Monday, December 9

Easy DIY Christmas candles


One of my favorite parts of Christmastime is all the lights.  I especially love candlelight, so I'm tickled to show you a simple way to create beautiful pillar candles.


 

These beautiful candles are simple and very inexpensive to make from plain pillar candles and--guess what? Christmas napkins!



Most napkins are 2-ply, so you simply separate the decorative outer layer from the inner layer,


cut a piece of decorative outer layer to fit around the candle, and ModPodge the napkin to the candle. Of course you could use a piece of tissue paper from your Christmas wrapping supplies as well, but for this look it's important to use tissue paper rather than regular paper.

My method is to use a disposable foam brush to coat the entire side of the candle in ModPodge (not the top or bottom) and gently press the tissue into place, folding the tissue under a bit on the bottom.  Once the tissue-covered candles are dry, I apply another layer of ModPodge.  I'm very careful not to get paper or ModPodge onto the top of the candle.  If any ModPodge accidentally gets onto the top of the candle, I simply wipe it away while it's still wet.

Please note that decoupaging with tissue paper is not an exact science, especially when applying to a cylindrical surface.  Mostly likely you won't be able to get every single wrinkle out, and if you try, you'll tear the fragile tissue.  That's okay.  Remember it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful!


See how the flame makes the candle glow from within?  I love that!  I'm using these candles in my dining room, but I may make some more for gifts.


I'm so glad to finally be getting my Christmas decorating done!  How's your decorating going?

I'm joining these lovely parties:
Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
One Project at a Time at A Bowl Full of Lemons
Christmas Extravaganza at Sand and Sisal

11 comments:

  1. Richella, these candles are so pretty! I have a friend that makes these, as well. She made some for me from some fleur de lis napkins that she found. What a great tip for adding a touch of Christmas to a room! These are beautiful!

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  2. Oh Richella...these are just lovely! I think I actually have some of those very same napkins too! I think I just may give this a try...thanks for sharing this simple but beautiful idea :)

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  3. Richella,

    Very pretty!! I just wanted to stop in and thank you for your visits. i am playing catch up....

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  4. Richella, Those are gorgeous. You are right-things don't have to be perfect to be beautiful! xo Diana

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  5. So cute! I am constantly amazed at the creativity I see all over the place...including yours!

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  6. These are so pretty and I love your vignette. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  7. Great idea with the candles! I think I will make a few! Love your tea table, I have one similar that used to be my mom's!

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  8. These look so good. i can't wait to try decoration my own candles. I hope you will share your post on Thank Goodness It's Thursday at http://www.jordansonion.blogspot.com - the party goes live on Thursday at 10am MST.

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  9. Those are just lovely! I did something similar MANY years ago with the napkins and styrofoam eggs for an Easter display. The final step was to sprinkle clear glitter on the eggs to give them an extra special finish. Doing that to the candles would be fun, too. You brought back a very fond memory, Richella, because I did this little craft with my young children who are now in their early forties -- did I just say that? Yikes!

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  10. Hi Richella! These candles are just ever-so-pretty!! Napkins! What a great idea. Simple and festive. Well done! Merry Christmas, Catherine (newest follower of your blogging adventures!) : )

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