The other day, I accidentally made today’s DIY project. I was planning to make something else entirely and then a little lightbulb went off in my head and I switched gears. Don’t you love it when that happens?
So, today’s edition of Make This will take you through making these modern, painted candle votives for just about any occasion: Mother’s Day, a housewarming party, a wedding. You name it – these DIY votives can adapt to pretty much anything, which is great. But the best part about this DIY is actually the price. About $5 worth of plaster and $5 worth of tealights will make roughly 50 completed votives. That makes each votive $0.20 to make from start to finish. Does it get any better than that?
Supplies:
- powder plaster (available on Amazon)
- plastic container for mixing
- silicone square mold (this is the exact one I used)
- tea lights (available on Amazon)
- acrylic paint and paint brush
- metal or wooden spoon
- matte medium (optional)
How to make your own:
Written step by step instructions below images…
1. Scoop powdered plaster into a small container and mix with water according to directions.
2. Stir water and plaster mixture until you achieve desired consistency, which should be similar to pancake batter. Plaster sets very quickly, so you will want to work fast.
3. Pour mixture into square mold or gently scoop the mixture in with a spoon.
4. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to start to set up. While it’s setting up, remove the candles from the metal shell they sit in. And place one in the top of each square. Then add coins or other small heavy objects to weigh it down, so it say in place.
5. Set aside and allow the plaster to harden for at least one hour (dry time may vary).
6. Carefully remove the plaster numbers from the mold one at a time and let them finish air drying for a full 24 hours.
7. Now that your numbers are completely dry, you can seal them with matte medium (optional) and then begin painting them.
8. Wait for the votives to dry completely, add the candles back into the tealight shells and you are done.
There are so many uses for these little guys. You could give a set of votives to your mom for Mother’s Day, use them as a housewarming gift for a friend, or turn them into cool wedding favors.
Or keep them all for yourself.
Want more DIY ideas? Click here.
Concept, photography and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff for Paper & Stitch
56 comments | Click here to reply
Make This: Modern DIY Candle Votives on a Budget: The other day, I accidentally made today’s… http://t.co/995yf78Yux
Brittni Mehlhoff (@papernstitch)RT @papernstitch: Make This: Modern DIY Candle Votives on a Budget: The other day, I accidentally made today’s… http://t.co/995yf78Yux
@hthrvghnSo cute! [email protected] Make This: Modern DIY Candle Votives on a Budget: The other day, I accidentally made today’s http://t.co/jgekftJJSu
Geri (@thelanguidlion)These are awesome!! I love the idea of using them as a housewarming gift!
Kelly @ Studio DIYThanks Kel! I have these all around my house right now. Wish I had a housewarming to go to so I could unleash some of these. Ha!
papernstitchThese are beautiful! I absolutely love how you painted them too. xx. McKenna Lou
McKenna Ryanhttp://www.lynnandlou.com
these look great! definitely bookmarking this post for my next party
juniThis is brilliant!
http://www.coldcoffeemornings.blogspot.co.uk
Coffee morningsThanks McKenna, Juni and Coffee mornings. They were so fun to make. I think I have a new addiction.
papernstitchBrittni, these are so cool! And I love it when that lightbulb moment happens 🙂
Stephanie @ henry happenedAmazing – and easy! – Modern DIY Candle Votives on a Budget http://t.co/4WAbMKvKKm via @papernstitch
Stephanie Gerber (@henryhappened)Thanks Steph. Yep, definitely love those lightbulb moments. And speaking of love…I love your ‘Fresh Flowers Idea’ roundup from today – so many pretty ways to use flowers. And thanks for including my project!
papernstitchOoo love these! Thinking of doing some watercolor inspired ombre colors. Thanks for the idea!
Lorraine | Harvesting Love EventsOh, a watercolor ombre effect would be perfect for this project! Thanks for stopping by Lorraine. Your blog is great! Just checked it out.
papernstitchI just found your blog through Designlovefest and will be following you. your content is stellar! I’ll take note of the votive idea for a rainy day.
Best,
JaneJane
Well, thanks Jane. So glad you found me.
papernstitchSo adorable! As always, you DIYs are inspiring! Thanks you for sharing.
- Dusty.– Dusty.
Aw, thanks Dusty. 🙂
papernstitchI love this idea, so simple but effective. I’ve been looking for some sort of candle holders I can put out in the garden without worrying about them being blown over and smashed (which is what usually happens), these would be perfect! Xx
Lemonade BudgetAwesome Lemonade Budget! Let me know how they turn out.
papernstitchHow clever! I want to throw a party just so I can do this DIY 🙂
Rachel | 52 Weeks ProjectThanks Rachel. You should definitely throw a party so you can make these. 🙂
papernstitchLooks like a super fun project! Does the matte medium make a big difference on the outcome? What exactly does it do?
ChristieHi Christie. It just seals the plaster, making it less porous when painting. It didn’t make a big difference for my votives, but I like to have that option. Just in case.
papernstitchsuch an awesome DIY! love that and can’t wait to try this as well * all the best julia
julia I mintlamettaThanks Julia. I’d love to know how it turns out for you if you try this DIY.
papernstitchMoms love candles. You love mom. So make some candles for mom’s day! #DIY how to: http://t.co/UnzEER9JrY
PlanetReuseMrkt (@PlanetReuseMrkt)amazing!!!! I love it!
Zina[…] painted plaster candle votives from scratch by yours […]
6 DIYs for your Weekend | Paper & StitchThanks Zina. And speaking of amazing…that first yellow dress from Etsy on your blog right!? Love it!
papernstitchBeautiful!!!!
Nice day 🙂
Nuria Vert et FoncéThis is wonderful!! I love this perfect project and will do it this week!
Karenaxoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Wonderful!
nerminThank you very much!
Happy Days!
I used colored plaster instead of painting saved myself. Step, you can use god color and change the color of your plaster I did! Had fun dong it!
SherryAwesome Sherry! Love that idea. Makes the project even easier.
papernstitchRT @papernstitch: @FunctionalGirl I sure do… This votive DIY is super budget-friendly http://t.co/e7pGSP6DFr each one costs about 20 cents to make
@FunctionalGirlSuch a neat idea. Thanks for sharing.
RebecaLOVE this idea! Does it matter what kind of plaster to use? Or could you tell us what brand you used?
claireThanks Claire. I don’t think it matters what kind of plaster is used. I bought mine from Hobby Lobby in the kid’s craft section. So, it seems that any kind (no matter how inexpensive) will work.
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