Today I’m helping you add a touch of charm to your home! These budget-friendly DIY iron-on napkin taper candles are the perfect way to infuse your space with fresh spring vibes. With just a few simple supplies and a sprinkle of creativity, you can transform ordinary candles into unique works of art that capture the essence of springtime.
DIY Spring Decor: Iron-On Napkin Taper Candle Tutorial
I love the art of decoupage using napkins, this iron-on method reminds of that! It’s a fun and easy way to be creative. These DIY spring candles are budget-friendly and this project is a great way to upcycle old candles that may have nicks in them or are no longer being used.
Supplies: Iron-On Napkin Candles
This project is so simple to create and you likely have all the supplies you need already. If you are in need of taper candles or napkins, I suggest your local dollar store. It’s the thriftiest place to pick these supplies up! Below is your short candle making supply list.
Supply List & Tips
Preparing the Candles and Napkins
Before we begin the iron-on process, it’s essential to prep the materials. First, ensure your taper candles are clean and free of any dust, dirt, or debris. A quick wipe with a soft cloth should do the trick. Next, carefully separate the plies of your decorative napkins. Most napkins have two or three layers; you’ll only be using the top printed layer for this project. Gently peel the layers apart, being careful not to tear the delicate printed sheet.
“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” – Anne Frank
Iron-On Technique: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Now comes the fun part, friends! First, cut your napkin to the size of your candle. Carefully roll the printed side of your napkin around the taper candle, ensuring it’s smooth and wrinkle-free. The tighter you roll, the better it will turn out. Once you have the napkin in place, wrap a layer of parchment paper (or wax paper) around the napkin-covered candle. This protects the napkin from direct heat. When rolling the parchment paper around the napkin-covered candle, I left a bit of extra parchment extending beyond the napkin. This will make it easier to separate the parchment from the napkin after the iron-on process.
***TIP: For tapered candles, I trimmed the napkin at a matching angle on one side to prevent excess bunching at the top.***
With your iron set to a low-medium heat (no steam!), gently press and roll the iron over the parchment paper, applying even pressure. Be careful not to burn yourself! If the iron is too hot you will have a wax mess on your iron. Although I didn’t have any problems with residue, I kept a damp cloth handy to wipe the iron after each use, just as a precaution. If you are concerned about ruining your everyday iron, this mini crafting iron is a great option to have in your supply closet.
Let cool for about 30 seconds and then remove the parchment paper. If you don’t wait for it to slightly cool, the napkin will tear when you try to remove the parchment. Also, if any section didn’t seem to stick, just wrap the parchment around the candle and use the iron on that area again.
Ironing Tips
The parchment paper or wax paper acts as a protective barrier, but the iron can still get very hot. Avoid touching the parchment paper immediately after ironing. Also, when rolling the candle while ironing, always roll away from your body to prevent accidentally touching the hot iron to your hand or arm.
Displaying Your Spring Candles
There are plenty of ways to display your new candles. These charming creations can add a touch of spring to any room or make the perfect springtime gift for someone special. I made a set of blue candles and a set of green. As the weather gets a little warmer, I’ll change out the blue candles for the green ones! A girl has to have options, right?
Helpful Decor Tips
No matter how you choose to display them, your handcrafted spring napkin taper candles will bring a welcomed addition to your existing home decor! I added a light blue frayed ribbon to my candle holder and it just adds a little something.
Celebrate Spring with DIY Candles
You are now equipped to transform your own ordinary taper candles into beautiful spring home decor! These budget-friendly DIY candles will add a touch of the spring season to any room. I hope you enjoyed this simple tutorial and have fun making your own iron on craft!
I’d love to see your finished candles! Make sure to share photos of your creations with me.
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I love the green vine ones kim. They turned out some pretty. Such a fun project to make for your home.
Thanks Tammy! This is such an easy DIY! Making some for my DIL next!
So excited about the way these candles came together, Kim. Not only are they really beautiful but I love that you can use them to celebrate different holidays throughout the year and they’d be extra special in a gift basket too. Sending you hugs and excited to share these today, CoCo
I Bet you can do this to your Flameless candles if you are very careful of the guts & take batteries out of course! And they will last forever! Red Toile candles here I come!!!
I love red toile! Thanks for stopping by!
I particularly love the decor suggestions you mentioned, like using the candles as a centerpiece with some nests and flowers. It sounds so cozy. I’m planning to give it a try this weekend with my old candles and pretty napkins. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Kim!
These candles you made look beautiful!
Here comes a question from a non crafty person. Once these are made, could I burn the candle, or do I use dripless candles, or are they just for show?
Thank you, Donna
Hi Donna!
I would not burn them. I made them only for home decor. Hope you get the chance to make your own!