Craft Stunning Gold Burlap Candles: A Simple DIY for Elegant Home Decor

Welcome to a truly delightful and incredibly simple craft project that promises to transform ordinary candles into captivating decorative accents for your home. Today, we’re diving into the world of DIY with a metallic twist, showing you how to create beautiful gold burlap-wrapped candles. While it’s so easy it barely qualifies as a “craft,” the magic of spray paint — a tool we absolutely adore for its transformative power — elevates this project into something truly special and entirely handmade.

The core philosophy behind everything we share here is to inspire you. We believe that adding beauty to your home, whether through crafting, cooking, or gardening, doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. It should be accessible, enjoyable, and ultimately, doable for everyone. This project perfectly embodies that spirit, demonstrating how a few basic materials and a touch of creativity can yield stunning results.

The Inspiration: Rustic Elegance Meets Modern Glam

These gold burlap-wrapped candles were born from a spark of inspiration found in a Pottery Barn catalog. Last fall, they featured a similar design that, unfortunately, is no longer available. However, recognizing the enduring popularity of gold and brass in contemporary home decor, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to create our own interpretation. This DIY version not only captures the essence of that high-end look but also allows for personal customization and a unique handmade touch.

The beauty of this project lies in its ability to bridge two distinct aesthetic worlds: the rustic, earthy charm of natural burlap and the refined, shimmering elegance of gold. This striking contrast creates a visually interesting piece that can seamlessly integrate into various decor styles. For instance, on our fall mantel, these gold burlap candles beautifully tied together a rough burlap cocoa bag with shiny brass thrift store candlesticks, creating a cohesive and inviting display. This juxtaposition of textures and finishes is what makes them so appealing, offering a touch of “rustic glam” that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Why DIY? The Joy of Personalized Decor

Beyond the cost savings, there’s immense satisfaction in crafting your own home decor. DIY projects like these gold burlap candles allow you to infuse your personal style into every corner of your living space. You’re not just buying an item; you’re creating a piece that tells a story, reflects your taste, and carries the warmth of your own hands. It’s also an excellent way to upcycle existing candles or thrift store finds, giving them a new lease on life and contributing to a more sustainable approach to home decorating.

The therapeutic aspect of crafting is another wonderful benefit. Taking a moment to engage in a creative activity can be incredibly calming and rewarding. It’s a chance to unwind, focus on a simple task, and see a beautiful transformation unfold before your eyes. And the best part? These gold burlap candle wraps are incredibly forgiving, making them perfect for crafters of all skill levels, even those who might consider themselves “non-crafty.”

Materials Needed: Gathering Your Simple Supplies

One of the many appealing aspects of this craft is the minimal list of materials required. Most items are readily available at craft stores, fabric shops, or even online, making it easy to get started right away. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Natural Colored Burlap: Choose a fine-to-medium weave burlap for the best results. The natural, unbleached color provides the perfect base for the gold spray paint, allowing its rustic texture to shine through. You can often find burlap by the yard at fabric stores, making it very cost-effective for multiple candles. Its inherent roughness offers a wonderful tactile element to the finished piece.
• Gold Spray Paint: The star of this transformation! A good quality metallic gold spray paint will give you that desired shimmer. Look for brands that offer a smooth, even finish. Consider different shades of gold – from a bright, shiny gold to a more antique, muted tone – to match your specific decor aesthetic. Always ensure you have enough ventilation when working with spray paint.
• Glue Gun (Optional): A hot glue gun provides a quick and secure way to attach the burlap wraps if you prefer a more permanent and seamless look without visible ties. A few dots of hot glue will hold the overlap firmly in place.
• Jute Twine (Optional): If you love the look of natural accents and want to emphasize the rustic charm of the burlap, jute twine is an excellent choice. It adds another layer of texture and can be tied in a simple knot or a decorative bow, allowing for easy removal or adjustment.
• Candles: Pillar candles of various sizes work best for this project, as their smooth, cylindrical shape makes wrapping straightforward. You can use new candles or refresh old ones that need a decorative uplift.
• Cardboard or Old Plywood & Newspaper: Essential for protecting your workspace when spray painting.

Directions: Crafting Your Gold Burlap Candle Wraps in Simple Steps

Creating these elegant gold burlap candle wraps is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps to bring your vision to life:

Step 1: Prepare and Cut Your Burlap

1. Begin by measuring your candles. Wrap a strip of burlap around each candle, ensuring there’s an overlap of about one inch. This overlap will be used to secure the wrap. The width of your burlap strips is entirely up to your preference; you can choose to cover most of the candle for a fuller look or just the central portion, as we did, to allow more of the candle color to show through.
2. Once measured, carefully cut the burlap lengths. To ensure a straight edge when cutting burlap, you can often pull one of the threads across the desired cut line. This creates a visible guideline that makes it easier to cut accurately with sharp scissors.

