How to Make Beaded Votive Candles

Make beaded candles for an inexpensive and beautiful decoration.

Votive candles are an ideal crafting item because they are inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colors. Crafters can embellish votive candles in many different ways for decorating a home. One idea that is easy and inexpensive to accomplish is to add beads to candles. A group of beaded votive candles makes a beautiful centerpiece or adds a decorative touch to a dresser, shelf or buffet. Choose candles in colors you like and make beaded votive candles to decorate for each of the different seasons.

Things You'll Need

• Straight pins or crafting pins
• Wire cutters
• Thimble
• Beads
• Votive candles

Instructions

1. Select straight pins and beads with holes that will fit onto the pins. Browse through a craft store to select a variety of beads to create the look you want for your votive candles. Find pins with plain heads or with decorative or colored heads for additional decoration on your candles.

2. Trim longer straight pins down to approximately 1/2 inch and discard the end without the head.

3. Determine the placement of the beads onto the candles. You may wish to create a specific pattern or design or simply a random arrangement of beads. If you are making a specific design, plan it on the sides of the candle by making small pricks in the candle with a pin to mark where beads will go.

4. Place one or more beads onto a pin and push the pin into the side of the candle in the desired place. Use a thimble on your finger to push the pin into the candle to make this process easier, if desired. If you are using more than one bead on a pin, place a smaller bead first and then a larger bead. Having a small bead against the head of the pin will ensure a bigger bead does not slip off over the pin.

5. Continue adding beads of different colors and designs onto the candle. Work until you are finished decorating the candle.

6. Make several more votive candles and make a small centerpiece arrangement out of coordinating candles for a more comprehensive decorative piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Use sequin pins instead of straight pins that need to be trimmed. Sequin pins are small straight pin used for applique projects. They come in a variety of lengths (some as short as 1/2 inch).

• Burning decorated candles will ruin the beaded design. Maintain the decorations on the sides of the votive candles by using the candles for decoration only.

References

• Beaded Candles