‘Tis the season to light candles! In this tutorial, I’ll share how to add a little extra ‘sparkle’ to a plain-Jane jar candle. You get the ‘snowy’ look by combining a mixture of Epsom salt and glitter. So cool, right? I love how my DIY Snowy Christmas Candle turned out. I will not only be lighting it in my own home but will be using it as gifts this holiday season too. It’s a super affordable and easy craft to make multiples of at one time.
If you follow me on Instagram, a few days ago I started sharing “12 Days of Christmas Crafts” in my Instagram Stories. So for 12 days straight, I’m sharing a new craft idea. My DIY Snowy Christmas Candle was day one’s craft. I saved the story videos to my “highlights” on Instagram if you want to watch videos of all the steps. And be sure to follow along too. In addition to the candle, I’ve already shared how to use amaryllis in your Christmas decor and a DIY Christmas Wreath.
I made my DIY Snowy Christmas Candle with a scented jar candle, but you could also use this technique with an empty glass jar and use a tea light inside. You can also do it on pillar candles. Years ago for my sister’s wedding, we did the glitter technique on pillar candles and they looked great. I just find that jar candles burn more consistently than pillar candles.
Materials
- Jar Candle (I used a Peppermint Scented Jar Candle from Michael’s)
- Epsom Salt
- Crystal Glitter
- Ribbon (I used 3/8″ Red Velvet Ribbon from Michael’s)
- 2 pieces of faux pine, 1 faux berry grouping (I used the Cedar and Berry Bush from Michael’s)
- Mod Podge
- Glossy Clear Spray Paint
- Foam Brush
- Hot Glue & Hot Glue Gun
- Adhesive Remover
- Baking Dish or Throwaway Dish (Big Enough to Roll Your Candle In)
- Parchment Paper
Instructions
Step 1: Remove the label from your jar candle. I had to use an adhesive remover to get the label off.
Step 2: Make your ‘snowy’ glitter mixture. You’ll use 2 parts Epsom salt to 1 part glitter. I knew I was making a lot of candles, so I did 1 cup of Epsom salt and a 1/2 cup of glitter. Place your glitter mixture in a baking dish that is big enough to roll your candle in.
Step 3: Add the Epsom salt/glitter mixture to your candle. Cover your candle with Mod Podge using your foam brush. Roll your candle in the ‘snowy’ glitter. Use a spoon to add more ‘snowy’ glitter to areas that don’t get enough. You can also add more Mod Podge to spots that don’t get enough glitter. Place on parchment paper and let dry.
Step 4: Add the Epsom salt/glitter mixture to your faux pine pieces and berries. Randomly brush on the Mod Podge and then dip your pieces in the ‘snowy’ glitter. Place on parchment paper and let dry.
Step 5: Spray everything with a clear coat of spray paint. Once your candle and faux greenery pieces are dry, spray everything with a coat of clear, glossy spray paint. This will set the Epsom salt/glitter mixture so that it won’t come off to touch. If you skip this step, the ‘snowy’ glitter mixture will get all over your house. Be sure to cover the top of your candle before spraying. I used a bunched-up paper napkin. Let dry before moving on to step 6.
Step 6: Attach the ribbon and faux greenery to your candle. You’ll use two pieces of velvet ribbon. One-piece will wrap around your jar and the other piece will be the bow. First glue one piece of ribbon around the lip of your jar. Next, where the ribbon ends meet on your jar, glue the two pieces of cedar and berries. Last, make a bow with the second piece of ribbon. Glue the bow on top of the greenery.
Note: For this look, I used a hot glue gun to make sure the velvet ribbon’s bow looked perfect. If using another type of ribbon or twine, you may not need to use a hot glue gun.
And the last step is to light it and enjoy! Or maybe gift it? I’ve already given away five candles at an annual Christmas party I attend and have plans to give away a few more. I think it makes for a perfect Christmas gift for friends, family, teachers, neighbors… Who would you gift one to?