Step 2: Spray Paint the Burlap with Gold Finish

1. Lay your cut burlap pieces flat on a protected surface, such as cardboard or an old piece of plywood covered with newspaper. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to avoid inhaling fumes.
2. Apply a light, even coat of gold spray paint over the burlap. Hold the can about 8-10 inches away and use sweeping motions to ensure full coverage without oversaturating the fabric. The goal is to highlight the burlap’s texture, not to completely obscure it.
3. Allow the first coat to dry completely, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on humidity. If you desire a deeper, more pronounced golden hue, apply a second light coat. Remember, too much paint can make the burlap stiff and less pliable, so err on the side of lighter applications for a more natural feel.

Step 3: Attach the Burlap Wraps to Your Candles

Once your gold burlap wraps are completely dry to the touch, it’s time to attach them to your candles. You have two excellent options:

• Method 1: Using Jute Twine for a Rustic Look. This method beautifully enhances the rustic appeal of the burlap. Simply wrap the burlap piece around your candle, aligning the edges. Take a length of jute twine and wrap it around the burlap, securing it in place with a single knot or a decorative bow – the choice is yours! You can wrap the twine multiple times for a layered effect, or even criss-cross it for added visual interest. This method offers flexibility and allows for easy removal if you wish to change your decor.
• Method 2: Using a Hot Glue Gun for a Seamless Finish. If you prefer a cleaner, more permanent look without visible ties, a hot glue gun is your best friend. Wrap the burlap around the candle, creating the one-inch overlap at the back seam. Run a thin bead of hot glue along the inside edge of the overlapping burlap piece, then firmly press it down to secure it. Hold it in place for a few seconds until the glue sets. This creates a smooth, continuous gold burlap surface on your candle.

And there you have it – three simple steps to creating your own beautiful gold burlap-wrapped candles! This easy craft can be adapted to suit various metallic preferences. Imagine using silver metallic paint for a sleek, modern touch, or perhaps copper or rose gold for a warmer, more romantic feel. The possibilities for customization are truly endless!

Versatility and Customization: Beyond Gold

While gold offers a timeless elegance, this craft is incredibly versatile. Consider these variations to match your unique style:

• Other Metallic Hues: Experiment with silver spray paint for a sophisticated, cool-toned look, perfect for winter decor or modern minimalist settings. Copper or rose gold can introduce warmth and a trendy touch, ideal for bohemian or industrial chic interiors.
• Color-Blocked Burlap: Instead of full coverage, try spraying only the top or bottom third of the burlap for a color-blocked effect.
• Embellishments: Once the burlap is dry, you can further adorn your candles. Consider stenciling small patterns (like stars or monograms) with contrasting paint, adding delicate lace trim along the edges, or attaching small charms, dried flowers, or even pinecones for a seasonal touch.
• Beyond Candles: This technique isn’t limited to candles! Apply the same concept to wrap small vases, jars, or even empty wine bottles to create coordinated decorative pieces for your home.

Decorating with Your New Gold Burlap Candles

These versatile candles are perfect for more than just a fall mantel. Here are a few ideas to incorporate them into your home decor:

• Centerpieces: Arrange a cluster of varying sized gold burlap candles on a decorative tray with some greenery, natural elements like acorns or small pumpkins (for fall), or fresh flowers for an eye-catching centerpiece on your dining table or coffee table.
• Wedding or Event Decor: Their rustic glam appeal makes them ideal for farmhouse-style weddings, bridal showers, or elegant dinner parties. They can line aisles, adorn reception tables, or welcome guests at an entrance.
• Everyday Accent: Place a single gold burlap candle on a bedside table, a bookshelf, or a bathroom vanity to add a touch of warmth and metallic sheen to everyday spaces.
• Seasonal Displays: While perfect for autumn, switch out accompanying decor and these candles can easily transition to holiday celebrations, spring gatherings, or summer soirées.

What do you think? Seriously, this is my kind of craft! It’s quick, inexpensive, and makes a significant visual impact. We encourage you to give it a try and discover how effortlessly you can elevate your home decor with a personal touch. Share your creations and let us know what simple crafts inspire you!

I’m sharing this at Fall Craft Ideas, Weekend Wrap-Up, Saturday Nite Special, Share Your Creativity