Tyler Brooks
Birch accessories are a popular decorative item, especially during the winter holiday season. If you're looking to create a rustic vibe, one way to incorporate birch into your decor is by painting faux birch candles. This DIY project can be done in a few simple steps using flameless candles and basic craft supplies. The finished product can be used as a centerpiece or given as a gift, and the best part is that it won't cost you a fortune.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of candle | Flameless, LED, pillar, wide |
| Type of paint | Non-toxic, water-based, acrylic, chalk, craft |
| Paint colours | Light grey, cream, dark brown, ivory, chocolate brown, sandstone, iridescent glitter, light tan, off-white, bright white |
| Other materials | Cocktail fork, scrub brush, paper towel, sponge brush, terracotta pot, ribbon, scrapbook paper, water colour paper, painter's tape, raffia |
| Cost | Less than $8 |
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What You'll Learn
How to create a birch-like base coat
To create a birch-like base coat for your candles, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, decide on the type of candle you want to use. You can choose to use regular wax candles, or opt for LED pillar candles, which are battery-operated. If you use wax candles, you can start with an ivory or white base, as the paint will cover any discolouration.
Next, you will need to prepare your candle by cleaning it with rubbing alcohol to remove any oily residue. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly. You can then apply a base coat of light grey or medium grey craft paint with a sponge brush. Allow this base coat to dry completely.
After the base coat is dry, you can add a layer of dimension by applying cream or light tan paint in big blotches or random strokes over the grey. This step adds to the rustic, uneven look of the birch bark.
Once you are happy with the coverage of the cream and grey paint, you can add some character marks that mimic the natural patterns found on birch bark. Use a small paintbrush or the edge of a sponge brush to create short lines and marks with dark brown or chocolate brown paint. Be sure to vary these marks so that each candle looks unique.
At this point, you have created a birch-like base coat for your candles. You can choose to add further details, such as glitter or raffia, or simply enjoy your beautifully painted faux birch candles!
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$30
Adding detail with cream/tan paint
To add details with cream/tan paint, you can follow these steps:
First, apply a base coat of light grey paint with a sponge brush and let it dry. Then, add big blotches of cream-coloured paint on top of the grey layer. You can use a matte finish paint in a colour like parchment. This layer adds a layer of dimension to the candle and helps create the birch wood effect.
Another method is to use a light tan paint, such as Bamboo by Ceramcoat, and apply it randomly on top of the grey layer. This technique adds texture and depth to the candle, giving it a more natural, rustic look.
You can also try using a thin layer of white chalk paint, blending it with a paper towel to create depth and a natural birch appearance. Additionally, you can add a touch of sparkle by throwing some iridescent glitter into the sandstone paint.
Remember, when painting on candles, it is recommended to use larger candles and avoid narrow or small ones. Always avoid painting the wick area, and ensure that you are using non-toxic paint with minimal preservatives.
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Using brown paint to create character marks
To create character marks that you might see on birch bark, use dark brown paint. You can use just the edge of the sponge brush to make the marks or create short lines. Be sure to vary the marks so that each candle looks a little different.
One way to do this is by using a cocktail fork to randomly score long and short lines around the candle. Then, paint them roughly with chocolate brown craft acrylic paint, making sure to get it into all the cracks. Let it dry slightly, then loosely wipe off the excess with a paper towel.
Another method is to use a paintbrush to add some dark brown paint in big blotches over the light grey base coat. This paint colour is called parchment and has a matte finish.
If you are using a non-toxic water-based paint, very little paint is needed on the exterior of the candle, as most of it will be wiped off. Some paints have about 1% preservatives such as ammonia or formaldehyde that can be released once melted into the wax.
To preserve your artwork, burn the candle down about an inch to create little wells around the wick, and then place a tea light inside.
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Using glitter and raffia for a rustic look
To create a rustic look for your faux birch candles, you can add some glitter and raffia.
First, apply a base coat of light grey craft paint to the candle with a sponge brush and let it dry. Next, add some cream-coloured paint in big blotches over the light grey. You can use the edge of the sponge brush to add character marks that you might see on birch bark with dark brown paint.
Once the paint is dry, you can add some glitter to the candle. In a blog post, Sow & Dipity mentions throwing some iridescent glitter into the sandstone paint for a touch of sparkle. You can also wrap a little raffia around the centre of the candle for a rustic look.
It is important to note that if you are using paper or raffia, it should not be placed near an open flame as it can catch on fire. Instead, you can place a tea light candle in the centre of the candle to preserve your artwork.
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Using scrapbook paper to create the birch effect
To create a birch effect on candles using scrapbook paper, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, source some scrapbook paper that resembles birch wood. You can find this at your local craft store or online. The size of the scrapbook paper you'll need depends on the height of your candles. For example, if your candles are 4 inches tall, you can make three candles with one 12"x12" piece of scrapbook paper.
Next, you'll want to trim the scrapbook paper to size. If you're using double-sided tape, you can wrap the paper around the candle and cut it so that it overlaps by about a quarter of an inch. If you're using glue, you can wrap the paper around the candle and cut it so that the edges meet, using glue dots or a hot glue gun to secure the seam.
If you're using double-sided tape, apply the tape to the back of the scrapbook paper, peel off the backing, and carefully wrap the paper around the candle. Smooth out any air bubbles or creases.
If you're using glue, apply a thin line of glue or glue dots along the edge of the paper, overlapping the seam by about half an inch. Press the edges together firmly and hold for a few seconds until the glue sets.
Once the glue or tape is dry, you can use an X-acto blade to trim off any excess paper at the top of the candle, especially if your candle has a scalloped edge.
And that's it! You now have beautiful birch-effect candles that are perfect for winter decorating or giving as gifts. Just remember, if you've used paper, these candles are for decorative purposes only and should not be lit, as the paper could catch on fire. However, you can always use LED candles inside your birch-wrapped candles to create a soft, warm glow without the risk of fire.
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Frequently asked questions
Start with an ivory or white candle and use a cocktail fork to create random long and short lines around it. Use chocolate brown craft acrylic paint, applying it into the cracks, and let it dry. Then, wipe off the excess with a paper towel.
You can use non-toxic, water-based acrylic paint. You can also add iridescent glitter to the paint for a touch of sparkle.
First, clean the candle with rubbing alcohol to remove any oily residue. Then, apply an adhesion medium or mix it with the first coat of paint.
You can use a range of colours to create a birch effect, including light grey, cream, dark brown, medium grey, light tan, ivory, and off-white.
You can use flameless LED pillar candles, which are wide and large. You can also use regular wax candles.
