Add a personal and festive touch to your holiday decor with these beautiful DIY Christmas candles! Using decorative napkins and an unexpected tool—curling tongs—you can create stunning, customized candles that make perfect gifts or charming additions to your home. We have made similar candles in previous years using tissue paper, but I prefer this version as you can choose from so many different napkin designs.
How to Decorate Candles with Napkins
Materials Needed:
- Plain white pillar candles or battery-operated wax candles.
- Decorative napkins with festive prints
- Curling tongs (yes, your hair styling tool!)
- Baking parchment
- Scissors
This post contains affiliate links. If you make any purchases after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!
No products found.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep Your Napkin: Most napkins are two —or three-ply. Separate the top printed layer from the backing layers (this is easiest if you pop a little glue on your fingers).
- Cut out your Designs. Cut out your chosen designs you can leave a little of the napkin around of they are intricate as the wax will hide them.
- Position on the Candle: Lay the napkin design on the candle in your desired position.
- Wrap with Parchment: Wrap a piece of baking parchment tightly around the candle, holding the napkin design in place.
- Adhere with Curling Tongs: Heat your curling tongs (medium setting works best) and gently run them over the parchment. The wax will slightly melt and fuse with the napkin, adhering it to the candle.
- Remove the Parchment: Carefully peel back the parchment to reveal your beautifully decorated candle!
Creative Tips and Tricks:
- Personalize with monograms or custom designs for gift-giving. I am making a set for my Mother-in-law with the dogs on!
- Experiment with layering designs for a unique, textured look.
Alternative Methods for Transferring Napkins
If you don’t have curling tongs don’t go out and buy them just for this. Instead, here are other easy ways to adhere napkins to candles:
1. Heat Gun or Hair Dryer Method
- What You’ll Need: Heat gun or hair dryer.
- How It Works: Wrap the candle with baking parchment, position the napkin, and heat evenly until the wax melts and fuses the napkin to the candle.
2. Spoon Heating Method
- What You’ll Need: A metal spoon, a lighter or a tea light flame.
- How It Works: Heat the back of the spoon, then use it to press the napkin onto the candle. This is great for detailed designs.
3. Mod Podge Method (No Heat)
- What You’ll Need: Mod Podge and a brush.
- How It Works: Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the candle, position the napkin, and seal it with another layer of Mod Podge. Ideal for decorative candles that won’t be lit.
4. Wax Melt Pour Method
- What You’ll Need: Melted wax and a brush.
- How It Works: Brush melted wax onto the candle, press the napkin onto it, and seal it with another thin layer of wax.
5. Glue Stick Method (Temporary Decor)
- What You’ll Need: A non-toxic glue stick.
- How It Works: Apply glue lightly to the napkin and stick it on the candle. Best for display-only candles.
6. Candle Wax Transfer Method
- What You’ll Need: Small wax shavings and a heat source (a tealight is perfect for this).
- How It Works: Sprinkle wax shavings on the candle, place the napkin on top, and melt the wax into the napkin with a heat gun or hair dryer.
Safety Notes:
- Always supervise burning candles and keep them away from flammable decorations. Plus do not use metallic napkins!
This DIY candle project is not only affordable and easy to make but also a wonderful way to enjoy some creative time during the festive season. It’s perfect for crafting with older kids or friends during a cosy holiday gathering, making it a fun and memorable activity. Plus, these beautifully decorated candles are thoughtful, handmade gifts that add a personal touch to your celebrations
Share your creations with us! Tag @muminthemadhouse on Instagram or Pinterest, and don’t forget to check out more festive DIY projects on the blog.