You know I’m all about the Dollar Store and Dollar Tree crafts right? Well these Halloween decorations are one for the books (or blog, lol). These are not only easy to create, but they only use a few materials. These awesome DIY Halloween candles can make a candle arrangement for your table. It’s an easy, budget-friendly DIY project that brings a unique touch to your spooky celebrations. I can’t wait to show you this easy hack with a pool noodle!
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Creating pool noodle Halloween candles is a fun and simple project. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to get started.
- Pool Noodles
- Choose orange or black for that classic Halloween vibe.
- LED Tea Lights
- a battery operated tea light candle is the best and safest choice
- White Craft Glue or Hot Glue Gun
- For attaching pieces securely and making it look like candle drips
- Scissors or Sharp Knife
- To cut the pool noodles to your desired candle height.
- Base for the “candles”
A list of other materials for decoration:
- Black and Orange Paint
- Acrylic paint works well on foam. You can also use spray paint but beware because some spray paints like to eat into the foam.
- Paintbrushes
- Opt for different sizes for detailing.
- Twine or Ribbon
- Can be wrapped around for decoration.
Creating the Base
When crafting this pool noodle DIY hack, setting it on a sturdy base is key. You can use cardboard, a plate or any sturdy solid piece that the noodle can be set on. I purchased a simple plastic Halloween bowl to display them in.
Choosing the Right Pool Noodles
Even though most pool noodles are a standard size, make sure the ones you choose will work for this project. They should be thick enough to resemble a candle and sturdy enough to stand upright. No thin pool noodles!
Another factor is the noodle’s density. Denser options provide more stability for upright placement, reducing the risk of tipping over.
Cutting to Candle-like Lengths
After selecting the pool noodles, the next task is cutting them to achieve a candle-like appearance. A common approach is to aim for varied heights to add visual interest, typically between six and twelve inches.
Using a sharp knife or a serrated blade works best, ensuring clean, straight cuts without crushing the noodle. Remember, angled cuts can give a melted candle effect if desired.
Adding Details for the pool noodle halloween candles DIY
Adding those final touches can make your pool noodle Halloween candles look truly realistic and spooky. Focus on shaping the wax drippings and perfecting the paint job to get that eerie vibe just right.
Carving the Wax Drippings
To create realistic wax drippings, use a hot glue gun.
Let the glue drip down the sides in uneven patterns, mimicking how real wax flows. Allow some areas to have thick clumps while others are just thin trails. This variation adds to the authenticity.
Focus on the top edge, making it rough and rugged. To enhance the effect, consider sprinkling a bit of baby powder onto the hot glue drips before they cool completely. This helps to reduce shine and makes them appear more like real candle wax.
Painting Your Pool Noodle Candles
Start with a base coat of your chosen color, we used black and layered different sheens on black, navy blue and then a little orange at the top.
Acrylic paint works best but spray paint is probably easier. To give the candle more character, consider adding distressed details. Lightly dab a sponge coated in paint to the areas where you desire this effect. This gives the candles an aged, worn look.
Installing LED Lights
LED lights and tea lights offer a safe alternative to real candles. Opt for small, flickering lights that imitate the warm glow of a candle flame.
Battery-operated LED tea lights are perfect for this purpose. I found a handful of “themed” LED lights as well as some regular old lights that work to fit inside the pool noodles.
Place the LED light inside the pool noodle. Depending on the size of the light, you might need to cut into the pool noodle to make it fit.
Incorporating into Larger Halloween Decor
Integrating pool noodle candles into broader Halloween-themed decorations can create a cohesive atmosphere. For instance, they can be placed amongst cobwebs, skulls, and other eerie decorations to form a spooky centerpiece.
Ideas:
- Entryway arrangements
- Mantel displays
- Outdoor setups
By varying height or color, these candles can add dimension to any spooky setup. Battery-powered tea lights used inside the candles will add an authentic flickering effect without safety concerns. Working them into larger decor schemes helps to maintain the Halloween spirit throughout the space.
My new Pool Noodle Halloween Candles
I love how easy this table centerpiece was to create!
I can’t wait to have these lights on at night!
Hindsight I would have used all three of the same candles, but I’ll know for next time!
I love the detail that the hot glue makes! It really looks like melting wax.
What do you think? Is this project easy enough for you to make? I hope so.
Happy Halloween friends!