Candle Pillars

$10 - $15 (based on 2014 prices) 

Makes three pillars roughly 24” in height  

I’ve seen this project done with PVC pipes. In an effort to save both money and time, though, I created mine using paper towels and toilet paper rolls. It achieves the same effect without the hassle of cutting piping. Plus, the low cost offsets any disappointment if the props are damaged or stolen. As always, you can modify the color to fit your haunt’s needs.

• Twenty paper towel/toilet paper rolls
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
• One hot glue gun and glue sticks
• One 8 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying latex paint in flat white
• One package of battery-operated LED tea lights (sixteen total)
  

1. Arrange the rolls in varying heights and, using the tacky glue, paste them together. To give the candles more of a melted appearance, cut their tops to form dips. You can also fashion a base by placing the bottom of the pillar onto a sheet of cardboard, tracing its outline, cutting out the pattern slightly larger than its actual size, and gluing it to the prop. Since the tubes are hollow, you can pour sand into the base to give the pillar added weight in windy displays.

2. Using the hot glue gun, pipe drips of wax onto the tubes. You may want to play with the design on scraps of cardboard first, toying with the pattern before applying the final version. I found that pumping the glue along the tops of the rolls and allowing it to naturally run down their sides creates the best results.

3. In a well-ventilated area, apply the white paint to the pillars. I used three coats; however, you may want more or less depending on your desired coverage. After allowing the paint to dry, you can keep the tea lights in place by forming holders with toothpicks. Simply drive them into the tops of the pillars to form an X and reinforce them with tacky glue.

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.