Tiny Bottle Cap Candles: Easy DIY Upcycle for Gifts & Home Decor
Turn spare bottle caps into tiny, charming candles with this simple upcycle project. These miniature candles are quick to make, customizable with color and scent, and perfect as party favors, table decorations, or small handmade gifts. Below is a step-by-step guide using common household supplies—no specialized equipment required.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following items before you begin:
- Bottle caps
- Crayons (for color and wax)
- Empty metal soup can (or other metal container for melting)
- Pre-waxed wicks (or trim larger wicks)
- Small saucepan
- Optional: gold spray paint for a decorative finish
How to Make Bottle Cap Candles
Follow these steps carefully—hot wax can burn, so work with caution and keep children supervised.
Step One
Lay out your bottle caps and place a pre-waxed wick into the center of each one. If you can’t find tea-light–sized wicks, trim larger wicks to fit.
Step Two
Choose your crayon colors. These will form the wax for your candles. Crush the crayons into small pieces to speed up melting and make them easier to pour.
Step Three
Place the crushed crayons into the metal soup can. A metal can is best because it withstands heat; glass or ceramic can work but handle with care.
Step Four
Set a saucepan on the stove and fill it about a quarter full with water. Heat until the water is nearly simmering, then place the can with the crayons into the pan. This creates a double boiler effect to melt the crayons gently without direct heat.
Step Five
Allow the crayons to melt completely into liquid wax. For cleaner colors, melt one color at a time or wash the can between different colors using very hot water to remove wax residue.
Step Six
Work quickly but carefully: hot wax sets fast. Hold a prepared bottle cap (with wick) and pour the melted wax into it, filling to the desired level. Pour onto a sheet of baking paper or a heatproof surface to catch drips.
Step Seven
Repeat the melting and pouring process for each cap. If you want a special finish, spray the empty bottle caps with gold paint before pouring to create a rustic-chic look.
There you have it—tiny, handmade bottle cap candles ready to brighten your home or to wrap as little gifts. Allow them to cool fully before handling or packaging.
