I Tried the Trendy Candle DIY Taking Over TikTok — And I’m So in Love
Winter is all about making my home feel cozy, and I’m always looking for little projects I can do to help create that vibe. Of course, my time is not unlimited (nor is my budget!) so the best projects are the ones that are quick, easy, and can be done for just a few bucks — or even for free!
Recently, I came across an adorable TikTok DIY that I knew I had to try making myself. In it, the creator (@domesticallyblissful) used paper napkins to dress up plain old pillar candles. The DIY couldn’t have been simpler, and the supplies were easy to come by — so I obviously had to try it!
While I loved the concept, wide pillar candles weren’t really my style so instead I decided to try the project on tapers. I’ve always loved the painted taper candle trend, but my painting skills are pretty basic, so using a paper pattern sounded like the perfect project to achieve the look I’ve always wanted!
Important to note: If you’re thinking this DIY decor sounds like a fire hazard, you’re completely right! These candles are not intended for burning, they’re simply meant to look pretty on display. Do not light these candles.
The technique seemed pretty straightforward and simple; the only difference was I was using a much skinnier candle that tapered at the end. Here’s how I did it (and how it went!).
Supplies for DIY Napkin-Wrapped Candles:
Taper candles (thrift stores are a great place to find cheap project candles!)
Floral print napkins (I got mine from HomeGoods)
Wax paper
Craft iron or regular iron
Scissors
How to Make Napkin-Wrapped Candles
Start by carefully peeling the additional layers off the back of the floral print paper napkins. Most cocktail napkins have multiple layers, and it’s important to get down to one thin layer.
Carefully position the napkin around the taper, making sure you have a tight fit, then wrap one layer of wax paper around that.
Using a warm iron (not too hot!), press down the length of the candle from top to bottom to ensure adhesion. The tapered top definitely made this part tricky, but once that portion of the napkin was stuck to the candle, it made working with the rest a lot easier. The trick is wrapping the napkin and wax paper as tight as you can around the candle in one hand, while working the iron in the other.
Let cool, then put in your favorite candleholder to display!
What I Thought About This DIY
Overall I definitely recommend this project! It’s a fantastic way to add print to any room and give your tapers a really custom look. If you’re a reluctant crafter, I’d give the pillar candles a go before trying the tapers.
Tricks I Learned to Make This DIY Easier
First, leave time for cleanup: The wax from the wax paper will transfer onto your iron, so it’s best to use a dedicated craft iron if you have one — this is another great thing to pick up at a thrift store or in a neighborhood free group if you think you’ll use it again. If you use your regular iron, be sure to clean well after using it on this project so that you don’t leave waxy residue on the next piece of clothing you try to press.
Second, don’t go too hot. Depending on your iron, you can completely melt and flatten the side of your candle if you’re not careful. Keep it at a very warm temp, not hot, and move it quickly over the surface of the wax paper.
I highly recommend the mini craft iron I used for this project (and many others!). Its small size makes it much easier to keep an eye on the candle to see if it’s melting underneath.
If you’ve adjusted the temperature on your iron and find you’re still melting the candle, grab a paper towel and lay it on top of the wax paper and iron through that. You may have to move the iron slower and let it rest in one area for longer, but it should help with the heat.
Further Reading
I Just Discovered the Smartest Way to Store Paper Towels in Your Kitchen (It’s a Game-Changer!)
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture
