There’s just something about Christmas and candlelight. Maybe it’s because the wavering light that comes from a flickering candle is magical…or maybe it’s because we all look so gorgeous in candlelight.. And when the candle holders are just as beautiful as the people in the room – then you’ve got a party!
I love the way these glass-etched votive candle holders turned out. They’re festive, so pretty and somewhat simple to make. Let’s get started
Supplies needed to make your own glass-etched votive candle holders:
- Glass Votive Candle Holder (I found mine at the Dollar Store)
- Armour Etch
- Painter’s Tape (for simple designs)
- Silhouette Cameo, Adhesive Vinyl and Transfer Paper (for more intricate stencil designs)
- Paint brush
- Tea Lights
- Rubber Gloves
- Drop cloth
I found these gorgeous square votive candle holders at the dollar store. They’re quite hefty – I was thrilled with my find!
On one of the votive candle holders, I did a simple diagonal stripe treatment using painter’s tape. The trick is to firmly smooth down the edges of the painter’s tape on the glass – you don’t want any etching cream to slip under the tape. Take the time and really press down the edges.
From adhesive vinyl, I cut out some snowflake silhouettes using my Silhouette Cameo. I used transfer paper to apply the vinyl to each side of the glass. Just like the painter’s tape, inspect all of the areas where Armour Etch will be applied and be sure that the stencil doesn’t have any gaps.
And here I am, modelling my safety gear. (Thanks, Mr. Suburble, for being the stand-in photographer here!)
Rubber gloves are very important when it comes to glass etching. There is a warning on the Armour Etch container that reads:
Causes severe burns which may not be immediately painful or visible.
This means that we don’t mess around with Armour Etch. We wear our gloves.
Put down a dropcloth and begin applying the Armour Etch to one side of the votive candle holder. Apply liberally, let the etching cream sit for approximately 8-10 minutes, then wash well in water (still wearing rubber gloves).
For the snowflake glass, I completed one side at a time, rinsed it well, then dried off the glass and moved onto the next side.
Painter’s tape doesn’t tolerate getting wet repeatedly. I applied etching cream to multiple sides of the votive candle holders at one time, let it sit for 8-10 minutes and then tried to be very careful while washing off the etching cream. I avoided getting water on the sides that hadn’t yet been etched.
If the painter’s tape does get wet, it will just peel off. Don’t stress – just dry off the glass really well and then re-apply the painter’s tape.
And in its finished glory: the snowflake candle holder!
I love the impact of each snowflake (and that each side features a different design).
The painter’s tape design is much more simple, but to me, it has a candy cane feel. Plus, it was incredibly easy prep! You’ve gotta love that!
I really love to pour a bit of rice into the bottom of votive candle holders. The rice keeps the tealight (or votive, whatever size candle you choose) in place, and adds a slightly snowy effect to the candle holders. Plus, rice is nearly always handy in the pantry!
Wouldn’t these votive candle holders look so sweet wrapped up in cellophane and gifted to a hostess this holiday season? Or make a pair (or a trio – I love things in threes) and present them as a personalized gift!
And despite my warnings, don’t be afraid to use etching cream. Grab your gloves, your stencils and get started!
You’ll be amazed at the works of art you can create!
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About Tara
Tara is the creator, writer, and flurry of chaos behind her blog, Suburble. Her blog focuses on making a home (emphasis on "making!"), but not forgetting to have a laugh in the process. Her partners-in-crime, her two little girls, are often beside her when it's time to get creative. A mug of tea, good friends, and a project (or three) are all this girl needs. Join the gang at Suburble and see what we're up to!
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I love these and plan on making several for Christmas gifts! One question though- how big should the candle holders be? My stencils are 1.25 inches high- do you think a 3 inch or a 2 inch candle holder would be better? Thanks!
Looking for a Girl’s Getaway craft idea. This etched glass may be it! Does it work equally as well if a store bought stencil is used? How does the transfer paper work on a vinyl stencil? Let me know what you think or if you have another great idea for our craft night! TIA!!!
Eileen – oh yes, you don’t have to buy the Silhouette, if you don’t already have one. Stickers (with decent adhesive) will work just fine. Make sure that you really press down on the edges of the sticker so that etching cream doesn’t seep underneath. If you’re just using stickers, you probably won’t need the transfer paper. Consider adhesive stencils too! They’re great for etching projects. And some glass etching kits come with stencils:http://www.consumercrafts.com/store/details/catalog/art-drawing-pencils-charcoal-pastels/ar10-0101
Let me know if you have any more questions – I’m happy to help!
I am looking for a craft idea for a Girl’s Getaway Weekend. I was wondering if this glass etching might be it. But, that machine that cuts the snowflake is $300.00! How would it turn out if you just used a store-bought vinyl snowflake? Does the transfer paper work as well, I wonder? Let me know what you think! TIA!
These are TOO cute! I LOVE how simple they are, and how great they look with the candle in them! 🙂
I love how these turned out and I’m so happy to see your smiling rubber gloved self over here! You are a great addition to the Crafts Unleashed team!!
Thank you for my first lesson in etching glass. I am inspired to try it at a later date. And I appreciate the safety tips too.
You’ll have to let me know when you try it, Ida! I’d love to see how your first piece turns out!
Tara, you rocked these gorgeous votives! I love them so much – very festive and beautiful. I love the rice in the bottom, too – great idea. I’ve used Epsom salts in a few of mine to make fake snow (b/c we don’t get the real white stuff in here in GA!)
Awwww… thanks, Kirsten! I love the epsom salt idea! I’m definitely trying that!
These are lovely! I have been wanting to try glass etching.
Melanie – You definitely should! It was surprisingly easy!
Pretty, pretty! I would love to have these in my home!
Thank you very much, Nancy! 🙂
These are beautiful, Tara! I love the size of the votives and the snowflake design is divine! (Oh, and you are totally rocking those yellow gloves. Might be a new look for you!)
Thank you, Lauren! And I know – I wear rubber gloves very well, don’t I!?!?
This makes such an elegant candle holder!
Aww… thank you very much, Noreen!
You are adorable, girl! Love both of them- a red candle in that stripey one would be adorable!
That would be SO cute! Love that idea, Sky!
Beautiful! I love the icy look of etched glass with the snowflake design.
Me too. I think that the etched glass look is perfect for winter-projects. It looks like frost… doesn’t it?
I’ve been looking for ideas for inexpensive teacher gifts, Thanks for the idea Tara! I might even make some Monogramed ones!
Oooh… fabulous idea, Virginia! I might steal that fabulous brainstorm and whip up some teacher gifts, too!