Easy Painted Candle Holders

Candles make any room look dressed up. I’m sure you’ve seen several  candle arrangements and thought “I could never do that”. Well now you can do a candle arrangement that looks difficult but is really simple. You don’t have to be a painter or overly crafty to do these.

Things you need:
Any empty clear jar or clear glass
Glass Paint (or Permanent Markers)
Paint Brushes
Votive Candle (or any wide base candle that fits your jar or glass)
Ribbon (optional)
Small Rubber Stamps (optional)

Step 1
These Easy Painted Candle Holders will be a favorite at your house as you amaze your friends with your creativity. Make sure your jars and /or glasses are completely clean inside and out. They also need to be dry.

Step 2
Decide where you want to display your candle holders. For instance, on your mantle at Christmas. Now choose colors that will work in that space. For our home, Christmas is a Burgundy with gold and cream accents.

Step 3
If you want to use paint, decide on what you want to paint onto your jar or glass. If you can’t paint it’s o.k. You can still do this project. For the Christmas Candle Holders on my mantle, I would chose Burgundy, gold and maybe a cream paint (but I‘d probably use a cream colored candle).

Step 4
Don’t panic. Now you can paint a beautiful Christmas scene, some simple holly, or just squiggly lines (just keep a pattern or make it random). You could just place several dots all over your jar or glass. Set your jar or glass aside to dry.

Step 5
Once your jar or glass is dry, I like to add a ribbon. If it is a jar I’m working with, I will glue some ribbon around the edge of the jar or around the center of the jar then tie a bow. I like to use Aleene’s Tacky Glue. Set aside to dry. If I am working with a wine glass, I put the ribbon at the top of the stem (right below the glass) or at the base of the glass. Either way, It is important to glue it in place. If you want a stiff bow or to have the ribbon hold it’s shape, use ribbon with wire.

Step 6
If you plan to use a colored candle, you may consider not using that color paint. The choice is yours. It’s time to chose your candle. Place your candle inside the jar. The candle needs to be one that will sit flat on the bottom of your jar.

VARIATIONS:
1. If you want a unique design, put paint on your finger or thumb and wiggle it along the glass. Do it several times until the jar or glass is finished.
2. If you have small rubber stamps, you can stamp your jar or glass with a permanent ink.
3. If you are more comfortable with a marker of pen, draw with permanent markers. Just be cautious because the ink can rub off with too much handling.
4. If your jar or glass is shaped right, you can make a pinecone wreath for around the bottom of the jar or glass. Also, you can glue some small silk leaves around the base for a Fall look. Try small rose buds for Summer and a variety of small flowers for Spring. Baby’s breath works great for wedding candle arrangements.
5. Take a sponge and gently dab paint all over your jar or glass (use more than one paint and let the paints overlap. When the light shines through the colors, it looks amazing!

* The possibilities are endless!

Tips and Warnings:
1. Wine Glasses are beautiful as Candle Holders. Most Dollar Stores sell them for $1 but Walmart sometimes has a better deal selling 4 for $2.50 to $3. Just check the glass to be sure a candle will sit flat against the bottom of the glass.
2. Be careful! The glass will be hot after lighting the candle.
3. Be sure to place your candles in a safe place where children and pets can’t knock them over.
4. Be sure your paint is for glass and is not flammable.