How Do You Personalize A Pillar Candle?

A pillar candle, also known as a taper candle, is a long, cylindrical candle that is wider at the base and tapers up to a narrow top. Pillar candles are made from wax and come in a variety of colors, shapes, heights, and widths. They are a popular decorative candle that can last for many hours when burning.

Personalized pillar candles have become increasingly popular for use as unique home decor, centerpieces, gifts, and favors for special events. According to the candle market trends 2022 report by Transparency Market Research, the market is likely to witness a rise in popularity of personalized candles due to factors like the growth of Etsy and social media platforms where these can easily be showcased and purchased (Transparency Market Research).

There are many creative ways to personalize pillar candles to make them more unique and meaningful. Some common techniques for personalization include adding decorations, using candle molds, etching designs into the wax, decorating the wick, adding scents, labeling, and specialty packaging. The variety of customization options allow for candles that are tailored to an individual’s style, tastes, occasion, or decor.

Choosing a Candle

When personalizing a pillar candle, the first step is choosing the right candle to decorate. Consider the size, shape, color, wick type, and fragrance of the candle. Standard pillar candles come in a range of sizes from small votives to large pillars several inches in diameter. Tall, thin pillars work well for etching names or designs that extend vertically. Wider pillars provide more space for horizontal designs or wrapping photos around. Opt for white or light colored candles if you’ll be adding color overlays or photos so the designs stand out.

Pick a candle with a cotton or paper cored wick if you’ll be adding scents so the fragrance throws well. Consider unscented candles or light floral or spice scents that won’t compete with any essential oils, perfumes, or scented inks used in the design process. Test fragrances ahead of time on a candle sample to ensure compatibility. The right candle provides the perfect starting canvas for all your personalization techniques.

Adding Decorations

One of the easiest ways to customize a pillar candle is by adding decorations to the outside of the candle. There are a few simple techniques you can use to attach decorations:

Gluing items: You can use a hot glue gun or craft glue to attach items like beads, flowers, seashells etc. to the outside of a candle. Make sure the candle is clean before gluing. Apply a small dot of hot glue and quickly press the item in place, holding for 30 seconds until set.

Pressing items into warm wax: While the candle wax is still warm, gently press small items like seeds, coffee beans, dried flowers etc. into the surface. The warmth helps them adhere. Let cool completely before handling. This technique from the Candle Castle Company provides examples (https://www.instagram.com/candlecastleco/p/CvGLE5Zseev/).

Wrapping yarn or ribbon: Use a hot glue gun to attach the end of a piece of yarn or ribbon to the candle. Carefully wrap around the candle, applying dots of glue to keep it in place. For a neat look, wrap tightly and avoid overlap.

Using Molds

One way to personalize a pillar candle is by using custom shaped molds. These allow you to pour the wax into unique shapes like hearts, stars, or even custom shapes like a person’s name or initials. Silicone molds made specifically for candle making can be purchased online through sites like Mighty Molds or Etsy. The benefit of custom molds is that you can create candles in any shape imaginable.

Custom molds also allow you to add items into the mold before pouring the wax, like dried flowers, coffee beans, or small seashells. The objects will be encased and visible in the finished candle. This adds a personal touch. Some even use custom molds to create candle “cakes” with layers of wax in different colors.

Etching

You can make custom designs on your pillar candles by etching shapes, names, dates, or other images into the softened wax. This is a great way to personalize candles for special occasions or as meaningful gifts.

To etch designs into a pillar candle, start by softening the wax surface with a heat source like a hairdryer or heat gun. Be careful not to completely melt the wax. Once the surface is slightly softened, use etching tools like a skewer, toothpick, pin, or needle to draw your design into the wax. Take care to not gouge too deeply or the candle may become prone to breaking.

When you’re satisfied with your etched design, allow the candle to sit undisturbed until the wax fully re-hardens. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the thickness of the candle. The etched lines will remain once the wax is firm again.

Decorating the Wick

The wick is an essential yet often overlooked part of a pillar candle. Decorating the wick
is a simple way to add visual interest and personalization. Some creative ways to decorate the wick include:

Adding beads, charms, or ribbons. Tie or glue decorative beads, small charms, or ribbon bows onto the wick. This adds a pop of color and texture each time the candle is lit. Mini bells or buttons work great for a whimsical touch. Just be careful not to make decorations too big or heavy for the wick.

