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DIY Beautiful Candle Holders From Simple Materials

There’s an undeniable magic that votive candles bring into any space. Their soft, flickering glow creates an instant atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and serenity, transforming ordinary moments into something truly special. Whether nestled on a mantelpiece, brightening a bathroom, or adding a touch of romance to a dining table, votives are a beloved staple in home decor. I, for one, have always been captivated by their charm. My home is dotted with them, each one a little beacon of light, and my collection continues to grow, some cherished purchases, others thoughtful gifts.

Learn how to make 3 stunning DIY votive candle holders using simple, affordable supplies to elevate your home decor. This tutorial covers cinnamon stick, plastic spoon, and lace designs.

While the candles themselves are beautiful, the true artistry often lies in their presentation – specifically, the candle holders. Finding unique and exquisite holders can be a delightful quest, but it can also be an expensive one. That’s where the joy of DIY comes in! Crafting your own votive candle holders offers a fantastic opportunity to infuse your personal style into your home decor, creating pieces that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. It’s an economical and incredibly satisfying way to add charm and character to any room.

Having not embarked on a votive candle project in some time, I felt a creative spark ignite. I recalled a previous post sharing 15 cool candle votives for under $1 (which you can explore here), and that inspired me to get back to crafting. I wanted to develop some fresh, exciting projects that were both simple and stunning, utilizing everyday materials to create something extraordinary.

So, I donned my crafting hat, gathered some inexpensive supplies, and delved into the creative process. The result? Three absolutely gorgeous and unique votive candle holder designs that I’m thrilled to share with you! These projects are perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, requiring minimal time and effort for maximum impact. Prepare to be amazed at what you can create with just a few humble items. Check out the detailed video tutorial below to learn how to craft these three beautiful candle holders from simple, budget-friendly supplies. Get ready to transform your home ambiance!

Video Tutorial: Crafting Your Own Candle Holders

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions for each enchanting candle holder, let’s ensure you have all the necessary materials on hand. The beauty of these projects lies in their simplicity and the accessibility of the supplies. Most items can be found at your local craft store, dollar store, or even in your own home. Remember, these are affiliate links to Amazon.com for your convenience if you prefer to shop online.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • 3 simple, clear glass votive candle holders or cups (these will serve as your base)
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks (an essential tool for quick and strong bonds)
  • Cinnamon sticks (for a rustic, aromatic touch)
  • Twine (perfect for adding natural texture and securing elements)
  • Lace (for an elegant, delicate finish)
  • Embellishments of your choice (think small beads, faux flowers, dried berries, or anything that sparks your creativity)
  • Plastic spoons (the surprising star of one of our projects!)
  • Scissors (for precise cutting)

Once you’ve gathered your materials, you’re ready to embark on a delightful crafting journey. Each project is designed to be straightforward, allowing you to create beautiful pieces quickly and easily. Let’s get started with the directions for each unique votive candle holder!

Step-by-Step Directions for Your DIY Candle Holders

1. The Rustic Charm: Cinnamon Stick Candle Holder

This project is perfect for adding a touch of rustic elegance and a wonderful aroma to your home, especially during the colder months or for creating a cozy atmosphere. The natural texture of cinnamon sticks combined with the soft glow of a candle is simply captivating.

  1. Begin by taking one of your clear glass votive containers. Apply a line of hot glue along the side of a cinnamon stick. Carefully press the cinnamon stick onto the outside of the glass votive holder, ensuring it stands upright and straight. Hold it in place for a few seconds until the glue sets firmly.
    2. Applying hot glue to a cinnamon stick to attach it to a clear glass votive holder, starting the rustic candle holder project.
    Attaching the first cinnamon stick to the votive cup, demonstrating precise placement for the DIY candle holder.
  2. Continue this process, attaching cinnamon sticks all around the outside of the glass votive. Work your way around, placing each stick snugly next to the previous one, ensuring there are no gaps between them. The goal is to completely enclose the glass container with a beautiful, uniform layer of cinnamon sticks. This creates a charming, natural screen for the candle’s light.
    3. Progress shot of the cinnamon stick candle holder, with several sticks already glued around the glass votive, creating a rustic enclosure.
  3. Once all the cinnamon sticks are securely in place, take a piece of twine. Wrap it around the outside of the completed cinnamon stick enclosure, near the top, and tie it into a simple knot or a small bow. This adds another layer of rustic detail and helps to further secure the sticks.
  4. Now comes the fun part: embellishment! Add any extra decorative touches you desire. You might consider small faux berries, dried orange slices, a tiny sprig of evergreen, or even a personalized tag. These small additions can truly make your candle holder unique and reflective of the season or your personal style. The finished piece will exude a warm, inviting glow and a delightful natural fragrance.
Completed cinnamon stick votive candle holder with twine and rustic embellishments, ready to display.

