It never ceases to amaze me how much ambience can be added to a room or tablescape just by lighting a few simple candles. Whether you are reading a book on a rainy afternoon or taking a long soak in the tub, everything just seems better by candlelight. Since we love all things marbled here at ABM (like these ring holders and marbled photos), why not add a pretty patten to the candle collection too??
Supplies:
–nail polish (in 2-3 shades)
–clear votives
-small plastic tub
-wooden skewer
-rubbing alcohol
-clear sealer spray
-plastic gloves (optional)
-wax paper
First, clean the outside of your votives with a paper towel and some rubbing alcohol to remove any residue from the outside of the votive. Fill the bottom few inches of your plastic container with water (slightly warmer than room temperature). Add a few drops or swirls of your first nail polish color into the water, and then quickly add your second and third color as well. Before the nail polish can dry, drag a skewer through the colors to marble them until you like the pattern it creates (if the stick won’t pull through smoothly because the polish has already dried, scoop the dried polish out with the stick and begin again but work faster this time).
Quickly pick up your votive and roll the side into your favorite part of the nail polish (you can wear plastic gloves if you don’t want to get polish on your hands). Continue to roll the votive into the polish to either cover all the sides or just leave the marbling effect on one area. Roll the votive out of the water and allow the polish to fully dry on the wax paper. Dump out the water and repeat the process with each votive until all the candle holders are completed.
Once they are dry, you can spray the outside with a clear coat to seal the polish underneath. Add in some tea light candles to your holders, and you’re done!
Agh! Marbling is always one of my favorite things—it looks pretty on just about anything! Doing a set of 4 or 6 of these wrapped up with some tea lights and a pretty matchbox would also make a great homemade gift this holiday season. You could do Christmas colors or metallic polishes for the season or just use the recipients favorite color so they can enjoy them all year round. Happy marbling! xo. Laura
Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with the NEW A Beautiful Mess actions.
18 Comments
Love the idea of a set of these as a gift! (maybe a gift to myself hehe)
Super cool idea!
http://www.petiteandhungry.com
What a neat idea, Laura. I’ll definitely be trying this. Thanks for sharing!
I’m on the lookout for handmade Christmas gift ideas so this is great! I love how no two will end up exactly the same. And also this is a great way to use up some of the many bottles of nail polish I own… ?
That is just so cute 🙂
Christmas gift idea for sure! Pinning for later, love this so much Laura!
http://victoriaspongepeasepudding.com/
Wow, that’s an amazing effect! I have to try it!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Very Pretty! I’m loving those hand sculptures, can you tell me where they are from?
Cute. What kind of sealer did you use? Thanks!
These look so cute! I used that marbling technique on some plant pots a little while i go, i think its time for matching candle holders!
Cool DIY, and looks easy to do! I am thinking of trying it with glitter polish 🙂
I totally agree with candles just sets the right mood. And what better time for it than these autumn/winter months.
They are from hobby lobby and vintage shopping 🙂
Laura
Just a spray clear sealer, like valspar or krylon should work fine 🙂
Laura
Oooh I’ve seen a bunch of these marble DIYs online but I think your post makes it seem slightly easier than the rest I saw! I love the outcome, really simple but with a nice artsy touch. Life in Blue Skies
I’m going to use this technique for my friend’s christmas present!
Aleeha xXx
http://www.halesaaw.com/
Nice idea. I like it.
Pretty and simple. Just makes a super present
So cute!