How to Make a Sequin Candy Cane Candle

Candy canes are classic Christmas decor--and these are calorie-free.

Nothing says "holiday" quite like the bright, peppermint stripes of a candy cane. Light up the room--whether the candle is lit or not--with the shimmering sparkle of a sequined candle that takes the form of this classic Christmas candy. Individually or as a set, these candy cane candles add pizzazz to any holiday decor in a distinct way that your friends and neighbors will admire throughout the holiday season.

Things You'll Need

• Pillar candle Pencil Red sequins White sequins Straight pins Lighter Red ribbon Hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Draw diagonal stripes on a pillar candle, using a pencil. Make them as close to the same size as possible, or surround broad stripes with narrower ones on each side for a more elaborate candy can look. The pencil will make slight dents in the candle that will serve as guidelines, but will not actually mark the candle.

2. Fill in the stripes with alternating white and red sequins. Use straight pins to hold the sequins in the candle. Push the pin through the central hole in the sequin and into the candle. The head of the pin will hold the sequin in place. If you have trouble penetrating the candle with the pins, heat the tips with the lighter to make pushing them into the wax easier. When you are done, the entire candle will be covered with sequins.

3. Glue a length of red ribbon around the candle, using a thin line of hot glue to hold the ribbon in place. It should be just long enough for the ends to overlap slightly so that the ribbon completely encircles the candle.

4. Glue on a ribbon bow. You can let the bow have long or short tails. Make sure it is tied securely before you glue it into place.

Tips & Warnings

• Thicker pillar candles work best for this project because they burn down in the middle without burning down around the edges. As the candle edges melt, you will need to remove the pins, so postponing this makes enjoying your candle easier.

• Only heat the tip of the straight pin with the lighter or you risk burning your fingers.