Instructions

1. Watch the video. Follow along with the video tutorial for a walkthrough on how to make your own gingerbread candle holders.
2. Prep the Glass. Start by removing any stickers and adhesive residue from your glass candle holders. I used a heat gun to soften the glue — a blow dryer works too, it just takes a bit longer. Peel off the labels carefully once the adhesive softens.Then wipe down each candle holder with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils, fingerprints, or dust. This step ensures your paint adheres smoothly and evenly.
3. Paint the Gingerbread Base. I used FolkArt Multi-Surface Satin Paint in Coffee Latte — the perfect warm, gingerbread brown. You can absolutely use spray paint if the weather’s on your side. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick one to avoid streaks or drips. I ended up doing four light coats, letting each dry fully between layers. Take your time with this step — this is the perfect point to turn on a Christmas movie and enjoy the process. Pro tip: Don’t forget to paint the bottoms of the candle holders once the top coats are dry. It’s a small detail, but it gives the whole piece a finished look.
4. Sketch Your Design. Once the paint is dry, lightly sketch your design using a pencil. It can be tricky to see pencil marks on the brown surface, so tilt the glass under good lighting as you work. I sketched simple outlines of my letters and some decorative accents, just to guide my painting later. Don’t worry if you make mistakes — you can easily erase or paint over them.
5. Add “Icing” Details. Using FolkArt Dots Paint in Whisper White, outline your letters and add icing-style dots or patterns around the edges. If your first attempt looks too thick, no problem — just wipe the paint away with a damp paper towel before it dries and try again. You can also practice on a scrap piece of cardboard first to get a feel for the paint flow. For clean, delicate lines: Apply very light pressure to keep dots small and crisp; Rotate the candle holder as you go, keeping your wrist steady.; Try tucking your elbows in close to your body for more control. I skipped the scalloped pattern from Pottery Barn’s version and went with simple dotted borders instead — just as festive, and a little easier to freehand!
6. Let Dry and Display. Once the paint is completely dry, your candle holders are ready to go! Add tealights or battery-operated candles and enjoy that cozy, hand-painted glow.