I enjoy sharing projects that show different ways to make candles—dipped and rolled candles, soy and beeswax varieties. But sometimes it’s simplest to start with small votive candles you already have on hand. I always seem to keep a stash of them in a drawer just in case.
In this edition of “Make This,” I’ll walk you through creating modern painted plaster votive holders that work for almost any occasion: holidays, Mother’s Day, housewarmings, weddings—you name it. These DIY votives are highly adaptable and inexpensive. With roughly $5 worth of plaster and $5 worth of tealights, you can make about 50 votives. That breaks down to about $0.20 per votive from start to finish.
Supplies:
- Powdered plaster
- Plastic container for mixing
- Silicone square mold (a small square cavity mold works well)
- Tea lights
- Acrylic paint and paint brush
- Metal or wooden spoon
- Matte medium (optional, for sealing)
How to make your own:
Step-by-step instructions are listed below the images.
1. Scoop the powdered plaster into a small mixing container and add water following the plaster manufacturer’s directions.
2. Stir the water and plaster until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable consistency similar to pancake batter. Plaster sets quickly, so work efficiently.
3. Pour or spoon the plaster mixture into the square mold cavities, filling each one.
4. After 2–3 minutes, when the plaster begins to set, remove the tea lights from their metal shells. Press one tea light gently into the top of each plaster square. Add a coin or another small weight on top of the candle to hold it in place while the plaster finishes setting.
5. Set the filled molds aside and allow the plaster to harden for at least one hour (drying time may vary depending on conditions).
6. Carefully pop the plaster votives out of the mold one at a time and let them air dry fully for about 24 hours.
7. Once dry, you can seal each votive with matte medium if you like, then paint them with acrylic paint in your chosen colors and designs.
8. After the paint has dried, return the tea lights to their metal shells and place them into the plaster holders. Your votives are ready to use.
These little votives are versatile gifts and decorations. Give a set for Mother’s Day, bring them as a housewarming present, use them as wedding favors, or keep them for yourself as inexpensive, modern accent lighting.
Want more DIY ideas? Explore other projects and tutorials on the site.