Two Easy DIY Ways to Make Frosted Christmas Candle Votives at Home
Decorating for Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive. Frosted Christmas candle votives are a beautiful and budget-friendly way to add a warm holiday glow to your home. Instead of buying them, why not create your own? With just a few simple materials, you can make stunning snowy candle holders that bring the magic of winter indoors.
Looking for more handmade holiday gift ideas? Check out this list of romantic DIY gifts for more inspiration.
If you love decorating for the holidays but have limited space, you might also enjoy these 10 creative space-saving ideas—perfect for small apartments!
Method 1: DIY Frosted Candle Votives Using Epsom Salt
This method is ideal if you want a snowy, textured finish. The Epsom salt mimics real frost, making your votives sparkle beautifully.
🛠️ Materials Needed:
- Glass votives (mason jars, candle holders, or thrifted glassware)
- Epsom salt (white or colored)
- Mod Podge or white glue
- Paintbrush
- Optional: Glitter for extra sparkle
- Tea light candles (real or LED flameless candles for safety)
📖 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Clean the Glass Votives
- Wash with warm soapy water and dry completely.
- Wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove residue.
2️⃣ Apply the Adhesive
- Use a brush to coat the votive’s exterior with Mod Podge.
- Apply evenly to avoid clumps.
3️⃣ Coat with Epsom Salt
- Pour Epsom salt onto a plate.
- Roll the votive in the salt until fully coated.
- Lightly press for better adhesion.
4️⃣ Let It Dry
- Allow 2–4 hours for the glue to dry completely.
5️⃣ Seal for Durability (Optional)
- Spray with clear acrylic sealant to prevent salt from flaking.
6️⃣ Add a Candle and Display!
- Insert a candle and watch your DIY frosted votive glow beautifully.
🎄 Styling Tips:
- Arrange in clusters for a wintery centerpiece.
- Use different colors of Epsom salt for variety.
- Pair with fairy lights and pinecones for an extra festive look.
Method 2: DIY Frosted Candle Votives Using Frosted Spray Paint
If you prefer a sleek, modern frosted look, frosted spray paint is the way to go. This method creates a semi-transparent, icy effect without the mess of Epsom salt.
🛠️ Materials Needed:
- Glass votives or jars
- Frosted glass spray paint
- Painter’s tape or stencils
- Newspaper to protect surfaces
- Tea light candles
📖 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Clean and Prepare the Glass
- Wash votives with soapy water and dry thoroughly.
- Wipe with rubbing alcohol for a smooth surface.
2️⃣ Use Tape or Stencils for Design (Optional)
- Apply painter’s tape to create striped or geometric patterns.
- Stick pre-cut stencils for detailed designs.
3️⃣ Spray Frosted Paint Evenly
- Shake the can well before using.
- Hold 8-12 inches away and spray in light, even coats.
- Avoid heavy spraying to prevent drips.
4️⃣ Let It Dry Completely
- Allow at least 30 minutes between coats.
- Let it cure for 24 hours for best results.
5️⃣ Peel Off Tape or Stencils
- Carefully remove any stencils to reveal clean designs.
6️⃣ Add a Candle and Enjoy!
- Insert a candle and let the soft glow shine through.
🎨 Creative Variations:
- Spray a gold or silver top coat for a metallic frosted effect.
- Combine frosted spray with Epsom salt accents for texture.
- Use different stencil shapes for unique holiday patterns.
How to Care for Frosted Candle Votives
✔️ Clean gently with a dry cloth—avoid scrubbing.
✔️ Store in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
✔️ Reapply frosting or sealant if the effect starts to fade.
Looking for more Christmas gift ideas? Don’t miss these 21 Christmas gifts for coworkers—perfect for secret Santa exchanges!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ Can I use real candles, or should I use LED candles?
- Real candles create a natural, warm glow, but should be monitored for fire safety.
- LED candles are safer, especially around children or pets.
2️⃣ How long does the frosted effect last?
- Epsom salt frosting may flake over time but lasts weeks with a sealant.
- Spray frosting is more durable and can last years.
3️⃣ Can I use different types of glass containers?
- Yes! You can frost mason jars, wine glasses, thrifted glassware, or old candle holders.
4️⃣ How do I remove frosting if I want to reuse the votives?
- Epsom salt method: Soak in warm soapy water and gently scrub.
- Spray frosting method: Use acetone (nail polish remover) or a razor blade scraper.
5️⃣ Can I combine both methods for a unique look?
- Absolutely! First, try frosting the glass with spray paint, then adding Epsom salt accents for extra dimension.
✨ Final Thoughts
Making frosted Christmas candle votives is a fun, budget-friendly way to bring holiday charm into your home. Whether you choose the snowy texture of Epsom salt or the modern elegance of spray frosting, these DIY projects are easy and stunning.
Try these methods and customize them to match your holiday theme! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—we’d love to see how you style them.
🎄 Happy Crafting & Merry Christmas! 🎄