2. The Ethereal Blossom: Spoon Petal Candle Holder

Prepare to be amazed by the transformation of ordinary plastic spoons into a delicate, glowing flower-like candle holder. This project is a testament to creativity and repurposing, resulting in a truly unique and conversation-starting piece.

  1. Start by taking your plastic spoons. Using a pair of sharp scissors, carefully cut off the bowls of the spoons, separating them from the handles. You’ll want to aim for a clean cut, leaving a small stem-like piece at the base of each spoon bowl for easier attachment. You will need quite a few of these, so cut generously.
    2. Cutting the bowls off plastic spoons to prepare them for the DIY flower petal candle holder project.
    Collection of cut plastic spoon bowls, ready to be transformed into flower petals for the candle holder.
  2. Take another clear glass votive candle holder or a simple glass cup. Begin by applying a small dot of hot glue to the base of a spoon bowl. Attach these spoon bowls around the very top rim of your glass votive holder, positioning them so they point upwards and slightly outwards, resembling the first layer of flower petals. Continue around the entire circumference, ensuring a consistent spacing for a symmetrical look.
    3. Gluing the first layer of plastic spoon bowls around the top rim of the glass votive, creating the initial petal layer of the DIY flower candle holder.
  3. Once the first row is complete, start a second circle of spoon bowls just below the first row. For this layer, position the spoon bowls so that they slightly overlap the gaps between the petals in the row above. This layering technique will create a more organic, full “blossom” effect, similar to how natural flower petals overlap. Continue this until the entire second layer is attached.
    4. Adding a second overlapping layer of plastic spoon bowls below the first, building up the floral design of the candle holder.
  4. Depending on the height of your glass votive, you may need to add a third circle of spoon bowls around the bottom. Again, arrange these to overlap the previous layer, completing the flower-like structure. The finished look should strikingly resemble a blooming blossom. When a candle is lit inside, the entire structure will beautifully diffuse the light, creating an ethereal and captivating glow that highlights the unique “petals.” For an extra touch, you could even paint the spoon bowls with acrylic paint before assembly for a pop of color!
Completed plastic spoon candle holder, resembling a delicate flower blossom, showcasing the layered petals.

3. The Elegant Whisper: Lace Candle Holder

For those who appreciate delicate beauty and timeless elegance, this lace candle holder is an absolute dream. It’s incredibly simple to make yet yields a sophisticated and romantic result, perfect for adding a soft, vintage touch to any setting.

  1. Select a piece of lace that is wide enough to cover the height of your chosen glass votive container and long enough to wrap around its circumference with a slight overlap. Apply a thin line of hot glue vertically along one edge of the lace. Carefully press this glued edge onto the side of your glass votive container, near the bottom or center, depending on your preferred placement.
    2. Applying hot glue to a strip of lace to prepare it for wrapping around a glass votive, beginning the elegant lace candle holder project.
  2. Once the first edge is secured, gently wrap the lace around the entire glass votive, ensuring it is smooth and taut, without wrinkles or bunching. When you reach the point where the lace overlaps, apply another thin line of hot glue along the raw edge of the lace and press it firmly over the starting edge, creating a neat seam. Trim any excess lace with scissors. The intricate patterns of the lace will beautifully filter the candlelight, casting delicate shadows and creating a soft, romantic glow.
    3. Wrapping lace securely around a glass votive and gluing the seam, demonstrating the clean finish for the DIY lace candle holder.
  3. To personalize your lace candle holder even further, consider adding extra embellishments. A small satin ribbon tied in a bow, a delicate pearl or rhinestone accent, or even a tiny fabric flower glued to the lace can elevate its elegance. Experiment with different types of lace—from wide, intricate patterns to narrow, delicate trims—to achieve varying looks. This versatile design can complement vintage, shabby chic, or contemporary decor styles with ease.
Finished lace candle holder, adorned with a small embellishment, showcasing its delicate and elegant design.

And there you have it! Three unique, stunning votive candle holders, each crafted with love and simplicity from readily available materials. In just a matter of minutes, you’ve transformed basic supplies into decorative masterpieces that will enhance the ambiance of any room in your home. These DIY projects are not only incredibly satisfying to create but also offer a budget-friendly way to refresh your home decor or produce thoughtful, handmade gifts for friends and family.

The beauty of these projects lies in their adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different colors, textures, and embellishments to truly make them your own. Imagine the cinnamon stick holder with dried cranberries for a festive touch, the spoon holder painted metallic gold for a glamorous feel, or the lace holder embellished with a string of tiny fairy lights. The possibilities are endless!

Crafting your own candle holders is more than just a DIY task; it’s an opportunity for creative expression, a moment of mindful making, and a way to infuse your living space with personalized warmth. So, grab your supplies, put on some music, and let your creativity shine. We hope you enjoy making these gorgeous pieces as much as we enjoyed sharing them with you. Happy crafting!

A collection of the three finished DIY candle holders: cinnamon stick, plastic spoon, and lace, beautifully illuminated with votive candles.