Confession: I bought these holiday-scented candles two weeks before Halloween. I have no regrets.

Mine were 2/$8 at Michaels, so that’s why I was sold. But I wasn’t sold on the standard stock-photo label, and wanted to spruce these up a bit to make a big impact in my small apartment this holiday season. You could do this DIY glitter candles project on just about any candle with a glass encasement, or use the same technique on candle votives.

A word to the wise—as I learned in my preschool/sorority girl days, glitter gets everywhere. This is just a basic rule of life, and it does not change in adulthood (le sigh). So if you can’t convince your roommate that the glitter everywhere around your apartment is simply fairy dust, this project probably isn’t for you.

Supplies // 

Glass candle
Mod Podge
Gold Glitter—I used this.
Foam Brush
Paper Plate

Directions // 

1. Remove tacky label from candle, and make sure there is no leftover adhesive.

2. Mod Podge the area that you want to glitter. I left the top lip untouched since I wanted to see some of the candle’s festive color. In this case, the more Mod Podge, the better since it’s hard to apply more later without interfering with the glitter.

3. Pour a generous amount of glitter out on a paper plate and roll the candle in the glitter until everywhere is covered. You might have to sprinkle some glitter over some areas for complete coverage.

4. Let set for five minutes, then put a coat of mod podge on the glitter to seal everything. This will prevent a glitter trail throughout your house. I was very generous with the amount of mod podge I used for this sealant layer, so don’t be afraid to cake it on. Even though goes on white, it does dry clear.

5. Enjoy!