DIY Decoupaged Fall Candles: An Easy Seasonal Transformation

Fall is a great season for cozy crafts, and this project is such a fun way to dress up something simple you may already have on hand. I recently transformed a set of battery-operated wax candles into seasonal décor by decoupaging fall napkins onto them — and the results turned out so charming! These little beauties can sit on a tray, mantle, or centerpiece and instantly give you all those warm fall vibes.

The best part? It’s budget-friendly and easy to do with just a few supplies.

What You’ll Need

• Battery-operated wax candles (mine were 3-inch size)
• Decorative fall napkins (I used this one from our online shop)
• Mod Podge
• Parchment paper
• Cricut Mini Press or small travel iron (no steam)
• Mini sander or fine-grit sandpaper
• Scissors
  

Step 1: Prep Your Candles

Start by applying a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the entire candle. This will act as your adhesive once the heat is applied. Let it dry completely before moving on.

Step 2: Apply the Napkin

Remove the extra plys from your napkin until you’re left with just the top printed layer. Then, line up your napkin on the candle where you want your design to sit.

Place a piece of parchment paper over the napkin and begin ironing it on in small sections as you slowly roll the candle. The heat reactivates the Mod Podge, allowing the napkin to adhere smoothly.

⚠️ Tip: Battery-operated wax candles can release oils when heated. I noticed this right away, so be careful not to hold the iron in one spot too long. I swapped out my parchment paper often so the oils wouldn’t transfer back onto the napkin.

Step 3: Finish the Seam

Once you’ve worked your way around, trim any overlapping napkin edges. Add a thin strip of Mod Podge along the seam before ironing down the final section. This keeps everything smooth and seamless.

Step 4: Clean the Edges

To tidy things up, use a mini sander (or fine-grit sandpaper) to gently sand away any excess napkin along the top and bottom of the candle. This gives you a clean, professional finish.

Alternative Method (Less Messy!)

If the oils make you nervous, there’s another way! Instead of using heat, apply Mod Podge in sections: brush a strip directly onto the candle, gently roll the napkin onto it, then move on to the next section. It takes a little more patience, but it avoids the oily transfer altogether.

Final Thoughts

This decoupage technique works beautifully on both battery-operated candles and traditional white wax candles with wicks (I’ve tried both). Just keep in mind that the faux candles can be a little trickier due to the oils.

Either way, the end result is worth it — a cozy, seasonal set of candles that look high-end but only cost a few dollars to create. Add them to your fall centerpiece, place them on a mantle, or cluster them on a tray for instant autumn charm. 🍂🕯️