You guys know full well how much we love photos here at ABM, which makes our ongoing Canon USA collaboration a dream come true. Like, we have a major “heart-eyed emoji” crush on them, so we have lots of fun doing all kinds of photo-related projects.
Emma had mentioned a few months ago that she had seen that it was possible to transfer photos onto candles, and I raised my hand and wiggled around in my seat like a first-grader saying, “Oh, me, me! Let me do it!” until she agreed. Score!
It’s actually a pretty simple process and takes only a little time to complete (you could do it in a half hour for sure), so this is definitely a perfect project for a Saturday afternoon crafting session.
I thought it would be fun to make a tall rectangle candle as well as a short one and print out one of my favorite PartyParty app photostrips, but you can customize your photo candle based on the picture or the candle shape you want to use.
Related: How to Make Candles – Beginner’s Guide
Supplies:
-white tissue paper
-8.5×11″ card stock
-scissors and clear tape
–white candles (I got the 3×3″ and the 3×9″ sizes)
–embossing heat tool
-wax paper
–Canon PIXMA MG7520 printer
Here’s a little video to show you exactly how I did it!
NOTE: In all my research, the toxicity impacts of burning the candle down to the ink are minimal, comparable to using non-organic soaps or drinking decaf coffee.
But if this is something that’s on your radar, you’ll want to keep these for just decorative uses. Personally, I don’t plan on burning my candles that far to avoid the faces getting all weird and warbly. 🙂
I would print on the less shiny side of the tissue paper. I printed ours on the PIXMA MG7520 photo printer, which was incredibly easy and printed the photo perfectly. Just be sure that the side you want to print on is facing down in the paper tray. And make sure to hold the wax paper tight against the photo while you use the heat gun.
Pay attention to how close you are to the photo and how hot your heat setting is. You want to be able to see the photo melting onto the candle, but you don’t want to melt the actual candle itself. The candle you choose also makes a difference in how well the image transfers.
The more dense the wax is, the better the image seems to transfer. It still works on the softer wax, but the image isn’t as crisp and you melt the candle a bit more when using the heat gun.
I really wasn’t lying when I said it’s a pretty quick project and these make a great gift or table decor for a wedding or birthday event as well.
Like I said, it’s totally up to you if you want to actually burn your candle or not. You can also leave it as a decor-only item if you wish and that way you won’t have creepy melted faces at some point. 😉
Hope you get a free afternoon soon to make your own candles, I think you’ll be glad you did! xo. Laura
This is a brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing it. I used a hair drier, which worked just fine after I got the hang of it.
Could you get aeay with a regular photo . I do not have a printer but this idea is so awesome. Would make the best christmas presents . very sentimental.
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Hi Susan! Are you wanting to place an order from our Oui Fresh site?
We LOVE this guide – nothing better than a DIY craft that’s personalised!
Check out our guide to make candle holders (http://afancyhome.com/how-to/diy-shabby-chic-home-decor/) perfect follow-up project to this!
Do you put wax side down on candle or on the outside
Does this have to be done with that specific printer, or will any photo printer work?
I love the idea of having my family’s photo’s on a nice scented candke. Can you tell me what kind of tissue paper I should use? Thank you
This would make a gorgeous present, think it’s time for me to invest in a embossing gun.
Thanks for this post
sundae-spills.blogspot.co.uk/
This is so cute 😛
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alina-Does-MakeUp/1420347474928303
Hi Aga! Hmm. Ours lasts longer than that, so I’m not sure. You might contact Canon’s customer service. 🙂 -Jacki
Love watching all your creative ideas wondered if your printer takes a lot of ink I have one of the Canon’s too and cant keep up with replacement of the ink even when I only print a few pictures. Any ideas why is that ???
Good idea.
Great idea! I think I’ll try it.
www.thestylestudiobykb.com
This is perfect for anniversaries! Gorgeous project =)
Juju Sprinkles
http://www.jujusprinkles.com
This is such a cute idea! Love it <3
that’s a great idea! 😀
http://pinchblack.blogspot.ro/
I think it probably would, just try it on the low heat setting first and if that doesn’t melt it, turn on the high setting but hold it a little further away so you don’t melt the candle 🙂
Laura
Great idea!
Laura 🙂
this is awesome!
xx nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com
I love this idea! I would gift it to my best friend as a fun reminder of memorable moments we’ve shared throughout the years. Maybe the fragrance of the candle would remind her of all the great times.