Candles have become one of the most popular of all home decor items. They are also popular crafts to decorate and display. This article will lead you through the steps of creating your own photo pillar candles. These candles will be decorated with your favorite photograph.

Materials Needed

1. waterslip decals
2. decal finishing spray
3. printer and ink
4. pillar candle
5. a photograph

Preparing the Photo for Use

The first step in creating your own photo pillar candle is either scanning a photo into your computer, or loading it in from a digital camera. You need the photo in your computer so you can use your inkjet printer to transfer it to the waterslip decal paper.

Before printing, make sure that you crop your photo into a size that is compatible with the type of candle you are using. Print out a copy on plain paper first and align it on the large pillar candle to check if it looks good.

Then, when you are sure your photo is the right size and shape, print it out on the waterslip decal paper.

Creating the Photo Pillar Candle

It is necessary to be very careful when handling the waterslip decal paper so you do not crease or get it wet before you are ready to put it on your candle. The first step is to carefully trim the paper to the desires size. You might like to make a circle or heart shape for your photo, or use a rectangle shape that covers the whole candle.

Dip the photo decal into water and gently slide it on to the candle. Use a damp cloth to squeeze out excess water and make sure the photo decal is smooth and flat on the candle. After everything dries, you must coat the candle with a clear sealant. This can be found in most craft stores. After the sealant is completely dry, you should be careful not to burn the outside of the candle with the photo decal attached. Pay close attention to the pillar candle when it is burning. Some people prefer to hollow out a pillar candle and use a glass votive holder and votive candles to burn. This prevents the photo decal from discoloring or becoming damaged by the heat.

By using your computer and ink jet printer, you can create decorative photo pillar candles. These make excellent gifts for parents and grandparents. You can create these beautiful photo pillar candles quickly and easily.