Want to make a budget-friendly custom candle? Try this simple image transfer tutorial using packing tape, a Dollar Tree glass candle, and your favorite design.
How to make a DIY Image Transfer Glass Candle… Using Packing Tape!
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Why I love this craft
Looking for a quick and budget-friendly way to dress up a plain Dollar Tree glass candle? This DIY image transfer candle craft is the perfect solution! Using just a printed design, some clear packing tape, and a glass candle, you can create a personalized piece of home décor.
This technique is also great for seasonal decorations, holiday gifts, or even little motivational candles to brighten your space. Today, I’ll show you how I used a meditation “inhale, exhale” graphic I designed in Canva, and turned it into a custom candle in just a few easy steps.
Video Tutorial: Image Transfer Candle
Watch this quick video to see how this craft came together:
DIY Image Transfer Candle
Learn how to transfer an image onto a candle with this easy DIY tutorial! Perfect for meditation candles, holiday gifts, or budget-friendly home décor.
Materials
- Dollar Tree glass candle (or any plain glass candle)
- Printed graphic (laser printer only – inkjet won’t work)
- Clear packing tape
- Twine or other embellishments (optional)
Tools
- Scissors
- Smoothing tool (credit card, scraper, or similar)
- Bowl of water
- Hot glue gun + glue sticks
- Silicone fingertip protector (for safe gluing)
Instructions
- Watch the video tutorial. Follow along with the video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough of how to make your own image transfer candle.
- Print and Prepare Your Design. Start by creating or downloading a design you’d like to use. For this tutorial, I used a simple “inhale, exhale” meditation graphic I designed in Canva. Important note: your design must be printed with a laser printer. Inkjet prints will not work for this craft. If you don’t have access to a laser printer at home, try a local print shop like FedEx Kinko’s.
- Apply Packing Tape. Lay a piece of clear packing tape over your printed design. Smooth it down firmly with a scraper, credit card, or any flat tool to eliminate air bubbles. If your design is wider than one strip of tape, place a second strip right next to the first one (or slightly overlapping).
- Cut and Soak the Image. Trim away the excess paper around your taped design with scissors. Then place the taped piece into a bowl of water and let it soak for a minute or two. This softens the paper and makes it easier to remove.
- Remove the Paper Backing. Once the paper is softened, gently rub the back of the paper with your fingers in a circular motion. The first layer will peel off easily, but continue rubbing to remove the finer fibers. Keep working until the paper is gone and you’re left with a clear tape decal with your image on it.
- Dry the Decal. Set the decal sticky-side up to dry completely. Don’t worry: once it’s dry, the adhesive will reactivate and stick again.
- Transfer to the Candle. Once the decal is fully dry, carefully press it onto the surface of your Dollar Tree glass candle. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles so it adheres evenly.
- Add Embellishments. For a finished look, wrap some twine around the base of the candle and secure it with tiny dabs of hot glue. You could also add ribbon, charms, or even glitter—get creative and make it your own!
The finished craft
PIN this image transfer candle craft for later:
Packaging Tape Crafts You Must Try
This craft was part of a compilation video over on my YouTube Channel, along with DIY Washi Tape using Packing Tape, Dollar Tree Craft: DIY Distressed Notepad Holder, Dollar Tree DIY: Distressed Chippy Kitchen Sign, DIY Pressed Flower Bookmarks… Using Packing Tape!, DIY Image Transfer Candle Craft (Dollar Tree Hack!), Photos on Glass – This DIY is Easier Than You Might Think, DIY Packing Tape Stickers.