
Decoupage candles are a fun and easy craft project that can add a unique style to your home. They can be made using a heat gun or blow dryer, and the result is a candle that is safe to burn and looks gorgeous. This craft project is also affordable and mess-free, making it accessible to anyone. With just a few simple steps, you can transform any wax candle with a napkin and a heating tool. This guide will take you through the process of choosing the right napkin design, preparing your candle, and using heat to adhere the napkin to the candle's surface, creating a stylish and personalised home decor item.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Heat method or glue method |
| Napkin design | Choose an interesting design, such as flowers, or any design of your choice |
| Candle type | Pillar candles work best, but any type of wax candle can be used |
| Candle colour | The colour of the candle should match the base colour of the napkin |
| Napkin size | The napkin should be big enough to cover the candle with some excess at the bottom |
| Napkin layers | Paper napkins usually have three layers; separate the decorative layer from the two blank layers |
| Tools | A blow dryer or heat gun |
| Process | Wrap the napkin around the candle, lining up the top edge. Use the heat tool to melt the wax and darken the tissue paper, adhering it to the candle. Trim the excess tissue paper and press it onto the bottom of the candle |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Choosing a napkin design: Pick a design that suits your taste. Flowers are a popular choice
- Candle type: Use a pillar candle for best results. It can be store-bought or homemade, scented or unscented
- Candle colour: Match the candle colour to the base colour of the napkin. Look for straight edges, which are easier to work with
- Heat method: Use a blow dryer or heat gun to melt the wax and adhere the napkin
- Finishing touches: Trim the excess napkin, leaving a small overlap. Press the excess onto the bottom of the candle

Choosing a napkin design: Pick a design that suits your taste. Flowers are a popular choice
Decoupage is an art form that can be used to decorate candles. When choosing a napkin design for your candle, it's important to pick something that suits your taste and style. Flowers are a popular and classic choice for napkin designs, and they can add a touch of elegance and beauty to your candle. Floral designs can be especially eye-catching and pleasing to look at. However, you can choose any design that appeals to you, whether it's a simple pattern or a more intricate illustration. The key is to select a design that you love and that will complement your candle's colour and shape.
When selecting a napkin for decoupaging, it's also important to consider the size and shape of the candle you'll be using. The napkin should be large enough to wrap around the candle comfortably. You can trim the excess paper at the bottom after applying it to the candle. It's also a good idea to choose a napkin with an interesting and visually appealing design. Something with a unique pattern or a vibrant colour palette can make your candle stand out.
If you're feeling creative, you can even cut out specific elements from the napkin design and create a custom collage on your candle. For example, you could select a napkin with various floral motifs and cut out individual flowers to arrange in a unique way on your candle. This technique allows you to get even more creative and personalised with your design.
When working with napkins for decoupage, it's important to remember that most paper napkins have three layers. You'll want to separate the decorative layer from the two plain layers behind it. Be careful when cutting out your desired design, as you'll need to ensure the top layer with the print remains intact.
Overall, choosing a napkin design that suits your taste is an essential step in creating a beautiful decoupaged candle. Whether you choose a floral design, a geometric pattern, or something entirely unique, the right napkin can transform a simple candle into a stunning work of art for your home.
Candle Magic: Do as I Say, Not as I Do
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Candle type: Use a pillar candle for best results. It can be store-bought or homemade, scented or unscented
When it comes to candle type, a pillar candle will yield the best results. You can use either a store-bought or homemade candle, and it can be scented or unscented—it makes little difference to the process or outcome.
Pillar candles are the best shape to use for this project as they are easier to work with and more predictable when you start to melt the wax. They also retain their shape better.
You can use a variety of napkins to decorate your candle. Flowers work great, but you can use any design you like. Just be careful to choose a napkin that you can cut out easily. If you wish to apply the entire design to the candle, you can do that too.
Before you begin, make sure your napkin is big enough to cover the candle by doing a dry fit. Paper napkins are usually 3-ply, so you'll need to separate the decorative ply from the two blank layers behind it. Be careful not to tear the top layer, as this is the one with the design.
Now you're ready to start!
Beeswax Candles: Do They Have an Expiration Date?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Candle colour: Match the candle colour to the base colour of the napkin. Look for straight edges, which are easier to work with
When choosing a napkin for your decoupage candle, opt for one with an interesting design that you can cut out easily. Flowers are a popular choice, but you can select any pattern that appeals to you. Before you begin, ensure that your napkin is large enough to wrap around the candle.
