How To Make A Dollar Tree Candle Holder?

With just a few simple items from Dollar Tree and a bit of creativity, you can make a beautiful decorative candle holder on a budget. The goal is to transform inexpensive glassware and other items from Dollar Tree into a lovely holder for a candle. This is a great way to decorate your home in an affordable way.

Following some easy DIY steps, you’ll be able to make a customized candle holder that adds a special touch to any space. The final product will look like you bought it from a high-end store. But the secret is, you made it yourself for only a couple dollars!

Gather Materials

To make a candle holder from Dollar Tree items, you will need to gather the following materials:

• Glassware – This will form the base of your holder. You can use glass jars, vases, cups, bowls, etc. Choose a size and shape that suits your needs. Clear glass works best. (Source)
• Decor Items – These will personalize your holder. Good options from Dollar Tree include faux flowers, gems, seashells, beads, stickers, lace, ribbons, etc. Pick items that match your style. (Source)
• Glue – An all-purpose glue or hot glue gun with glue sticks works well. Make sure your glue choice can adhere to glass and your decoration items.
• Spray Paint – Optional if you want to paint your glassware a different color before decorating.
• Candle – LED candles or real candles in the right size work well.

Dollar Tree has all the affordable supplies you need for this easy DIY. Having all your materials ready will make the project go smoothly.

Clean and Prepare Glassware

Before decorating the glassware, it’s important to thoroughly clean and prepare the surface. Here are some tips for getting your glassware ready:

Wash the glassware by hand using warm water and dish soap. Let it soak for a few minutes if there are sticky residues. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the inside and outside to remove any dirt or grime. Avoid abrasive scouring pads as they can scratch the glass surface. According to this source, soaking in warm water helps loosen stuck-on residue: [URL to first source]

Rinse the glassware thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Any leftover soap can interfere with gluing on decorations. Shake out excess water and let the glassware air dry completely before decorating. Lay it flat on a towel or drying rack. Allow at least an hour or overnight for the glass to completely dry.

For cloudy glassware, this source recommends using rubbing alcohol to restore clarity: [URL to second source]. Simply pour a few tablespoons of rubbing alcohol into the glass and swirl around. The alcohol will help dissolve any built-up residue. Let soak for a few minutes before rinsing clean.

Avoid immersing extremely hot glassware in cold water as this can cause cracks. Allow it to cool down before washing. Your glassware is now squeaky clean and ready for crafting!

Create the Base

The base for your DIY candle holder provides structure and stability. You can use a variety of household items to create a unique base:

Plates or bowls make excellent bases. Choose a plate or bowl in a color or pattern that matches your decor. Make sure it is heat resistant if using real candles. Glue the candleholder piece to the center of the plate or bowl. Add decorations around the edges if desired. Source

Vases, jars, and glassware like wine glasses can also be repurposed as candle holders. Make sure the opening is wide enough for the candle to fit. For tall taper candles, use a tall vase, bottle or glass. For wider pillar candles, choose a low, wide vase or bowl. Source

The base should be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the candleholder and candle. Use a strong adhesive like E6000 glue to attach the candleholder piece firmly to the base. Allow time for the glue to set before inserting a candle.

Add Decorative Touches

To give your candle holder a unique look and personality, add some decorative embellishments. Gemstones, glitter, lace, ribbons, and more can transform a basic holder into a beautiful centerpiece.

Gluing on flat-back crystals, beads, or sequins is an easy way to add some sparkle. Arrange them in patterns or randomly scatter them across the surface. Rhinestones and glass gems also reflect the candlelight beautifully.

Try gluing on ribbons or lace trim around the lip or base. Pick colors and textures that complement the look you want. Thin ribbon can be wrapped around many times to create a swirl pattern. For a rustic or natural look, jute twine also looks nice.

If you want to get creative, attach extras like sea shells, buttons, silk flowers, glitter shapes, or mini pompoms. The options for embellishments are endless – look through your craft stash for small objects to glue on. Just make sure any embellishments you use are heat-safe and won’t catch fire from the candle flame.

For inspiration, check out sites like Pinterest. Search for “candle holder decor” or “embellished candle holders” to find lots of creative ideas you can recreate.

Glue on Decorations

When gluing decorations onto a glass candle holder, it’s best to use a strong adhesive like E-6000 Craft Adhesive or Gorilla Glue. These heavy duty glues are designed for glass and will keep decorations securely attached. Avoid using hot glue, as it can melt off glass surfaces over time.

