How to Make Unique Handmade Candle Holders

Kristie Leong M.D.
Candles make stunning décor for table settings and can add a touch of elegance and class to almost any room in your home. To further add to the decorative appeal of candles, they can be placed in unique candle holders. By varying the types of candle holders you use, you can give plain candles a whole new look and style. There's no need to buy expensive candle holders when it's so easy to adapt plain containers to create unusual handmade candle holders. Here are some ideas:

Handmade candle holders: Use old factory spools

Old wooden textile factory spools make beautiful holders for thin, taper candles. You can sometimes find these at garage sales, thrift stores, and antique stores for very little money. Be sure to bring along the candles you'll be using to make sure they fit into the spool opening.

Handmade candle holders: Ideas for floating candles

At your next party or get together, bring out a large crystal bowl and fill it with water you've scented with essential oils. Add some floating candles and display it on the buffet table for your guests to enjoy. Prepare for the "ohs and ahs" you're sure to hear when guests see your attractive display.

Handmade candle holders: Decorate with tissue paper

For a unique candle holder for votive candles, find some clear glass containers of appropriate size for your candles. Prepare a mixture of half white craft glue and half water. Spread the glue mixture lightly over the glass container. Tear colorful tissue papers into pieces and apply to the glass container. Use various colors and allow your tissue paper to overlap slightly. Cover with decoupage medium to seal the paper. Place your votive candle into the container and light the candle. The colored tissue paper will give off a beautiful glow as the candle burns.

Handmade candle holders: Sea glass candle holders

Find a clear glass container. Fill the bottom of the container with a layer of sand. Sprinkle colored sea glass on top of the sand. You can also use colored glass gems found in the home décor section of your local craft store. Place your candle in the jar.

Handmade candle holder: Cover a tin can

Save an old vegetable can and remove the outer label. Cover the can with your choice of decorative papers, wallpaper samples, gift wrap, or fabric. This is a great way to customize candle holders to fit the décor of any room in your house.

Handmade candle holder: Use a wreath

Glue a beautifully decorated wreath to a round glass or plastic base of appropriate size. Place a large candle in the middle and use it as a centerpiece on your dining room table. You have tons of options for decorating the wreath to fit your décor. You can use florals, seashells, pine cones, or any other objects that coordinate with your dining room.

There are so many options for decorating candle holders that you're limited only by your imagination. So save those glass jars and tin cans for the next time you need a holder for a candle.

Published by Kristie Leong M.D. - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness

I'm a family physician with a strong interest in disease prevention and alternative medicine. I'm particularly interested in how diet plays a role in disease prevention. Hope I can inspire someone to lead a...  View profile

10 Comments

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  • Charlie K3/7/2008

    I do this too.

  • Lchaim3/6/2008

    some pretty good ideas there!!! Thanks for the suggestions. Need to print this and show to my wife!

  • Carmella Mae3/6/2008

    Cool ideas! I've done the floating candle before, but had never thought of adding fragrance oils to the water, cool idea! The sea glass one sounds really neat! Great article, and great ideas!

  • Paula Myers3/6/2008

    These are some really great ideas! I love candles!

  • mimpi3/6/2008

    Excellent ideas!! Candles soothe me like anything and most of the times I opt for candle stuffs for gift purpose as well. So this would be very useful. Thanks Kristie for sharing this.

  • Bridgitte Williams3/5/2008

    Thanks! :-)

  • Lisa Riggs3/5/2008

    Lovely ideas! I place candles in every room. Thanks for the suggestions!!!

  • Lyn Vaccaro3/5/2008

    Candles are such a stress reliever aren't they? Great topic!

  • Pearlygates3/5/2008

    Good article. I love the look of wreaths around candles!

  • 3lilangels3/5/2008

    excellent read and i love candles so much. i am gonna have to try this. wow all this stuff that i want to try i really am never gonna get a break lol

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