny showed off her new beautiful smile?

We took a trip to outer space?

And Alex crowned himself King of Sorry?

Remember when Gabe rang in the new year with his massive muscles?

What an amazing end to 2010!

Dear Santa, I would like an 8-day week.

Here are all the things I want to blog about but don't have time:

Mom & daughter aprons I made for my cousin... in October.

The fun baby shower decorations... from October (yes, it was a tailgate).

come on, folks, it's root beer and cream soda! :)

Scarves I planned to sell for $10... and made them in October.

The Blessings Board... from November (yes, I filled it out with very generic things for the photo, but added my dog's name for kicks).

The Advent wreath I made... in November.

The outcome of the Cookie Exchange Extravaganza... last weekend (no photo yet)

The Christmas card photos I took for a cool couple... on Monday :)

And, the centerpieces for my birthday party coming up on Saturday... which is like 180 miles away and I have to transport them. Great job, Kellerwoman.

And now I'll never get around to any of them, because I'll use this half-post as an excuse :).

But stay tuned in early 2011 for a post on the number one, super fun, racing heart, can't wait to start reason why I've been so busy lately!