Surprisingly I’m not actually the pyro-fiend between Jared and I, but hey, I’m always happy to come up with a DIY that he can spend hours lighting until his heart’s content. Considering this rainbow DIY taper candle is about three feet long and full of about 50 taper candles, he’ll be good for a while!
In all seriousness though, I don’t condone fire hazards so I’d recommend only lighting a few at a time, but it looks just as pretty unlit if you ask me! For those of you that are big romantic lighting fans that also have a special place in your heart for rainbows, prepare to freak out over your next dinner party table (plus, my trick for getting pretty melted candles without the wait!)…
Naturally had to match my new Kate Spade watercolor dress (sold out but how fun is this dress I just spotted?!), to the Indre By Design Eames dining chairs, to the colorful candles, to the table legs… because I clearly have no life. So let’s get started!
Colorful taper candles which I got in varying heights and colors from here
BEFORE WE GET STARTED: I’d like to preface that don’t condone playing with fire and/or making fire hazard DIY’s, so be careful when lighting this little centerpiece! Also make sure your holes are drilled far enough apart that the candles don’t touch once the wicks are lit. I also recommend only lighting a few at a time to make it a safer environment.
So really this project is as simple as drilling holes into a piece of wood, but to get a little technical about it, you’ll need a 3/4 inch spade drill bit (or one just big enough for your candles) and a thick piece of wood.
Start drilling holes in a staggered motion all the way down the wood, making sure to keep them far enough apart that the candles won’t touch.
Once you’ve drilled all of the holes you need, use a super fine grit sand paper to smooth the edges of the holes for a finished look before inserting the candles.
Now to get the cool melted look without having to wait a million years for each candle to burn down enough, I used a butane (or culinary) torch instead of lighting them each individually. All you have to do is run the torch along the candle a handful of times and you get the full look in seconds. Easy peasy!
I hope all of my fellow color lovers everyone enjoy this one! I have to say it might be on repeat it some upcoming posts for styling because I love it so much!
Be sure to share your versions with our hashtags so we can follow along, too! #sugarandcloth and #mysugarandcloth
Lynn | Adorable Home
04.27.16
You have picked the candle colors so well! It looks wonderful!
Ashley said:
Well thank you Lynn!
Monique | WritingMonique
04.27.16
Ah! Such a lovely idea!
Ashley said:
Thanks Monique!
Heidi
04.27.16
Stunning! Love It!
http://www.windlasse.com
KRISTINA B
04.27.16
I LOVE THE COLORS!
Ashley said:
thanks Kristina!
Mary Billings
04.27.16
Love this! Also adore your dress, perfect for this setup!
Ashley said:
It was a coincidence it matched so well, but I love how it turned out! haha xo
Carrie
04.27.16
Good GOD, this is beautiful!!! Love it!
Ashley said:
Thank you!!! xo
carrie
04.27.16
Ashley! I am dying. This might be one of my favorite projects of yours EVER – which is saying a lot. Bravo.
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
Ashley said:
Thank you Carrie! You’re the best cheerleader ever, ha! ;) xo
Clarissa
04.27.16
Love the colors – perfect springtime diy! <3
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Ashley said:
thanks clarissa!
Miriam
04.28.16
Gorgeous idea! Love this DIY and it’s so very simple and easy to craft!
Melle Blanche
04.30.16
I keep the idea because my baguette solution is not enough, I have too many candles !
http://www.cestbientotnoel.com/archives/2015/03/12/31688412.html
Efrat yaffe
05.04.16
Wow love it! Where can i get such candles?
crystal
05.04.16
ohhhh…if ever there was a reason to learn to use a power drill ^^ those candle colors are amazing!
Joanna
05.05.16
Ummmm….i sense a hanukkah proEjct coming on!!!
Joanna
05.05.16
^^ And I can’t spell
christy S
05.10.16
Super cute, but the re-user in me would love to know how easy it was to scrape the wax off and clean? Also, did the shorter candles melt the taller ones on the side?
Pam
05.16.16
Beautiful! Can you Please share Your source for the candles? I could not get The link to work!
Queti
06.03.16
Lovely! And so festive!
Monika
11.06.16
It looks really lovely, but it’s super dangerous. All those candles would give off immense heat, which is a definite fire hazard. Please bear this in mind!! It’s a wonderful centrepiece, but don’t light it up, please…
Ashley said:
yes, that’s why the post explains to only light a few at a time ;)
Daniela
06.29.17
OMG I love this so much, totaly woth making, definetly saving this for when I have a place of my own.
Btw, I love your dress, can you tell me where did you get it?