Fall Leaf Candles

This is such a fun project for Fall or any time.  This project uses dried and pressed Fall leaves, but you can also use dried pressed flowers for Spring candles or whatever you can think of - the possibilities are endless. You can also use fake leaves purchased from a craft store, just make sure they are pretty thin.  I got this idea from Pam of Gingerbread Snowflakes.

How to make a Fall Leaf Candle!

All you need to make one:  dried, pressed fall leaves, regular Mod Podge, a jar and abrush.

1. Dry beautiful, colorful fall leaves using this method. Drying should take only about two weeks.

Added 10/17 to avoid any confusion:  The tutorial linked above includes information for how to dry and press leaves.  

But Mod Podge should NOT be applied to your dried leaves if you are intending to use them for this jar candle project. 

Use ONLY dried, pressed leaves that have NOT been coated with Mod Podge when you make this candle jar.

2. Smear Mod Podge all over the sides of the jar.  Do not apply Mod Podge to the bottom or the grooved lid area.

3. Place your dry leaf right onto the Mod Podge and press into place.  Brush over the leaf with more Mod Podge.

4.  Continue adding leaves and Mod Podge until your jar is covered with leaves.  I like to overlap a few, but keep in mind that overlap areas do reduce the light that can pass through.  I find that lighter colored leaves work best.  Use the darker leaves as accents.

5. Once you have finished placing your leaves around the jar surface,  use the flat end of your brush to create a stippled pattern in the Mod Podge areas NOT covered by leaves. This step will create a more pleasing pattern than will brush strokes when light shines through these "open" areas on the jar.

6.  Let the candle dry thoroughly and then apply a second coat of Mod Podge, again "stippling" the open areas.

7. Let the jar dry several hours or overnight.  Overspray with acrylic spray. When dry, pop a tea light in the bottom and you are done!