Me and my family love doing something creative together on Christmas Day. Alongside playing games and indulging in loads of delicious food, we always find time to make art. Usually, I prepare stencils for us to paint and create beautiful pieces on canvas, but this year, I wanted to try something different.
While brainstorming ideas, my virtual friend ChatGPT and I came up with a fun plan. We noticed there were lots of empty jars lying around the house and thought—why not use them instead of canvas? Not only would this help us repurpose materials, but it would also add a festive glow to our home decor. Together, we crafted this exciting idea to create holiday candle holders using stencils, paint, and a touch of glitter. They’re super easy to make and perfect for bringing a warm, magical vibe to any space.
Here’s how you can make your own holiday candle holders and join in the festive fun!
Materials You’ll Need
Glass jars: Recycled mason jars or old jam jars work great.
Acrylic paint: Choose festive colors like white, gold, or silver.
Stencils: Use our custom printable stencils (Christmas trees, snowflakes, stars, and Santas).
Painter’s tape: To secure the stencil.
Spray paint: For a crisp stencil design in a contrasting color.
Craft glue or spray adhesive: For glitter application.
Glitter: Add sparkle with silver, gold, or multi-colored glitter.
Ribbon or twine: For embellishing the jar.
Small decorations: Mini bells, holly sprigs, pinecones, or tiny ornaments.
Clear acrylic sealant (optional): To protect your design.
Paintbrushes, sponge brushes, or precision tools.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Paint the Base of the Jar
Clean the jar thoroughly and ensure it’s dry.
Apply a base coat of acrylic paint to the entire jar. Use a sponge brush for an even finish.
Let it dry completely to avoid smudging during the stencil step.
2. Apply the Stencil
Secure your stencil onto the jar using painter’s tape. Make sure it lies flat, especially on curved surfaces.
Cover the exposed parts of the jar with scrap paper or plastic to prevent overspray.
3. Add the Stencil Design
Spray paint over the stencil using light, even layers. Hold the spray can 6–10 inches away from the jar for best results.
Carefully peel off the stencil while the paint is still slightly tacky. This ensures clean edges.
4. Add Glitter (Optional)
Once the stencil design is dry, use craft glue to apply glitter around the edges or directly onto the design.
Sprinkle glitter generously, then shake off the excess.
To lock the glitter in place, lightly spray a clear acrylic sealant over the jar.
5. Embellish with Ribbons and Decorations
Wrap a festive ribbon, twine, or string around the neck of the jar. Tie it into a bow for a decorative touch.
Add mini bells, holly sprigs, or small ornaments by threading them onto the ribbon or gluing them in place.
For a rustic look, use natural twine and add a sprig of pine or a cinnamon stick.
6. Insert a Candle
Place a tea light or LED candle inside the jar. When lit, the jar will emit a soft, magical glow through your design.
Tips for Success
Test your stencil on a flat surface or scrap material before applying it to the jar.
Use light layers of spray paint to avoid drips or bleeding under the stencil.
For repeated use, laminate your stencils before cutting them out.
Mix and match ribbons and decorations to create unique styles.
How to Use Our Stencils
Download and Print:Start by downloading our free printable stencils. Print them on A4 paper or lightweight cardstock for better durability. Cardstock is sturdier and easier to use for multiple crafts.
Cut Out the Dark Areas:Using a craft knife or precision cutter, carefully cut out the black areas of the stencil. This creates the openings where paint will pass through. A cutting mat is recommended to protect your surfaces and ensure smooth cuts.
Secure the Stencil:Once cut, secure the stencil to your jar using painter’s tape. Make sure it lies flat against the surface to avoid paint bleeding under the edges. For curved jars, you may need to make small cuts along the edges of the stencil to help it wrap snugly around the jar.
Apply Paint:Use spray paint for an even application, or dab on acrylic paint with a sponge brush. Apply light coats for the best results and to avoid paint dripping.
Carefully Remove the Stencil:Peel the stencil off gently while the paint is still slightly tacky. This helps create clean edges for your design. Let the paint dry completely before adding glitter or other embellishments.
Tips for Perfect Stencils
For intricate designs, take your time while cutting to avoid tearing the paper.
If you plan to use the stencils repeatedly, consider laminating them before cutting to make them last longer.
Test the stencil on scrap paper or a flat surface before applying it to your jar for the first time.
Get Crafting!
This holiday craft is not only fun but also a wonderful way to make personalized decor or gifts. Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we’d love to see how you’ve added your magic to these candle holders!
This is great! I make my own candles and always just leave the jars plain. Can't wait to try this!