Okay, listen. I love candles—but between the grandbabies, the pets, and the fact that real wax melts like my patience by noon, I needed a no-flame option that wouldn’t turn into a storage nightmare. Enter: my new obsession… faux Halloween candles made from paper towel rolls!
YES. We’re talking TRASH-TO-TREASURE, friends!
Faux Toilet Paper Candles Video Walkthrough
Step One: Paper Towel Rolls Are the New Black
I raided the recycling bin like a Halloween raccoon and pulled out every empty roll I could find. Turns out, not all rolls are created equal—some were tall, some were short, and that uneven chaos? It actually worked in my favor. Who knew a little wonk could look so witchy-chic?
Step Two: Paint + Tissue Paper = Mood
Now here's where things got gooey in the best way possible.
- I slathered on Gloss Mod Podge (and I mean SLATHERED—no skimpy brushing here).
- Topped it with layers of tissue paper (I used white, but you can get wild with color).
- Gave it some scrunch at the top for texture. Think: haunted vibes, not hospital corners.
TIP: Tissue paper tears if you so much as look at it funny when it’s wet. But don’t stress it! This is Halloween—we want a little spooky imperfection. I just patched any holes with more paper and Mod Podge. Total creep couture.
Step Three: Painting Like It’s Art School for Goblins
This part was MESSY and MAGICAL. I used shades like Dusty Concord and Wild Honey, layering paint to give my candle tubes some personality. Here’s why I went with light base coats:
Pro tip: Use your project as your palette. I poured paint right onto the candle rolls instead of a mat. Efficient? Yes. Clean? No. Regrets? None.
Step Four: It’s Tissue Paper Time Again
I wrapped those painted beauties in handmade tissue papers from my gel plate stash like they were little mummies of art school past. I used gloss Mod Podge on BOTH sides of the tissue to make it go translucent and really show off those base colors.
This is where the magic happened—when you wrap, wet, and gloss, the tissue melts into the tube like it was born there. Some sparkle stayed sparkly (YES), and some went hazy, which was fine too—texture, darling.
What I Skipped: The Hot Glue Drip Drama
I was going to add waxy glue-gun drips down the sides like melting candles… but honestly? They looked pretty dang perfect without it. Sometimes a crafty witch knows when to drop the glue gun and walk away. And let’s be real—I had Mod Podge in my hair and glitter in places glitter should never go. It was time to call it!
Where to Use These Beauties
Don’t put these on your coffee table unless you want a side-eye from your teenager. These are for shelfie moments, mantel magic, and Instagram witchcore vibes. Up high, lit by string lights, with Halloween flair all around? CHEF’S KISS!
Final Thoughts: Crafting Joy > Candle Perfection
Are they pristine? Nope.
Do I care? Also nope.
These faux Halloween candles brought me SO MUCH JOY to make—and that’s the real magic, isn’t it?
So grab your Mod Podge, your haunted playlist, and a roll of tissue paper that will betray you—and make some crafty Halloween magic of your own!
Here are some more great Halloween Crafts you might love:
