Puja Thapa

Business Manager

I am from Nepal. Last week, the festival called “Tihar,” also known as “the festival of lights,” was celebrated in my country. I saw photos of my friends and family on social media. Yeah, they seemed like they were enjoying the celebration without me. So I thought I should do something that makes me feel like I’m close to home and close to my culture.

Clay handmade oil lamps are quite popular during the festival. All the houses are bright and decorated with lights and flowers. There was no way I could light an oil lamp in my dorm. However, thanks to American innovation, there are flameless candles. Flameless candles were not enough to make me feel festive though.

So I decided to make a vibrant papier-mâché candle holder.

You need the following materials to make one:

Tissue paper of your choice of colors, Mod-podge Matte, any glass jar that looks like a candle holder, paint brush, scissors and paper punch if you have any. Let’s get started then!

Step 1: Clean the glass jar and let it dry.

Step 2: Cut the tissue paper into different small shapes you want. I cut small identical flowers out of them. It took a while. If you have paper punches, you can use them.

Step 3: Dip the paint brush in the Mod-podge glue and paste the paper flowers (or any shapes you have) on the jar.

Step 4: After the jar is fully decorated, let it dry.

Step 5: Put the candle (the flameless candle) inside your jar and let it shine!

Puja can be contacted at

pthapa@kscequinoxcom

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Puja Thapa

Puja Thapa is an enthusiastic Nepali woman who brings meaningful and creative impact to the world. She is graduating from Keene State College in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in business management with minors in studio arts and women and gender studies. As Administrative Executive Editor for two years at the national award-winning student newspaper, The Equinox, she has strengthened her leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Puja has also explored her interest in photography and writing through the newspaper and has produced national and state-level award-winning content. Her journey from Nepal to the U.S. has helped her evolve into a deeply conscientious and highly adaptable contributor to society. She is always looking forward to experiencing and excelling at new opportunities.