DIY Embossed Candles

I love to display decorated candles. And I love to switch out the candles as the seasons change. But obviously, this can get pretty expensive. This is why I was overjoyed when I learned last year that you can use wrapping tissue paper and stamps to create your own custom candles.

I bought plain inexpensive pillar candles for 50% off at Hobby Lobby. I used stamps I purchased through my Stampin' Up Demonstrator Barbara Raffman. The rest of my supplies were purchased at Hobby Lobby.

I then cut a piece of tissue paper to the size of the candle and stamped it with the embossing ink. Next, I sprinkled the embossing powder on the stamped image and tapped the excess powder off (just like using glitter). I then used my heat gun on the tissue paper until the powder became a raised image. After the entire image was embossed, I wrapped the tissue around the candle and then held a piece of wax paper tightly around the entire candle and used my heat gun on the candle to slightly melt the wax to adhere the tissue paper to the candle. This step takes a little practice because if you keep the heat gun too long in one spot, you will end up with hot wax running down your arm. Been there, done that. Not a pleasant experience. If you don't melt the wax enough, the tissue paper doesn't adhere to the candle. The key to start off small. I started learning to do this with small votive candles until I proficient enough to move to larger candles. Note: I use these candles for strictly decorative use only. I did light these for a few minutes to get a burned wick, but I can't attest to their safety.

I then wrapped a piece of ribbon around the candles and secured two with a stick pin and tied the other one in a knot. I added a cross to one and refrigerator magnet initials to the others. A & J are me and my significant other's initials. And coincidentally, all of our three children also share these same initials even though they were all named before we even met.

I am sharing this project over at Kimba's A Soft Place to Land for DIY Day. Go check out the other great projects.