Tyler Brooks
Decorating candles with napkins is a fun, easy, and affordable way to create beautiful, customised pieces for any occasion. With just a plain wax pillar candle, a blow dryer, and a pretty paper napkin, you can make a candle that looks like it came from an upscale boutique. This simple DIY project allows you to transform any wax candle and create unique home decor or gifts for your friends and family. The process involves removing the extra layers from your napkin, wrapping the napkin around the candle, and using a heat gun or blow dryer to melt the wax and transfer the design onto the candle. With this technique, you can elevate your candles and add a personal touch to your home or special events.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plain wax pillar candle, paper napkin, blow dryer/heating tool |
| Napkin preparation | Separate the ply layers and keep only the decorated layer, cut out desired images |
| Wrapping | Wrap the napkin around the candle, trim excess to no more than 1/4 inch of overlap |
| Heating | Use a blow dryer or heat gun on the highest setting, move back and forth to avoid scorching, heat until wax melts and tissue absorbs wax |
| Finishing | Seal the edges of the napkin with heat, trim excess, re-attach the sticker at the bottom for a professional look |
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What You'll Learn
Selecting the right napkin
Size and Fit
Ensure that your napkin is large enough to cover the candle by doing a dry fit before starting. Wrap the napkin around the candle to check if it fits snugly. It is important to select a napkin that is the right size to avoid any gaps or uneven coverage when decorating.
Ply and Layering
Most paper napkins are 3-ply, consisting of a decorated ply and two solid-coloured layers underneath. For this project, you will need to separate the layers and work with only the decorated ply. Make sure the base colour of this ply matches the colour of your candle for a seamless look. If you want to create a more intricate design, you can cut out specific images or patterns from the decorated ply and arrange them on your candle as desired.
Design and Pattern
The design and pattern of the napkin will determine the overall aesthetic of your decorated candle. Choose a napkin with a pattern or image that aligns with your personal style, the season, or the purpose of the candle. Whether it's a vintage floral design, a festive holiday pattern, or a custom image, select a napkin that reflects your creative vision.
Material and Safety
Opt for napkins made from tissue paper or similar materials that can easily absorb wax when heated. This is crucial for creating a smooth and even coating on your candle. Additionally, consider the safety implications of the materials used. Avoid using materials that may be flammable or release harmful substances when burned. Always prioritise using materials that are safe for burning to ensure an enjoyable and worry-free experience.
Customisation and Sentimentality
If you're feeling creative, you can customise your napkin design. Consider using sentimental items, such as paper invitations, or creating your own patterns and images. This adds a unique and personal touch to your decorated candle, making it even more special.
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Preparing the napkin
Firstly, you will need to select a napkin with a pattern or design that you like. You can use paper napkins or paper invitations, as long as the napkin has a base colour that matches your candle.
Before you begin, do a dry fit to make sure that your napkin is big enough to cover the candle. Paper napkins are usually 3-ply, with a decorated ply and two white layers underneath. You will need to carefully peel the napkin apart, removing all layers until you are left with just the decorated ply.
If you want to use multiple images from the napkin, cut out the images separately. You can then place them on the candle as you wish. If you are happy with a single image, wrap the napkin around the candle to ensure it will fit. Line up the top edge where you want it to sit. Don't worry about any excess at the bottom, as this can be trimmed off later.
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Wrapping the napkin around the candle
To begin, separate the layers of your napkin so that you are left with just the decorated ply. If you plan to cut out images separately and place them yourself, you can do so at this stage. Next, wrap the napkin around the candle to ensure it fits. Line up the top edge where you want it. Don't worry about any excess at the bottom, as this can be trimmed off later.
When you are happy with the placement, use a heat gun, blow dryer, or hair dryer on its hottest setting, and begin warming the candle. Move the heat source back and forth so you don't scorch the paper, and be careful not to burn yourself. You will see the wax melt and darken the tissue paper. Continue moving around the candle until it is almost completely covered, and the napkin has absorbed the wax. You will know this is happening when your napkin print begins to darken and turn shiny.
Trim off any excess napkin from the top and bottom of the candle, if needed. You can use the hair dryer around the edges to seal the napkin after trimming. Finally, gently heat and press the excess tissue paper onto the bottom of the candle. Replace the sticker or glue it to the bottom.
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Melting the wax
Firstly, you will need to decide on your equipment. You can use a blow dryer, a regular heat gun, or a craft heat gun. The blow dryer is a common choice, but it is worth noting that a heat gun will give a more professional finish as it can get hotter than a blow dryer.
Next, you will need to prepare your work area. Cover your workspace with parchment paper, a plastic table cloth, or paper towels to protect it from hot wax drips. You should also put on an oven mitt or place a towel between your hand and the wax paper to protect your skin from the heat.
Now you are ready to melt the wax. If you are using a blow dryer, set it to the highest and hottest setting. If you are using a heat gun, ensure you do not apply the heat too close to the candle, or you may burn the paper. Hold the candle on its side and move the heat source back and forth over a small area. You want to melt the wax enough so that it soaks through the napkin, but not so much that it drips. You will know when to move to the next area as the napkin will turn shiny from the wax. Work your way around the candle evenly to avoid lumps.
Once the napkin is completely coated in wax, set it aside to harden.
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Trimming and sealing the edges
Use a pair of scissors to carefully trim off any excess napkin from the top and bottom of the candle. Take your time with this step to avoid accidentally cutting the candle itself. Aim to cut as close to the edge of the candle as possible, leaving only a thin border of the napkin visible. This thin border will help to ensure the edges of the napkin are properly sealed to the candle.
After trimming, use your heat gun or blow dryer to seal the edges of the napkin to the candle. Focus the heat on the top and bottom edges, and use your free hand to gently press the napkin onto the candle as it heats up. This will help the napkin adhere smoothly and securely. Move your heat source slowly and evenly along the edges, being careful not to hold it too close to the napkin to avoid scorching or burning.
You can also use a hairdryer for this step, but be sure to use the highest and hottest setting to ensure effective sealing. As you apply heat, the wax from the candle will melt and absorb into the napkin, creating a seamless finish. Continue this process until you have sealed all the edges of the napkin to the candle.
Finally, allow the candle to cool and harden completely before handling it extensively. This will ensure that your design is fully set and that the edges are securely sealed.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a plain wax pillar candle, a blow dryer or heating tool, and a paper napkin.
Paper napkins are usually 3-ply, with two white layers and one decorated layer. Remove the extra layers and cut out the images you want to use. Make sure the napkin is big enough to cover the candle.
Using your heating tool, blow hot air onto the candle until you see the wax melt and the tissue paper darken. Keep moving around the candle until it's almost completely covered. Trim off any excess napkin from the top and bottom of the candle.
