This unique and easy Halloween craft is a great way to upcycle an old candle and left over napkins with a pretty pattern! It is so simple, affordable, and only requires a few materials – you may already have all of them!
These DIY patterned candles would would be great for any time of year depending upon the napkin you choose and would make a great DIY gift!!! Pair candles with a few holders for a hostess or holiday gift!
How to make DIY patterned candles
what you need
- pillar candle – upcycle one you have or pick up some inexpensive ones like these
- wax paper
- paper napkins with a print you like. I’m using these
- hair dryer
- oven mitt or hand towel
How to make it
1. Start by carefully peeling your napkin apart so that your pattern is only 1 ply. I rubbed a corner of my napkin together to separate the layers.
2. Wrap your 1 ply design around your candle. Cut off any excess more than 1/4 inch of overlap.
3. Lay your wrapped candle in the center of a long piece of wax paper and gather the long edges of wax paper together so that the sheet is wrapped tightly around your candle. You will hold onto the excess like a handle.
4. I recommend placing a towel between your hand and the wax paper because the hair dryer will get hot. Or wear an oven mit.
5. Using your hair dryer on the highest, hottest setting, begin warming your candle. It takes a bit of time, but the wax from both and paper and candle will slowly begin to melt and the napkin will absorb the wax. You will be able to tell that this is happening because your napkin print will begin to darken. Continue this process, turning your candle until all of the napkin has absorbed wax.
6. Trim off excess napkin from the top and bottom of your candle if needed. I use the hair dryer around the top and bottom edge to seal the napkin edges to the candle after trimming.
NOTE: I tried this with a taper candle, but because the paper is so close to the flame it burned the paper. I would not recommend doing this for safety reasons unless you do not intend to burn your tapers!!!
I can’t wait to make candles for my Thanksgiving table! Is this a DIY you’d try? Let me know in the comments and make sure to tag me @therurallegend if you make them!
xoxo, L