Now, let's delve into the specifics of candle colour and napkin selection. It is recommended to match the candle colour to the base colour of the napkin. For instance, if you have a blue and white floral napkin, choosing a white candle as your base would be ideal. This creates a cohesive look and ensures that the napkin's design stands out.
Additionally, keep an eye out for candles with straight edges rather than wavy ones. Straight edges are easier to work with and will result in a neater finish. They also make it simpler to match up the napkin with the candle, ensuring a seamless application.
When preparing your napkin, carefully separate the decorative ply from the two plain layers. You will only need the top layer with the design printed on it. Take your time during this step to avoid tearing the delicate napkin layer.
Once you have selected and prepared your napkin, you can proceed with the heat method for decoupaging your candle. This method involves using a hairdryer or heat gun to melt the wax and adhere the napkin to the candle, resulting in a beautiful and unique creation.
Crafting Natural Candles: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Heat method: Use a blow dryer or heat gun to melt the wax and adhere the napkin
To decoupage candles with napkins using the heat method, you will need a pillar candle and a napkin with an interesting design. The candle can be store-bought or homemade, scented or unscented, but it should ideally be pillar-shaped as this is the easiest shape to work with. The napkin should have a design that you like and that will fit on the candle. Paper napkins usually have three layers, so separate the decorative layer from the two blank layers behind it, being careful not to tear the top layer.
Before you begin the decoupaging process, wrap the napkin around the candle to ensure it will fit. Line up the top edge where you want it, and don't worry about any excess at the bottom—this can be dealt with later.
Now, take your blow dryer or heat gun and aim the heat at the candle, moving the dryer back and forth so you don't scorch the paper. Keep applying heat until you see the wax melt and darken the tissue paper. Continue moving around the candle until it's almost completely covered. Be very careful not to burn yourself when using a heat tool.
Once the wax has melted and the tissue paper is adhered, trim the excess paper so that it overlaps by about 1/4" on the sides and leave about 1 inch at the bottom of the candle. Gently heat and press the excess tissue paper onto the bottom of the candle. And that's it! You've created a beautifully decorated candle that's safe to burn.
Candler Park: Beltline Access or No?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$13.85

Finishing touches: Trim the excess napkin, leaving a small overlap. Press the excess onto the bottom of the candle
When you're happy with the placement of your napkin, it's time to finish up by trimming the excess. Leave a small overlap of about 1/4 inch on the sides and about 1 inch at the bottom of the candle. This will ensure that the napkin stays securely adhered to the candle.
Gently press the excess napkin onto the bottom of the candle. You can use your fingers or a tool to do this, being careful not to burn yourself. If you're using a heat gun or blow dryer, continue to apply heat to the excess napkin as you press it down. This will help it adhere to the wax.
If you're using a glue method, apply a small amount of glue to the bottom of the candle and then press the excess napkin into it. You can use a glue specifically designed for decoupage, such as Mod Podge, but be aware that this may release chemicals into the air and make the candle unsafe to burn.
Some people prefer the heat method as it doesn't require glue and can result in a more natural finish. However, it can be trickier to execute, and you must be cautious not to burn yourself or scorch the paper.
With either method, the finished candle will have a unique and personalised design. These candles can make great gifts or additions to your home decor.
Candles and Saltwater Aquariums: A Safe Combination?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A pillar candle is the best shape to use as candles that aren't rounded can be unpredictable when you melt the wax. The candle can be store-bought or homemade, scented or unscented.
Paper napkins work best for decoupaging candles. Choose a napkin with an interesting design, such as flowers. Make sure the napkin is big enough to cover the candle and that the colour of the candle matches the base colour of the napkin.
You will need a heat gun or blow dryer to melt the wax.
Wrap the napkin around the candle and line up the top edge. Trim the tissue paper so it overlaps by about 1/4" on the sides and leave about 1 inch at the bottom of the candle. Use your heat gun or blow dryer to melt the wax and attach the napkin to the candle.
Yes, the outside of the candle doesn't burn so your candle will be safe to burn.









































