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Personalized Photo Candle Holders

Mother's Day

By Kelly Rostorfer. Publisher Mom, NE Columbus Macaroni Kid May 8, 2024

Mother's Day is a special occasion to celebrate the wonderful women in our lives who have nurtured, supported, and loved us unconditionally. Creating a handmade gift not only adds a personal touch but also makes the day even more memorable. This is a unique, cute, and easy Mother's Day craft that can be made by crafters of all ages and skill levels.

Personalized Photo Candle Holders

This craft involves making personalized photo candle holders that cast a beautiful light, adorned with cherished memories. It's simple to create, requires minimal materials, and can be customized in countless ways to suit any mom's taste.

Materials Needed

  • Clear glass votive holders or small mason jars
  • Vellum paper (translucent paper that is printer-friendly)
  • Mod Podge
  • Small paintbrush or foam brush
  • Tea lights or votive candles
  • Scissors
  • Printer
  • Personal photos

Instructions

1. Choose and Prepare Photos

Select a few favorite photos that hold special memories. These could be family portraits, pictures from trips, or any memorable moments. Using a computer, adjust the sizes of the photos to fit the glass holders. Print these photos on vellum paper, which allows light to shine through while showcasing the images.

2. Cut and Apply the Photos

Cut out the printed photos, making sure they are just the right size to wrap around your glass votive holders. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of the vellum photo using a paintbrush or foam brush. Carefully place the photo on the glass holder, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles as you go.

3. Seal the Photo

Once the photo is positioned correctly, apply another thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the photo. This seals it in place and gives it a finished look. Allow it to dry completely.

4. Add Candles

Once your photo candle holder is dry, place a tea light or votive candle inside the holder. The translucent nature of vellum allows the candlelight to shine through the photo, creating a warm, glowing effect. 

5. Gift Wrapping

To make this gift even more special, consider adding a beautiful ribbon or a handmade tag with a Mother's Day message. You can also place the candle holder in a decorative bag or box filled with tissue paper.


This personalized photo candle holder is not only a thoughtful and unique gift for Mother's Day but also a delightful way to light up the home with memories. It's a simple craft that offers a heartfelt way to show appreciation and love for the moms in our lives. Enjoy crafting and have a wonderful Mother's Day celebration!

Additional Tips

  • Experiment with different sizes and shapes of glass jars or votive holders for varied effects.
  • For a longer-lasting candle option, consider using battery-operated LED tea lights, or mini string lights
  • If you're crafting with young children, substitute Mod Podge with clear school glue for easier handling.

With this guide, you're ready to create a beautiful, memorable gift that will surely warm any mother's heart. Happy crafting!