DIY Statement Candle Decor

I absolutely love home decor. I’m always changing things around and adding new details. Candle decor happens to be my current favorite trend!

I love working with candles because they add elegance to simplicity. There is nothing quite as classic or dramatic as a candle (and they happen to be very reasonably priced! Haha). Whenever I happen upon a new decor piece and I feel like something is missing or it needs something more, I usually throw in a candle! They are great for filling space, and making something look complete.

You can’t really go wrong with a clean white pillar candle, but sometimes I’m looking for something a little more. So I wanted to share with you my trick for making a candle into a statement piece instead of just filler. This is a super easy DIY project that anyone can do pretty cheap!

The things you’ll need:

1. Candle
2. Craft Paper
3. Mod Podge
4. Foam Brush
5. Scissors

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Ok, the reason I included this in the steps is because you will have to be pretty speedy for this project. The mod podge makes the paper mushy and dries quickly, so you won’t want to waste time fumbling around for what you need.

At this point, you can also make sure the candles you’re using are clean. They don’t have to be bright and shiny; I used five year old wedding candles that have been sitting in a box because I’m too cheap to throw them out, but they were yellowed by the twine we wrapped them in. The paper will cover any weird discoloration or scratch marks, so just wipe them down quick to make sure the paper will lay mostly flat and there’s no dirt to keep the paper from sticking.

If don’t have any pillar candles on hand, the thrift store is a great place to fine slightly damaged or discolored candles that would work great for this! If you’re not an experienced thrifter, I have a post to help you out! How to Thrift Like a Pro

Step 2: Cut The Paper

There are a ton of paper options out there. You can choose from your local craft store selection, or create your own! I have used scrapbook remnants, old dictionary pages, music sheets, etc. You could even make personalized pages with kids drawings or fancy signatures; get creative!

Once you’ve decided on the paper you want, try to cut it down as precisely as possible. Going back at the end to trim edges can get messy and start to look chewed up. Before you cut, pay attention to what part you are designating for the candle. When I used an old dictionary page, I made sure to trim off the empty margins instead of the beautiful type.

Step 3: Time for Glue!

Brush a thin layer of mod podge onto the candle in small sections. Then press the paper onto the candle, keeping any air bubbles from getting trapped and wrinkling the paper.

Some tips before you start. Too much mod podge will make your paper mushy and tear easily, so try to put the glue on thin. If it’s too thin, you’re paper won’t stick well and might peal off. It’s a balancing act! Haha

I would suggest doing small sections at a time, so you don’t end up with glue all over your hands while you try to lay down the paper.

Try to move quickly; you may need to readjust the paper and work out the air bubbles, which doesn’t work well with soggy paper.

Put a little extra mod podge on the seam (underneath and on top) to make sure it seals well and won’t peal off later. I also put some around the top edge of the paper so it transitioned smoothly onto the candle.

Step 4: Let Dry and Enjoy!!

You have reached the hardest part of the project, waiting for them to dry until you can display them!! If you’re super impatient, like me, you can set them up before they’re 100% dry. Just make sure you don’t set them on a surface that any excess mod podge would stick too.

I love making this easy statement candle decor. It’s perfect for home projects or even parties! Candles go a long way for making a special occasion look great on a small budget.

Special Bonus Tip: Pick up some electric candles from your local dollar store for an awesome (and fire free) party decor piece!!

If you’re interested in other party planning tips, check out my post Party Planning 101.

Are candles something you like decorating with?! How have you incorporated them into your decor design? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. If you make some of your own DIY Statement Candles, post a picture in the comments or share them on one of our social media outlets so we can admire them!! Facebook, Instagram, Twitter