Brooke Martin
Decoupage is a fun and affordable craft project that can transform ordinary candles into decorative pieces. The art form involves covering a candle with a napkin or tissue paper featuring an interesting design. To create a decoupaged candle, you will need a candle, napkins or tissue paper, and some form of adhesive, such as glue or Mod Podge. You can also use a hairdryer, heat gun, or iron to help the napkin adhere to the candle. This project is perfect for beginners and can add a personalised touch to your home décor or make a thoughtful, handmade gift.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Techniques | Heat method, glue method |
| Materials | Napkins, tissue paper, Mod Podge, clear varnish, glue, flowers, pressed flowers, small glass container, paintbrush, Tacky Glue, pillar candle, blow dryer, heat gun, mini heat press, plastic wrap, parchment paper, greaseproof paper, foam brush, scissors |
| Steps | Cut out the design from the napkin, apply heat to the candle, wrap the napkin around the candle, smooth out the napkin, apply Mod Podge, let dry, trim off excess napkin |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right materials
To create a decoupaged candle holder, you will need a small glass container, which can be a small clear vase or votive holder. You can find these at most dollar stores or craft supply stores.
Next, you will need to choose the decorative elements that you want to apply to your candle holder. You can use coloured or light-coloured tissue paper, napkins with interesting designs, or even print pictures onto vellum and cut them out. If you want to add a natural element, you can use pressed flowers. These can be created by pressing wildflowers using the book press method.
For the adhesive, you can use Mod Podge or clear varnish, which can be applied with a foam brush. Alternatively, you can use Tacky Glue, but this will need to be thinned down with water to a consistency slightly thicker than milk.
To apply heat to your candle holder, you can use a hairdryer, a heat gun (while wearing protective gloves), or a mini heat press. If you don't have access to these tools, a simple household iron will also do the trick. Set your iron to a low heat setting without steam, and gently press it over the parchment paper-wrapped candle.
Finally, to protect your work surface, cover it with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth before you begin.
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Preparing the candle holder
To prepare your candle holder for decoupage, you will need a small glass container, which can be a small clear vase or votive holder. You can find these at most dollar stores. Cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth to protect it from glue stains.
Next, gather your materials. You will need some light-coloured tissue paper, an old paintbrush, and either Tacky Glue or Mod Podge. If you use Tacky Glue, remember to thin it down with water to a consistency slightly thicker than milk. You can also use pressed flowers, which you can make yourself using the book press method, or simply use coloured tissue paper.
Now, prepare your design. If you are using flowers, cut them out carefully from the tissue paper. If you wish to apply the entire design to the candle holder, you can do that too. Be careful not to tear the top layer of the tissue paper, as this is where your design is printed. If you are struggling to cut out the design, try cutting it out as best you can, and then use a paintbrush with a bit of water to separate the layers.
Finally, prepare your candle holder by brushing a thin layer of your chosen adhesive (glue or Mod Podge) onto the outside of the glass.
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Applying the design
To apply the design, you will need to use either the heat method or the glue method. The heat method involves using heat to slightly melt the surface of the candle so that the design adheres to it. This can be done with a hairdryer, a heat gun, an iron, or a mini heat press. The glue method, on the other hand, involves using glue to attach the design to the candle. This can be done with Mod Podge or Tacky Glue.
If you are using the heat method, start by setting your heat tool to a low heat setting. You don't want the heat too high, as this may cause the wax to melt too much and lose the shape of the candle. If you are using an iron, be sure to set it to a low heat setting without steam. Gently press the iron over the parchment paper-wrapped candle. Move the iron slowly around the entire surface of the candle, applying gentle pressure.
If you are using a blow dryer, choose the hot setting and blow air directly onto the design. If you are using a heat gun, be sure to wear protective gloves. The heat from the tool will cause the wax to melt slightly, allowing the design to adhere to the candle.
