DIY Christmas Sprinkles Candle

The Elle Sees headquarters is in full-on DIY mode--expect a few more DIYS in the next two weeks. And today I wanted to share my annual candle gift with you--this was inspired by a candle I got 10 years ago as a present. I loved it so much and immediately recreated my own--it was such a hit that I've been making them ever since. This sprinkles candle is Christmas-inspired and I think you'll be surprised at how easy this is to make.

You'll need--

• empty glass candle container
• Christmas sprinkles (pictured are nonpareils, but sprinkles work better)
• Karo syrup
• wick
• wax
• fragrance

I've tried all sorts of things over the years to get the sprinkles to stay and the best is Karo syrup since it's clear. Coat the inside of your glass container with karo syrup. Since this was a votive, I used my clean finger, but for larger candles I use a brush. TIP: Reuse glass candle glasses to make these.

Shake the sprinkles around to coat the sides. You can coat the bottom as well, but make sure the wick is in first. Dump out the excess sprinkles.

Melt wax in an appropriate glass container (I used soy) and while it is melting, attach the wick to the bottom of the candle holder. Hot glue or some sort of glue will work well. TIP: If you have everything but the wax on hand, melt small tealight candles, just remove them from their metal holders first. Right before you pour, add in your fragrance and stir. I think I used a teaspoon of sugar cookies fragrance. I've used other Christmas scents too, like peppermint.

Carefully pour in the wax to the container. I suggest pot holders and using a glass measuring cup with a spout. I kind of eyeball how much wax I'll need so I can't give exact measurements since all containers are different sizes. Be sure that the wick stays up while pouring the wax. Allow to cool down. You can put these in the freezer to help speed up the process. As it's almost cooled at the top, you can add some more sprinkles on top for decoration.

TIPS:

• Sprinkles (jimmies aka hundreds-and-thousands work much better since they hold color better--nonpareils will blur together color once you burn the candle.
• If you don't coat the inside with enough karo syrup, the sprinkles will fall in once the hot wax is added.
• Always be responsible when using candles.

Extra Elle:

Busiest weekend! Got my hair done--met niece and nephew to see Santa (they were in town visiting their family)--went out to dinner and a hilarious Christmas play--went to brunch with Atlanta bloggers--went to a pop up Christmas bar and it was so fun.

More candle ideas:

• Hot cocoa and coffee candles
• Ombre crayon candles
• Over 20 ideas for empty candle jars