These “fake” DIY Christmas candles are easy to make and would make a beautiful centrepiece for your table, or simply as an addition to your decorations. The kids can help to paint and decorate them. I used traditional red and gold, but you can paint them any colour you like or experiment with glitter for a snowy effect!
You will need:
- Strong cardboard tube (I used an empty vinyl tube, available from your local signage company. They usually throw them away)
- LED Tea light candles
- Glue gun and extra glue sticks
- Cardboard (a recycled piece from a milk, or similar, box is fine)
- Paint
What to do:
Cut your tube in different lengths, making sure to cut it at a bit of an angle on one side. Vinyl tubes are quite strong, you will need a hacksaw to do this. On your cardboard, trace the circle of the bottom of your tube. Cut your circle slightly smaller than your tracing so the circle fits snugly into the tube.
Trace the bottom of your tea light candle in the centre of your circle. Using a craft knife, cut the inside circle out so your candle fits through. Your circles do not need to be a hundred percent as long as the candle fits comfortably. Push your candle through the hole so that the top of the candle aligns with the cardboard. Using your glue gun, glue the candle onto the hardboard, both sides.
Close the top of your tube and glue the edges first. Use the glue gun and extra glue sticks to draw lines, resembling melted wax. You can make as much or as little “wax” as you like.
Let the glue dry properly and once dry, paint the candles in the colours of your choice.
To switch your candle on can be a bit tricky, small hands would definitely help! I found that the batteries on these tea light candles usually last for ages, so your candles should be good for another two or three Christmases.
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