Upholstery Tack Candles

Today I have a very quick and easy tutorial for you. Upholstery Tack Candles! Those little tacks can add so much rustic charm to a candle.

Although this was a really easy project, it didn't start out so well. In fact, I almost put it in the failed file. You see, the first time I tried to insert the tacks, this was the result:

The tacks broke the candle into chunks. I mentioned my complete failure to my husband and he said "Why don't you get a lighter and heat up the tacks? Then they will melt the candle as you put them in." Genius!

So that's what I did.

Want to try making your own upholstery tack candles?

Here's what you need:

Candles
Burlap
Upholstery tacks - I used two varieties
Scissors
Lighter
Candle for burning
Hot glue gun {not pictured}

Begin by cutting a piece of burlap to wrap your candle with. I did two different sizes.  The burlap for the small candle was 1 1/4" X 10". The large was 3 3/4" X 10".

Wrap the burlap around the candle and secure with hot glue.

Now for the fun part - adding the tacks. I found it was easier to light a small candle and have an open flame ready when I needed it.

Place the tip of the tack into the flame for 10-15 seconds. Be careful, if you keep it in the flame too long, the whole tack will heat up and you'll burn yourself. {Yeah, I learned the hard way}

Then quickly insert it through the burlap and into the candle. It will burn the burlap a little as you slide it through, but the top of the tack will cover any discoloration. They slid right in without any cracking.

I decided that I liked the look of smaller and larger tacks together.

Here they are in their new home.

Don't miss my other candle projects.

  Personalized Valentines Candles

 Pine Cone Flower Candles