Learn how to make personalized candles with your favorite photo on them using an easy packing tape transfer! This gorgeous handmade gift can be made in 15 minutes for under 5 bucks.
Recently I was browsing a photo gifts site and saw cute candles that were personalized with photos on the glass. I thought it would be a great gift idea for kids to give grandparents…until I checked the price and found out they were over $30 each! I like presents from my kids to actually be from my kids and $30 is out of their price range (plus who wants to pay that much for a candle anyway?) So I did some digging and figured out how to make our own personalized candles for – get this – less than five bucks each. DIY for the win!
Find more DIY Christmas gifts here
And if you’re thinking it’s worth the money not to have to deal with the hassle of making gifts, let me stop you right there. This is one of the easiest DIYs I’ve ever done. Seriously, it’s simple enough that kids can actually do it on their own and it turns out beautifully!
Click here for 40 more DIY photo crafts and photo gift ideas!
And there are no expensive supplies to buy: all you need is a color copy of your photo and packing tape. Yup, that’s right, packing tape.
How to make personalized candles
With less than 15 minutes of effort you can transfer a photo onto packing tape, which you can apply to the glass of a candle like a sticker! The tape adheres perfectly, even when you burn the candle for hours.
I used glass jar candles from Walmart that are about 4 inches tall and cost around $4 each. Packing tape only costs a few dollars and color copies are usually around 50 cents, so if you are making a few of these you can easily put them together for five bucks each.
Packing tape transfer instructions
NOTE: readers have let me know that this technique works much better if you use a photo with a light colored background. If the photo has a dark background the tape does not get very sticky again, so please keep that in mind before giving this project a try. Alternatively, if your photo has a dark background you could print it on sticker paper, as described in this glass photo block post.
Start by using your favorite photo editing software to size your photo to 2 inches high and 3 inches wide, and either have it printed on a color laser printer or make a color copy of it (this is important: an inkjet print won’t work!) If you don’t know how to size your photo, you can send it to a print shop and just ask them to print it out at 2×3 inches. Remember, you want this printed on plain paper, not photo paper or cardstock, and it must be a laser print. If you want to make multiple candles, you can have multiple photos printed out on the same piece of paper.
NOTE: I printed out a photo and a quote – you can transfer anything you can print! If you are transferring a photo, use a white candle. If you are transferring a quote or something else that’s all black, any color candle would work.
You will also need heavy duty packing tape (Duck or Scotch brands work great – avoid the super cheap dollar store kind).
Watch this video to see how easy it is to make your own personalized candle (written instructions follow):
Pull off a piece of packing tape and tape it down across your photo, making sure the tape completely covers the photo.
Use a credit card to smooth the tape down. Go over the tape a couple of times to make sure it is well adhered.
Cut out the photo.
Fully submerge the photo in a bowl of water and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Take the photo out and peel the paper off the back. It will leave some white paper fibers, which you can remove by rubbing it gently with your fingers.
It can help to dip the tape back in the water a time or two to get all the white paper fibers off.
When it looks completely clean, lay it face down on a towel and allow it to air dry. When it’s completely dry, the tape will be sticky again, and you can smooth it down on the glass for a personalized photo candle.
NOTE: readers have let me know that this technique works much better if you use a photo with a light colored background. If the photo has a dark background, try using sticker paper as described in this post instead.
Viola!
For more examples of packing tape image transfers, visit this post at A Piece of Rainbow.
Looking for more DIY gift ideas? Check out these posts:
25 Cheap (but gorgeous) Handmade Gift Ideas
Crockpot Caramel Apple Butter Gift Jars
25 Handmade Gifts People Actually Want!
Easy Wood Plank Photo Transfer
Brittany says
I’m so excited to try this!!
Caitlyn says
What fonts did you use for the quote?
Isadora Guidoni says
What a great idea! I never would have thought of something like this. Perfect with the holidays coming up!
Amy says
Do you use photo paper? I tried regular white paper to test and the tape does not get sticky again.
autumn says
I’m sorry that didn’t work out for you, I know that’s disappointing. I did use regular paper, not photo paper. I used Scotch brand tape and the sticky comes back just great, so maybe you could try that!
Jackie says
So the photo should be printed on plain old printer paper? Because I used an actual picture and I can’t get the paper to peel off no matter how long I’ve soaked it (@2 hours worth until I gave up). The key thing is to use paper not an actual picture
Jules says
I love this project and got a really good result using an inkjet printer, regular printer paper, and clear gorilla tape.
You have to print the picture on inkjet- an actual photo wouldn’t work.
Dana says
I am confused as to the picture. I get it has to be on regular paper, but where do you find a laser printer? I have ink jet and I called Walmart and theirs is inkjet!!
Alexandria Smith says
Staples has a laser printer. That’s where I printed mine.
