
Grunge candles with Modge Podge are a fun and easy craft project that can be made for just a few dollars. This technique can be used to decorate cheap glass candles, transforming them into stylish and colourful centrepieces. The process involves using Mod Podge—a type of glue or decoupage medium—to adhere patterned paper, napkins, or other decorative materials to the surface of the candle holder. The result is a unique, grungy and primitive-looking candle that can be used as a fun design piece or an affordable gift.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Inexpensive |
| Materials | Glass-enclosed candles, cocktail napkins, Mod Podge, brush, scrapbook paper, acrylic paint, string |
| Benefits | Fun, stylish, colourful, endless pattern and colour options |
| Use | Can be used to grunge plastic battery-operated candles |
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What You'll Learn

Use patterned scrapbook paper and paint
Grunging candles with Mod Podge is a fun and easy way to create stylish candles at an affordable cost. The process involves using patterned scrapbook paper and paint to give the candles a unique and grungy look. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving this:
Prepare the Candles and Materials:
Start by gathering your supplies: plain candles, patterned scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, and string (optional). You can find most of these items at your local dollar store or craft store. Remove any labels from the candles by soaking them in water for a few minutes, then peeling them off.
Paint the Candles:
Begin by painting the base of your candles with the acrylic paint. You can choose any colour that complements the pattern of your scrapbook paper. Apply two coats of paint for a more consistent finish and let it dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Cut and Apply the Scrapbook Paper:
Select patterned scrapbook paper that you want to use for the middle section of the candles. Cut the paper to fit the size of the candle, leaving a little extra paper on the top and bottom edges. Using a wide brush, paint a layer of Mod Podge on the back of the paper and on the candle where you will be attaching the paper. Carefully apply the paper to the Mod Podged area on the candle, smoothing out any bumps or air bubbles as you go. Apply pressure to ensure the paper adheres securely to the candle.
Embellish and Finish:
Once the paper is attached and dry, you can further embellish your candles by adding "Shine" tags or other decorative elements. Cut out letters or shapes from the excess scrapbook paper and attach them to the candles using Mod Podge. You can also add string or ribbon for a more rustic look. Finally, apply a light coat of Mod Podge over the entire candle to seal and protect the design. Set the candles aside to dry completely before displaying or gifting them.
By following these steps and using patterned scrapbook paper and paint, you can create unique and grungy candles that add a touch of style and personality to your space. The possibilities for colour and pattern combinations are endless, making this a fun and affordable DIY project.
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Add shine tags
To add shine tags to your candles, start by cutting out the letter shapes from the excess paper leftover from decorating your candles. You can use a craft cutter to help with this. Next, cut the letters into an oval shape and attach them to a white piece of paper using Mod Podge, just like you did with the candles. Allow the tags to dry completely, then punch a hole in them and attach them to the candles with string.
You can also get creative with the tags. For example, you can write "Let Your Light Shine" on the tags or come up with other fun and inspiring messages. The shine tags add a whimsical touch to your handmade candles and make them perfect for gifting or adding a touch of colour to your home decor.
If you want to add a personal touch to your candles, you can even create your own patterned letters. For instance, you can make fun patterns for the letters to spell out "NOEL" for the holiday season. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customising your shine tags!
Remember, when creating shine tags, use the same techniques you applied when decorating your candles with Mod Podge. This ensures that your tags are securely attached and will last. Enjoy crafting your unique candles and adding that extra shine!
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Grunge plastic battery-operated candles
Grunge-style candles can be made at home by using Mod Podge, and this technique can be applied to plastic battery-operated candles as well. The process is simple and inexpensive, and you can create a primitive, grungy look for your candles.
Firstly, you will need to source some plastic battery-operated candles, which can be found at most craft or homeware stores. You will also need Mod Podge, a glue-like adhesive, and some cocktail napkins. The napkins can be patterned or plain, depending on the look you want to achieve. If using patterned napkins, carefully separate the printed ply from the blank ply, discarding the blank sheet.
Next, cut the napkin to size. The napkin should be slightly longer than the candle, with a little extra at the top and bottom. Place the candle on the napkin and use scissors to cut off the top edge of the napkin, leaving about half an inch of extra material.
