How to Make Sparkling Candy Cane Candles

These holiday napkins are ideal for this project.

A set of candy cane candles makes a wonderful holiday gift or table display. However, the classic striped variety have been around for so many years that you may be getting tired of seeing the same pattern every year.
If you love the traditional sweetness of candy cane decorations but want a new twist on an old favorite, try making your own unique sparkling candy cane candles this year and enjoy your friends' and neighbors' expressions of admiration the entire holiday season long.

Things You'll Need

• Holiday paper napkins with a large candy cane pattern Scissors Craft glue Bowl Paint brush Opalescent glitter Large pillar candle Thin silk ribbon

Instructions

1. Cut the candy cane design out of a napkin. Cut with as much precision as possible. The more elaborate the design, the more it will appear that you painted an impossibly difficult pattern on your candle when you are done.

2. Mix glue, water and glitter in the bowl. Use three parts glue to one part water, and as much glitter as you like. The more glitter that you use, the brighter your design will sparkle. Mix the components thoroughly.

3. Decoupage the candy cane cutout onto the candle. Use the paint brush to brush plenty of the glue and glitter mixture over the napkin so that the paper sticks to the candle. Use small brush strokes to cover the candy cane cutout with glue and make sure that all of the paper is covered. Use plenty of the glue and glitter mixture.
   The more you use, the more sparkly your creation will be and the better it will adhere to the candle. Brush the mixture over the paper gently, as the soggier the napkin gets the more easily it will tear.

4. Allow the candle to dry for 24 hours. If you notice the edges of the paper pattern peeling up over this period of time, use a little undiluted glue to stick them back down.

5. Tie the thin silk ribbon around the upper or lower edge of the candle. Use a thin line of glue to make sure that it sticks, and make a pretty bow with notched tails above or below the candy cane design. Once this too has dried, then you are all ready to display your sparkling candy cane creation.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add other accents like sequins, beads and false flowers by gluing or pinning them on after the main design has set.

• If you tie a ribbon around the top of the candle, remember to remove it as the pillar burns down. Never leave candles burning unattended.