This time of year I am always trying to think of gift ideas for family and friends, some of whom appreciate something personal. Lately I’ve seen lots of ideas for decorating candles. The Gunny Sack has a good tutorial on how to embed artwork in a candle, and so I used her suggestions, but I used a photo, and I love the result!

Supplies:
Medium to large candle
Tissue paper
Computer paper
Glue
Heating tool

Here is what I did:

, Photo Transfer onto a Candle, Joyful HomemakingAfter finding a photo on my computer that I wanted to use, and sizing it to fit properly on my candle (using Microsoft Word),

I glued a piece of tissue paper to a piece of computer paper just very lightly around the edges, (so it would run through the printer) and then inserted it into my printer, and printed out my photo onto it.
 Then I trimmed the picture to the size I wanted it for my candle,  removing the computer paper and leaving just the tissue paper part.
I purchased this heating tool from a craft store with a coupon for about $10, and what’s nice is I can use it for other craft projects as well.
Now my picture clung to the candle, so I didn’t have to use glue, but you may need a dab to hold your picture in place. Then I used my heating tool and blew hot air onto the picture till the wax had melted through the photo (keep your heat gun moving and don’t get too aggresive or your wax will begin to drip), and the photo was completely under a layer of wax. Then I let it cool, and that’s it!
, Photo Transfer onto a Candle, Joyful Homemaking

This idea could be used for so many different gifting occasions to preserve a memory.

, Photo Transfer onto a Candle, Joyful Homemaking
 To give as a gift, just wrap in cellophane or tulle, and tie with ribbon or twine!
, Photo Transfer onto a Candle, Joyful Homemaking

I consider this a commemorative gift and wouldn’t burn the candle, but if you do,
never leave it unattended while it’s burning.

Need Help  Getting  Dinner  On  The  Table???

Get 30 quick and family-friendly dinners with recipes and a ready-made grocery list—making mealtime stress-free and delicious! 

I love my job as a wife, mother and blogger, but that doesn't mean it's always easy! I'm trying to make my journey a joyful one by keeping my eyes on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

12 Comments

  2. This is a really great idea. I’ve been looking for a memorial gift idea and this will just be perfect. I think I’ll add a quote to the other side. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Lacey @ likeplayinghouse.com

    Reply

  6. I do these… you can also use a hot glue gun to glue things on them.. i did one for my nice an i put her wedding picture on one side of the candle and her invitation on the other.. i added doves to with a glue gun and the tiny wedding rings that were used to close up the bird seed packets we had used at her wedding to toss on the bride and groom.. i have done them for babies births and used little items you would use to put on a cake.. put babies first photo on one side and the actual birth announcement on the other side.. these are really fun to make…

    Reply

  7. I made one this afternoon my Great Grand children’s Head Teacher is leaving so I put a picture of the children on a candle. She was over the moon, so a big Thank you to you x

    Reply

    1. Oh I’m so glad you were able to use this idea, I think it does make such a nice gift! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂

      Reply

  8. I have been thinking of doing picture candles, looked on u tube for tutorials etc.
    I rank your tutorial as the best, everything you wrote was understandable and very easy to follow . Thank you so much i think my family will all be getting these as presents for Christmas.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.