Now, take your Mod Podge and paint a one-inch strip along the front edge of the napkin. Press the candle onto the napkin, ensuring the top edge of the napkin lines up with the top edge of the candle. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go. Continue painting Mod Podge along the candle and pressing the napkin onto it, turning the candle as you go.
Once the entire candle is covered, trim off any excess napkin, except for the bottom edge. Apply a small amount of Mod Podge to the first edge of the napkin and overlap the second edge on top. Smooth out any wrinkles and cover the entire candle with a light coat of Mod Podge to seal it. Allow the candle to dry for at least 15 minutes before displaying it.
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Use cocktail napkins
Mod Podge is a great way to decorate candles, especially if you're looking for an easy, inexpensive craft project. You can use Mod Podge with cocktail napkins to create grungy, colourful centrepieces.
Firstly, you'll need to gather your supplies: glass-enclosed candles, cocktail napkins, scissors, Mod Podge, and a brush. You can find these supplies at dollar or craft stores. Next, remove any labels from your candles by soaking them in water for a few minutes, then peeling off the labels. Take your napkins and carefully separate the printed ply from the blank ply. If your napkins are already single-ply, you can skip this step.
Now, cut your napkin to size. You'll want the napkin to cover the candle from top to bottom, with a little extra overlap. Place your candle on the unfolded napkin, centring it to ensure even coverage. Use scissors to cut the napkin to size, leaving a bit of extra napkin at the top and bottom.
Here comes the fun part—applying the Mod Podge! Lay your napkin face-side-down and use your paintbrush to apply a layer of Mod Podge along the first inch or so. Gently place the candle onto the glued edge of the napkin, ensuring the napkin aligns with the top edge of the candle. Smooth the napkin onto the glass, then turn the glass over and continue applying Mod Podge and smoothing the napkin in sections. Once you've covered the entire candle, overlap the edges of the napkin and secure them with a bit of Mod Podge.
Finally, cover the entire candle with a light coat of Mod Podge and let it dry for at least 15 minutes. And there you have it—your grungy, colourful candle is ready to light up your space! Remember, Mod Podge is non-flammable, but napkins are flammable, so exercise caution when burning your candles. Enjoy your new grungy candle creations!
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Apply a final coat of Mod Podge
To finish your grunge candles, you will need to apply a final coat of Mod Podge. This will seal your design and protect it from wear and tear. It is a simple process but requires a steady hand and a careful eye for detail.
Firstly, ensure your decorated candle is completely dry. You do not want to smudge or smear your design, so take your time with this step. Once you are sure the glue is dry, take your paintbrush and Mod Podge. Starting at the top of the candle, carefully paint a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the surface, working downwards. Take care not to apply too much pressure to the brush, as you do not want to disturb the napkin or paper underneath.
Work slowly and methodically, ensuring you cover the entire surface of the candle, including the very bottom. This final coat should be thin and light, so be sure to use a small amount of Mod Podge on your brush. Once you have covered the whole candle, set it aside to dry. Place it on a flat surface, preferably on top of a protective sheet, and leave it undisturbed for at least 15 minutes.
This final coat will give your candle a professional finish and ensure your design is long-lasting. It is a simple step, but it makes a big difference to the overall look and durability of your grunge candle.
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Frequently asked questions
To grunge candles with Modge Podge, you can follow these simple steps: First, remove the labels from the candles by soaking them in water for a few minutes. Then, cut a cocktail napkin to the size of the candle, with about a half-inch extra. Paint Mod Podge along the front edge of the napkin and press it onto the candle, smoothing as you go. Finally, cover the whole thing with a light coat of Mod Podge and let it dry.
You will need glass-enclosed candles, cocktail napkins, scissors, Mod Podge, and a brush. You can easily find these supplies at stores like the Dollar Store, HomeGoods, and Hobby Lobby.
Yes, you can use the same technique to grunge plastic battery-operated candles. This is a very inexpensive way to create a primitive and grungy look for your candles.











