Kathy says
I brought a cd disc to Staples with my pics on it, they said they didn’t have a cd drive to put it in. Do you know if I can print my pics on paper at home on my inkjet & bring the paper to Staples to make copies on their laser jet, if that will work?
penny j says
still did not work and noted where it was clear in the photo, I noted there was not any fuzzy feeling from the paper, but the darker part was very hard to eliminate this feeling. It did not peel off at anytime. Had to resoak and resoak to get residue off and then this still did not eliminate this residue. I then tried a lighter weight paper which help some, but still could not peel this off and had to work at it.
CraftyGurl says
IT SAYS PLAIN WHITE COPIER PAPER NOT PHOTO OR CARD STOCK!
Cathy says
I had the same problem!
Deb says
where do you have a photo printed with laser printer?
autumn says
It just needs to be a laser/toner based print on plain paper. So any copy shop should be able to do that for you. Good luck!
Ashley Abell says
Hello! Thanks so much for the idea! It worked pretty well!! I noticed, that on my pictures, I thought I had gotten all of the paper off but once it dried, it was still on there. Due to times sake, I put it on any way. It is adhering okay.. do you think I could use modge podge to reinforce it? Thanks
SHIRLA BAXTER says
WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LASER PAPER AND HOW TO MAKE THE PICTURES ON THE GLASS CANDLES. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Lisa says
I tried this too and my tape didn’t get sticky again?
Lorna Ogle says
I have tried this twice and the tape does not get sticky again.. plus it pulls the color off of the picture. Had my pictures printed at a print shop.
autumn says
I’m sorry this isn’t working out for you, I know that’s disappointing. I used Scotch brand tape and it worked perfectly. I’m not sure what to recommend other than making sure you are following each of the steps, including using one of the brands of tape I recommend (Duck or Scotch) and making sure you use something like a credit card to smooth the tape down well on the photo. Anyway, sorry again.
autumn says
I’m sorry this isn’t working out for you, I know that’s disappointing. I used Scotch brand tape and it worked perfectly. I have read that other brands may not work as well. If you happen to have any spray adhesive, you could give the “supposed to be sticky” side of your tape a quick spray with it and then it should adhere. Sorry again you’re having trouble!
Nishele says
that’s what I did. I printed with a laser printer. My photo had more dark to it which is probably why it lost stickiness. So I sprayed sticky glue to it and it adhered just fine.
Brenda Scott says
wonder if you can Decoupage it onto the glass?
Jeyna says
Guys if u cant get itt to work just go print whatever on a plastic sheet that is used on binders.. Cant think of the name of the stuff.. But print on that or one of those stickers for walls.. The big ones.. The back part of it the sticker stucks to. Then use a self laminating. Sticky.. This is literally the best way and cheap as heck. Color will stay perfect. If u wanna do it on wood use modge podge and let sit for 24 hours.
Danielle says
I’m going to try this and if it comes out, I’m thinking… Personalized wedding favors. I’ve been looking for something different to do for my favors. Also if it works on a candle jar it should work on really any smooth glass item. I’m pretty excited to try it!
Charlotte says
Just an FYI, “viola” is a musical instrument. The word you need is “voila” ?
Christine C says
Cute idea. The last word you have at the end of the tutorial is “viola”. A viola is a flower.
CDavis says
A viola is a variation of a violin. So if you’re going to correct people, at least correct them correctly.
GrumblyBear says
Google “viola flower” and you will see that they did, in fact, “correct them correctly.” It ALSO happens to be a musical instrument…geez
Irene says
Thank you for posting this DIY project – worked just fine when I tried it and I intend to do more with my grandchildren to make gifts for other family members. And by the way, you say viola – they say voila – doesn’t really matter!! I’m glad to have found your site for the great inspirations – wasn’t looking for an English lesson 🙂 Thanks again!!
Nicole says
Where did u get pics printed at?
Eva says
Lovely idea but I don’t have a laser printer and would prefer to do it at home, so wondering what you mean by: “make a color copy of it”?
Thanks
Cheryl says
Since Autumn says an inkjet printer won’t work, that means to make a color copy directly from your picture to a LASER color copier, just as you would print something from your computer (such as a JPEG) to a LASER color printer.
Gabrielle says
Hello I wanna try this as a Christmas present for the kids at my daycare. I wanted to personalize it a little and let the kids color around it on a paper. Do you have any ideas on how I can do that?
Lisa says
This is great! Where did you buy the candles? Thanks!
Julie says
She said the candles are from Wal-Mart.
Ananda says
hi Autumn!
your candles turned out so beautiful, and what a lovely family photo! thank you so much for the mention, super appreciate it!
wish you a wonderful holiday season!!
Gccsmom says
Noticed it said color photo. Will a black and white not work?
Betsy times 2 says
My friend and I tried this. We have decided that the background of the photo must be a white or a light color background. Dark colors don’t seem to let the adhesive bleed making it sticky again. Just our observation
Betsie says
Do you think the photo transfers would work on a silver milk can type of container?