If you are using the glue method, start by brushing a thin layer of decoupage medium or glue onto the candle. This will help the design stick to the candle. Then, unfold and separate your tissue paper or napkin so that it's just one ply. If you are using a napkin, be careful to choose one with an interesting design that you can easily cut out. You can also try printing pictures onto vellum and cutting them out to use in place of flowers. Your images just need to be translucent so that they glow when the candle is burning.
Once you have your tissue paper or napkin ready, wrap it around the candle, smoothing it out as you go. It's okay if there are some wrinkles! If you are using the heat method, you can use a piece of plastic wrap to help smooth out the tissue paper or napkin. If you are using the glue method, brush on another layer of Mod Podge or glue over the tissue paper or napkin.
Let the glue dry, then add an additional coat of glue around the bottom of the candle. Wrap the tissue paper or napkin around the bottom and secure it with glue. Let this dry completely before trimming off any excess tissue paper or napkin from the top of the candle with scissors.
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Adding a finishing touch
Once you've mastered the art of decoupage, you can add a finishing touch to your candle holders to make them truly unique. Here are some ideas to elevate your creations:
Protective Coat
Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge or clear varnish over your decoupaged candle holder. This will not only add a beautiful sheen but also protect the underlying design. It is a great way to ensure that your hard work stays intact and can be admired for a long time.
Pressed Flowers
Add pressed flowers to your candle holders for a natural, whimsical touch. You can use wildflowers or any blooms of your choice. Press the flowers using a book press method or any other suitable technique. Then, carefully decoupage them onto your candle holder, layering with tissue paper. The end result will be a romantic, botanical-themed creation.
Personalised Prints
Instead of flowers, try printing pictures or designs onto vellum and cutting them out. Choose images that are translucent so that they glow when the candle is burning, creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. This technique allows you to personalise your candle holders with meaningful images or artwork.
Creative Candles
While decorating your candle holders, don't forget that you can also decoupage the candles themselves. Choose candles with a pillar shape, as they work best for this technique. Use napkins with interesting designs, such as florals, or any pattern that catches your eye. With a bit of heat and creativity, you can transform ordinary candles into stunning decorative pieces.
Smooth Finish
For a smooth and flawless finish, use plastic wrap to gently smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the napkins or tissue paper. This simple trick will help you achieve a more polished and professional look for your candle holders.
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Drying and lighting
Once you have finished applying the decoupage to your candle holder, it's time to let it dry. The drying process will vary depending on the type of glue or decoupage medium you have used. If you are using a hairdryer, blow dryer, or heat gun to speed up the drying process, be very careful not to overheat the wax, as this can cause it to melt and lose its shape.
If you are using a heat method without any additional glue, you can simply let the candle holder cool down before handling it. Once it is cool to the touch, you can move on to the next step.
If you are using a glue method, such as Mod Podge or Tacky Glue, you will need to allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the type of glue and the thickness of the application. Be sure to read the instructions on your chosen adhesive for specific drying times and recommendations.
After the glue has dried, you may want to apply a finishing coat to protect your design. This could be another layer of Mod Podge or a clear varnish. Again, make sure to read the instructions on your chosen product for proper application and drying times.
Once your candle holder is completely dry and any additional coatings have cured, it is time to light your candle! Place a candle inside the holder and light the wick. Enjoy the glow of your creation and the beautiful ambiance it creates. Remember always to exercise caution when burning candles and never leave them unattended.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a small glass container, light-coloured tissue paper, an old paintbrush, glue (such as Tacky Glue or Mod Podge) and pressed flowers (optional).
First, cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth. Then, working in small sections, apply glue to the outside of the candle holder, stick on your chosen decorations (e.g. flowers or coloured tissue paper) and cover them with tissue paper. Continue until the entire outside of the candle holder is covered.
Brush a thin layer of glue onto your candle holder. Then, unfold and separate your tissue paper so that it's just one-ply. Wrap it around the candle holder, smoothing it out with your fingers or a piece of plastic wrap. Brush on another layer of glue over the tissue paper.