To neatly glue on decorations:

• Clean the glass surface with rubbing alcohol first so the glue adheres properly. Allow to fully dry.
• Apply a small dot of E-6000 or Gorilla Glue to the back of each decoration.
• Gently press the decoration where desired on the glass surface and hold for 30 seconds until set.



• Avoid squeezing out too much glue – a little goes a long way. Wipe away any excess glue for a neat look.

Let decorations cure for 24 hours before using the candle holder. E-6000 and Gorilla Glue gain maximum strength after 1-2 days. Now the decorations will be securely attached to enhance your beautiful glass candle holder.

Source: https://createdbyjess.wordpress.com/2012/04/22/decorating-glass-candle-holders/

Insert Candle and Holder

Once your candle holder is fully assembled and any glue or decorations are completely dry, you can insert a candle. For taper candles, gently press the base of the candle into the holder, applying light pressure to adhere it to the bottom. You may need to hold it in place for 30-60 seconds until it stands upright on its own. If using tealight candles, simply place the tealight in the center of the holder. The candles should fit snugly without too much room to wiggle.

If the candle is too skinny for the holder, you can secure it by dripping a small amount of hot glue on the bottom before inserting. Allow the glue to cool and harden before lighting the candle. You can also use special candle putty or museum wax to temporarily adhere a taper candle to the base of the holder. This allows you to remove and replace the candle easily.

Be careful when placing the candle that it stands upright and does not lean. You want the candle to burn safely and evenly. Do not leave a lit candle unattended. Always keep a close eye on open flames and blow them out before leaving a room.

Display Your Creation

There are many creative ways to display your Dollar Tree candle holder creations to make them a decorative focal point in your home:

Arrange a collection on bookshelves or mantels, mixing different styles and heights for visual interest. Groupings of 3-5 work well. Add some greenery like mini potted succulents or air plants in and around the candle holders for a fresh look. Refer to Pinterest for shelving display inspiration like this example.

Create a candle vignette on a table, console, sideboard or dresser. Try clustering your candle holders together along with other decorative objects like flower vases, framed photos, or small sculptures. Vary the heights and shapes for variety. Top with flameless battery-operated candles for ambience without the fire hazard. See this Pinterest table vignette for ideas.

Welcome guests by lining an entryway table or shelf with an assortment of your colorful creations. Or, light up your front porch or patio by displaying candle holders on outdoor side tables, benches, or railing shelves. Anchor each arrangement with larger pillar or globe holders as the focal point.

For parties, arrange groups of candle holders along the center of the dining table or throughout a buffet spread. Surround with festive flowers, leaves, vines, or other embellishments to tie your display into the event decor. Refer to this party tablescape for inspiration.

Get creative with your display location and staging. Any flat surface – desks, bar tops, kitchen islands, bathroom vanities, and more – can serve as a platform for your homemade candle holders. Let your imagination run wild!

Care and Maintenance

To keep your dollar tree candle holder looking its best, be sure to clean it regularly by wiping down with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasives that could scratch the glass. For plaster holders, gently dust with a dry paintbrush to prevent dirt buildup in crevices.

After each use, make sure the holder is completely dry before storing. Water left behind can lead to discoloration or damage over time. Plaster holders are especially prone to water stains.

When not in use, store the holder somewhere safe from bumps, drops, or other impacts that could chip or crack it. Wrap in foam or tissue paper first for an added layer of protection. Storing out of direct sunlight will help prevent fading of any decorative colors or glued-on embellishments.

With regular gentle cleaning and proper storage, a dollar tree DIY candle holder can last for many years of enjoyment.

Get Inspired

Making your own beautiful candle holders using Dollar Tree items is easier than you think. Check out these example photos of stunning Dollar Tree DIY candle holders to get inspired for your own creations:

This glittery geode candle holder made from a glass vase and Dollar Tree gems sparkles when the candle is lit inside. The rainbow colors make a cheerful accent for any space.

For a natural look, coat the outside of a Dollar Tree glass with Mod Podge and then roll it in sand. Add a votive or tealight candle inside for an earthy candle holder that feels straight from the beach.

Try spray painting clear Dollar Tree glasses or vases in metallic tones like gold, rose gold, or copper. The metallic sheen looks luxurious but costs only a few dollars to DIY. Add taper candles for instant glam.