Plain taper candles can be transformed into festive treasures with just a little creativity.
All you need is some paint and a steady hand to add cheerful Christmas icons such as tiny gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes, or even red cars carrying trees.
It’s fun, relaxing, and you’ll end up with one-of-a-kind gifts that are as joyful to make as they are to give.
Materials Needed
- 6-12 plain white taper candles (10”-12” tall)
- Acrylic paint pens or enamel paints (red, green, white, black, gold)
- Fine detail brushes (if using paint)
- Paper towels
- Ribbon or twine
- Gift tags for labeling
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wipe the candles with a clean cloth to remove any dust or wax residue so the paint adheres better.
Step 2: Using paint pens or a fine brush, start by adding simple shapes like Christmas trees, candy canes, or stars.
Small patterns repeated down the length of the candle look festive and balanced.
Step 3: Add details such as snowman faces, buttons, or gingerbread man outlines.
Metallic gold or silver accents add sparkle. Let each layer dry before adding more to avoid smudges.
Step 4: Once the candles are fully dry, group 3=4 together and tie with ribbon or twine. Then add a festive tag for that finishing touch.
Step 5: When gifting, remind recipients these are decorative but safe to burn, just keep an eye on the painted area and never leave candles unattended.
Note:
I love painting little red cars with trees on top, they always get a smile and spark conversations.
If painting isn’t your thing, you can also use holiday decals or stickers for a quicker version.