Simple Way to Decorate Candles with Napkins

Are you interested in making a candle that looks like it came from an upscale boutique? If you have a plain wax pillar candle, a blow dryer, and a pretty paper napkin it’s your lucky day! Here’s a simple way to decorate plain candles with napkins!

You have got to try this fun DIY project, it will make you feel like a magician!

Ever wish you could wave a magic wand and turn an item into something different?

Well, I don’t have a magic wand but I do have a blow dryer and I will show you how to wave it over a plain candle and make a beautiful image appear on it!

Sound too good to be true? Read on!

Why Decorate Candles With Napkins?

Decorating candles with napkins is an easy and affordable way to create beautiful, customized pieces that are perfect for any occasion.

You can create inexpensive decor themed for birthday parties, showers, weddings, holidays, or any season!

You’ll save time and money because this simple DIY technique requires minimal materials and effort, yet results in stunning, personalized designs that can transform your candles into eye-catching home decor or thoughtful gifts.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting, this tutorial will show you how to elevate your candles in a few straightforward steps.

Let’s get started!

Steps to Decorate Candles With Napkins

Gather Materials

• Plain wax pillar candles or faux wax pillar candles- Walmart
• Decorative napkins- Homegoods
• Scissors
• Wax paper
• Hair dryer

*Note- Homegoods is my favorite place to buy decorative napkins. They have a large selection, usually geared to the season, and are inexpensive.

Preparation

First, you need to prepare your napkins.

*Note- The base color of your napkin needs to be the same as your candle.

Napkins are usually 3-ply, meaning they have three layers: a printed layer and two solid-colored layers underneath.

Remove the extra layers from your napkin.

Determine Your Design

You can use the design as it appears on the napkin or make a design by cutting the images out separately.

I’m decorating three candles and don’t want them to look the same, so I will cut out the images and place them myself.

I had a blast cutting out shells and deciding where to put them!

This option takes longer but you have control over where each image is placed.

*Note: You can adhere the entire napkin to the candle. Line up the top of the napkin with the top of the candle and wrap it around. Remove the excess napkin from around the candle leaving a 1/4″ overlap. Leave approximately one inch hanging over the bottom of the candle.

Adhere the Napkin

Wrap a piece of wax paper around the candle and hold on to the ends like a handle.

If your blow dryer has a concentrator nozzle attach it to the end of the dryer (but it’s not necessary).

Set the dryer to high heat and move it back and forth across the image.

Keep moving it back and forth until you see the napkin edge disappear into the wax and the ink begin to darken.

*Warning- the air from the blow dryer is very hot and can burn you, so keep your hand on the back side of the candle. Use a washcloth or oven mitt if you need to.

Carefully pull the wax paper away from the candle.

If the napkin does not adhere completely, cover the candle and apply heat to that spot again.

Continue the steps until your candle is covered!

*Note- If you covered the entire candle with the napkin, use the same technique to adhere it. After you have adhered the napkin to the sides of the candle, remove the sticker from the bottom. Fold the edges over and melt the napkin into the bottom of the candle.

Style Your Decorated Candles

I am excited to add coastal decor to my home this summer, and these candles will blend in perfectly!

I’m thrilled with how they turned out!

Safety Considerations

Precautions to take when burning decorated candles

Please remember that you are adding paper to a candle, and paper can burn.

I do not recommend using this technique on taper candles because they can easily catch fire.

It’s best to use a pillar candle for this DIY but as always, never leave a burning candle unattended!

If you are concerned about this you do have an alternative.

Advice on using non-flammable materials

Instead of using a wax candle, purchase faux battery-operated candles covered in wax.

If they have the wax coating on the outside of the candle you can use this technique.

Since they are flameless you don’t have to worry about them catching fire!

In Conclusion

Whether preparing for a special occasion or just looking to spruce up your living space, this fun and budget-friendly project will bring warmth and charm to any setting.

So gather your favorite napkins, wave your blow dryer like a magic wand, and decorate candles– the possibilities are endless!

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Blessings, Donna and Rich

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More DIY Home Decor Inspiration

Want to decorate your home on a budget? Check out these DIY projects:

• How to Make a Wooden Tray
• Paint and Stencil Flower Pots
• Learn to Create Pretty Vases From Glass Jars
• Make a Simple DIY Cordless Lamp
• Tips to Make No-Sew Pom Pom Pillow Covers

Get The Look

We have linked similar items that we used, from Amazon, to help you complete this project!

Click on the blue links to find out more info on each item!

Unscented Ivory Pillar Candles // Flameless Led Candles //  Shells Paper Cocktail Napkins

Sea Shell Guest Towels // Seahorse Cocktail Napkins // Wax Paper