Knowing how to decorate candles with beads will let you take a plain, ordinary candle and turn it into an elegant, exquisite accent to match any décor or special occasion. There are several ways to use beads to decorate candles, and an infinite number of ways to make any candle into a beautiful home accessory.
Candles Decorated With Pinned Beads
Decorating candles with pinned beads is a quick and easy DIY home decor project. The technique is so simple that a child could handle this project with minimal adult supervision, which means a decorated candle would be a wonderful gift for parents, grandparents, teachers, or daycare providers.
Supplies
- Pillar candle
- Headpins
- Wire cutters
- Small bead
- Large focal bead
- Ribbon or twine
- Scissors
Step One
String beads on head pin. You can use one bead per pin or layer the beads for a more elaborate, three dimensional decoration. Use wire cutters to trim the headpin to the appropriate size. Most headpins for jewelry making are 1 inch, but this is too long for the majority of pillar candles. Trim to ½ or ⅓ inch.
Step Two
Carefully insert the pin into your candle and add additional beads as needed. This example uses two small beads on each side with one large heart-shaped charm bead in the center.
The pins can be placed in a pattern around the candle or scattered for a more organic design. Personalized designs such as initials are also popular, particularly for sentimental candles, such as wedding unity candles or memorial candles.
Beads should never be placed near where the candle's flame will burn. Doing so will create more of a fire hazard because the materials of the beads may be more unpredictable when exposed to heat. For most beaded candle designs, decorating the lower half or third of the candle is the safest and most elegant option.
Step Three
Cut and tie a length of ribbon or twine around the bottom of the candle for a decorative touch.
Project Alternative
If you don't have headpins, another option is to warm the surface of the wax and press the beads directly into the candle. This is a particularly popular way to decorate with seed beads, either to create intricate patterns on the candle or to roll the lower part of the candle into the beads for a thick layer. If using this method, take care not to warm the candle too much or it may warp and be unable to burn.
Beaded Wire Wraps for Candles
Wire wraps are a pretty way to embellish a plain pillar candle. Wraps can also be easily removed from the candle and reused, which makes this technique perfect for making holiday-themed candles.
Supplies
- Pillar candle
- 22 or 24 gauge beading wire
- Needle nose pliers
- Wire cutters
- Large decorative scrapbook brad
- Assorted beads in complementary styles
Step One
Decide how much wire you'll need to go around your candle. To avoid creating a fire hazard, you want to place the wire wrap around the bottom half of the candle only. Cut your wire to about 1 ½ times this length to allow extra for stringing beads and wrapping. Make a small loop with your pliers at the end of the wire.
Step Two
Push your scrapbook brad through this loop and into the bottom portion of the candle.
Step Three
String your beads onto the wire. When stringing the beads, consider using different shapes of beads and contrasting colors for more variety. Add metallic beads for a little sparkle or use wooden beads for a rustic look. If desired, twist and weave the wire for added texture.
Step Four
When you've finished the beaded portion, wrap the tail end around the scrapbook brad to keep everything in place.
Project Alternative
To decorate a candle with beads without damaging or permanently changing the candle, consider making a beaded wrap for a jar candle. A wreath of beads is easy to make with stiff wire.
Practice Safe Candle Burning
When burning beaded candles, it is important to do so safely. Candles with beads should not be burned down to the level of the beads, and as the wax warms beads on the surface may become loose and dislodge. Burning candles should always be kept away from flammable materials, children, and pets. No candle should be left burning when unattended.
Enjoying Your Candles
Knowing how to decorate candles with beads makes it easy to turn any simple candle into an elegant decoration suitable for a gift, centerpiece, or special occasion. With many ways to use beads as candle decorations, anyone can craft beautiful candles with ease. Decorating handmade candles adds another layer of fun to this project.
