DIY: Shy Face Candle Holders

I am a bit giddy as I write this. After completing these ‘Shy Face’ Candle Holders, how could I not be? They are just so adorable! At just an inch and a half high, they were the perfect little pieces to recreate into something a little whimsical. Eventually, these sweet little guys will end up in my basement craft room (still in progress!), but for now, they’ll stay upstairs in my living room where I can chuckle at them each time I see them 😉

If you are looking for a craft project to do with the kiddos, this would be the perfect one to try.

MATERIALS

candle holders
acrylic paints
paint brush
paint palette
pencil & eraser
sharpie

STEPS

Step 1: Apply White Base

If your candle holders are made of wood, they will absorb quite a bit of paint. Start by painting a single layer of white paint in order to seal them.

Let dry – at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Apply Colours

Now you can apply your chosen colours to the candle holders.

Two to three layers will create a lovely solid colour. Let dry between applications.

Step 3: Outline Shy Face

Now it’s time to design your ‘shy face.’ Taking your pencil, outline the eyes and nose on each candle holder, free hand. Outline these lightly so you can erase and redraw to get it just right.

Step 4: Trace Over Shy Face

Taking your sharpie, trace over the pencil outline.

Tip: If you are using soft pastel colours as I did, you may wish to soften the sharpie outline by applying a soft, and highly diluted paint over top. If you do, simply add a bit of paint to your paint brush and dip into a can of water ensuring that most of the paint comes off, then apply over the tracings. Don’t worry about going outside the lines, since you will be using the same colour that’s already been applied to the candle holders. (For more on this technique, see How To Create Whitewash Abstract Art).

Once they’ve dried, you are now ready to add your candles and display!

I loved creating these little guys. So much fun! Apply your shy face to candle holders, small planters and pots, candles, craft paper that you can frame, and anything you set your heart on. So many possibilities!

Happy crafting 🙂