Marri says
Well even using scotch brand heavy duty if your picture is darker or dark background it will not work! It worked fine on the sayings but my picture had a darker background and it will not get tacky again!
autumn says
Oh sorry about that, Marri, that’s frustrating! I’ll update the post to let people know that’s an issue. Thanks for letting me know.
Marri says
Thank you! It works fine with pictures that have white or light backgrounds and sayings! The picture I wanted on there was a family portrait outside in the woods. Definitely wouldn’t get sticky. Too dark. But just to let you know I improvised and cut what I had a little smaller then just put packing tape over it and stuck it on the candle. Not as nice but it will do!!
Jen H says
The spray adhesive makes the photo smear. It appears to break down the ink. FYI
autumn says
Thanks for letting us know!
Kadii says
OMG!!!! I love this idea.
I burn candles in every room of my house.
So to personalize them would be great.
Jenna Valadez says
Im using the scotch tape and the card and also doing all steps as instructed. However the tape is separating from the paper after only less than a minute has passed and not getting the full picture. (I got the quote but it was faded and needed more ink). What was the temperature of water you used? Could that be the issue?
Terry says
I’ve done this before with our black and white LASER printer we have at home; I made labels for organizing shelving and plastic bins; wasn’t hard to do and the labels have held up well. I’m excited to try this out with color; wish I owned a color laser printer!
Christie says
So I tried this and I’m sooo impressed with how they came out! I did two, now 14 more to go! Thank you so much for sharing!! I used 3” extra wide packing tape by ULINE. For the photos/quotes, i sized them myself and pasted them into a document. I had them printed at Staples and it came to $3.54 for 8 colored pages. One of my photos was a little dark so i just dabbed a little Elmer’s glue around the edges and VOILA! ;P
Cristal says
You think using Elmer’s glue on the whole picture will work? Mine weren’t sticky after at all. Did everything as instructed too!
Yolanda Yancey says
I followed every step as instructed and none of my photos were sticky, I’m really disappointed. However I really question if the temperature of the water makes a difference, simply because the instructions do not mention Hot, COLD, or WARM. Please help because I’m trying to send this to my daughter for Valentines Day.
Christie says
Sorry i forgot to add one more thought.. has anyone burned one of these candles? I’m curious if the heat from the candle will make the tape un-peel and come off? (I also feel like no one will want to burn these and ruin them LOL)
GrumblyBear says
I made a bunch of these for the holidays. They were fine. No problem with heat from the candle. After we burned them, we peeled the photos off and stuck them other candles until they eventually ended up on the refrigerator 😀 A bit of heat from a hair dryer works wonders for getting the “sticky” back.
Michelle says
I have just tried this with a saying following all the steps. The ink came out a bit faded. Could this have something to do with the water temp?
Patsy Wood says
My photo looks blurry..I used lazer printer…
Libby says
i Tried this with colored pictures and the color didn’t show on the tape, it was just black ink, any tips on how to get the color to stay?? Thanks!!
Tiffany says
My color came off when I used an inkjet picture. I went and printed them with a laser printer and the color stayed just fine 🙂
Kathy says
Where did you go to print them on a laser jet printer? I drove all over; Staples had the laser jet printer but didn’t have a cd drive to put my disc in to print them. Do you know if I printed them out on paper on my inkjet & then bring that printout to Staples to copy on their laser jet, will that work? Thank you.
Jamy says
I did three photo candles as Christmas gifts so easy they turned out great
Amber Elbek says
OMG I absolutely love these….I tried to make the photo black and white and the tape will not get sticky enough on the black parts of the photo. so I cut a small border all the way around the actual picture and It worked great. I suddenly cannot get my kids to stop making these for their own benefit. thank you!!!! so much fun for everyone
Go Keyboard Download says
The is an amazing and inspirational article, thanks for your post.
Dani says
You said that there were no expensive supplies to buy, but laser printers are pretty expensive and I don’t have one. I was excited to try this until I read that my old ink jet won’t work ?
go keyboard 2018 says
Thanks for sharing
trisha says
Where do i buy those candles?
I need to make 12
and what size are the candles please
Thank you
Jaime says
What brand of candles did you buy? Were they scented?
Jane says
Cute idea, I’m gonna give it a try. (just and FYI, you misspelled Voila in the instructions and on the video. Viola is a musical instrument.)
Paula says
I’m having issues. I printed my photos at Wal-Mart but it didn’t work. Is there a special kind of paper or something you have to use?
Sandy says
I am the least crafty person I know and this worked great for me! Thanks so much for the super neat idea! Am giving these to my family for Christmas!
Patsy Wood says
I have tried and tried and it does not work picture distorted and does not stick very well.. will not try again
Cindy says
Can you use a bigger photo on a bigger candle
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christmas candle boxes says
These candles are looking so awesome. I really like your creative work a lot.