Difficulty: Beginner
I’m all about the quick and easy crafts as it gets closer to Christmas. If you’re anything like me you still have plenty to do, but making time for a quick craft is never an issue.
I have a great craft for you today. It’s easy, quick and super inexpensive, because all of the supplies come from the Dollar Tree. Yes the Dollar Tree again. I can’t help it I love that place. That store is a crafters dream, so seriously head up there and stock up on craft supplies, you’ll be glad you did.
Once you have gathered your supplies you can follow along to make not 1, but 2 types of Christmas candles. You can use these candles in your decorating or give as gifts. Who’s ready for another craft?!
Supplies
1 candle in a glass jar (similar to Catholic prayer candles without a picture)
1 Pillar Candle (The fat candle with 1 wick, can be tall or short)
Christmas napkins
Découpage (Mod Podge)
Hair dryer
Peel the napkin apart so that it is 1 ply instead of 2.
Measure the height and circumference of each candle and cut a rectangle of each measurement to adhere to each candle.
For the glass candle first remove the label if it is on the side of the candle. Soak in soapy water for about and hour and it will scrape off cleanly.
Spread a layer of decoupage all over the surface with a paint brush. Brush right under the top lip all the way to the bottom.
Once the jar is coated take the rectangle of napkin and make sure it is oriented properly and line up the top edge of the rectangle with the bottom of the lip. Carefully press the napkin into the glue smoothing as you go.
Wrap the entire candle with the napkin, then coat the napkin with a thin layer of découpage all the way around the candle, carefully sealing the edges.
Let dry for about an hour.
As this candle burns down the light will shine through the design of the napkin.
Candle #2
Take the pillar candle and line up the napkin rectangle on the candle. Using a hair dryer warm the candle wax just enough to adhere the napkin to the candle. You want the wax to melt just enough that it soaks through the napkin acting as a glue as it cools.
Work all the way around until the entire napkin is stuck to the candle. The paper should no longer feel like paper. It should feel like wax. If it still fels like paper you need to melt the wax a little more. Trim the edges if necessary.
I can’t tell you whether or not the paper will catch fire, because we haven’t lit our candle. My advice would be to not burn the candle all the way to the edges. You can make the candle burn down through the middle to avoid the paper. The other option would be to not light the candle and just use it as a decoration.
You can make several of these candles to make a pretty arrangement or give them as gifts either way it’s an easy last minute craft to brighten any holiday décor.