Dyeing the wick. Dye plain wick different colors using fabric dye or food coloring diluted with water. Dip part or all of the wick into the dye to create an ombre effect. This allows the wick to complement the candle’s color scheme.

Braiding multiple wicks. For a thick pillar candle, consider using three intertwined wicks braided together. Braid them yourself or purchase pre-braided wicks. The braided wick cluster adds visual appeal and allows the candle to melt more evenly.

Adding Scents

There are a few main methods for adding scents to personalized pillar candles:

Essential Oils – These natural oils derived from plants can provide wonderful fragrances. Popular options include lavender, lemon, and peppermint. Add a few drops of oil per pound of wax. Be cautious with essential oils, as some can morph or fade when burned.

Dried Flowers, Herbs, and Spices – Whole dried ingredients like rose buds, lavender, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla beans can be placed inside candles or attached to the outside with decorative touches. This provides an authentic, natural scent.

Fragrance Oils – Formulated specifically for candle making, these oils offer a wide variety of long-lasting scents from fruity to musky. A typical usage is around 1 oz of oil per 1 lb of wax. Be sure to test for proper scent throw. (source)

Layering – Combine different scented wax layers or add various scent elements to create custom, signature smells. Just be careful not to overdo it.

Labeling

One fun way to personalize a pillar candle is by customizing the label. You can get creative with different labeling techniques like painting directly on the glass, using printed or handwritten labels, or attaching charms with names or messages.

To paint directly on glass candles, use special paint pens designed for non-porous surfaces. Test the paint on a small area first. Let it fully dry before handling to avoid smudging. For a clean look, use a ruler or stencil for straight lines and block letters.

Printed labels allow you to include photos, logos, or stylized text. Create your design digitally or order custom printable labels. Cut to size before adhering to the candle. Avoid wrapping all the way around, as this can trap heat.

Handwritten labels made with paint pens, permanent markers, or chalk markers give a personal touch. Practice your handwriting on paper first for the best results.

Charms or trinkets can also personalize a candle when tied with raffia, jute, or ribbon around the neck. Opt for charms with names, initials, meaningful words, or representations of hobbies and interests. Secure tightly so they don’t slide around.

Packaging

When giving a personalized candle as a gift, special attention should be paid to the packaging to make the present extra special. Here are some tips for beautifully packaging your homemade candle:

Matching the Box/Bag to the Theme

Choose packaging that complements the theme or scent of the candle. For instance, a seashell or nautical print bag would perfectly suit an ocean breeze scented candle. A candle with etched floral designs could be placed in a vintage flower print box. Coordinate the colors and patterns of the packaging with the candle design for a cohesive look.

Tissue Paper, Ribbon

Lining the inside of the box or gift bag with tissue paper is an easy way to elevate the presentation. Crinkled tissue paper in a coordinating color adds volume and a nice pop when the gift is opened. Finish with a beautiful ribbon or raffia bow tied around the package.

Recommended Gift Packaging

Some recommended packaging options for gifting candles include kraft paper boxes, organza bags, cellophane bags, and jars with cork lids. Kraft paper boxes look natural and artisanal, while translucent bags allow a peek at the candle inside. Jars with cork tops can be reused once the candle is gone. Ultimately, choose packaging that complements the design and provides protection during transport.

Usage Tips

When using personalized pillar candles, there are some tips to follow for optimal performance:

Burn times will vary based on the size of the candle. Smaller candles may only burn for 4-6 hours, while larger pillars can burn up to 80-100 hours. Check the product details for estimated burn times.

To safely extinguish pillar candles, use a snuffer or blow them out gently. Never immerse a burning candle in water. Allow the wax to fully harden before moving or storing the candle.

Store personalized candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Wrapping candles in plastic wrap can help retain scent and prevent dust buildup.

If your candle tunnels or doesn’t burn evenly, try trimming the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Tunneling can also occur from drafts or using the wrong wick size.

Take safety precautions like using candle holders and not leaving candles unattended. Always keep candles out of reach of children and pets.