How to Make a Paper Candle for Birthdays

A large paper birthday candle serves as a perfect centerpiece.

Decorations create a festive ambiance for birthday parties helping guests and the person of honor celebrate in style. A large, decorative paper candle can be constructed for use as a table centerpiece or to decorate the present table. These candles are constructed using basic household items and can be put together in less than 30 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Toilet paper roll
• Construction paper in various colors
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers
• Tissue paper in reds and yellows
• Dried beans, or small rocks
• String

Instructions

1. Cover an empty toilet paper roll in a bright, festive piece of construction paper. Cut out a rectangle of construction paper matching the height of the toilet paper tube and slightly longer than its diameter. Wrap the toilet paper roll in the construction paper and place a thin line of school glue along one edge. Press the edge into place on the overlapping construction paper. Allow the glue to dry completely.

2. Decorate the construction paper toilet paper roll using markers. Write out the words “Happy Birthday” and the person's name. Alternatively, draw colorful symbols, diagonal stripes and swirly shapes onto the body of the candle.

3. Layer two pieces of tissue paper on top of each other. Layer the top tissue paper so the corners sit over the bottom tissue paper's straight sides. Place a handful of dried beans or small rocks in the center of the tissue paper. Grab all of the sides of the tissue paper up and over the filling. Place the small sack into the center of the toilet paper tube.

4. Cut out a piece of string about 6 inches long. Tie the string around the top of the tissue paper right where it sticks out from the top of the toilet paper roll. Cut off any excess string once you have knotted the tissue paper closed. Fluff out the top of the tissue paper to create a flame-like shape.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the dried beans with candy or presents for the guest of honor.

References

• Billy Bear 4 Kids: Candle Treats
• Family Fun: Cardboard Candlesticks