Doll Head Candle Holder

$15 - $20 (based on 2017 prices)

Makes one candle holder

While building the creepy doll wreath for 2017’s haunt, I purposefully reserved one of the heads for this project. I had seen several concepts for old dolls used as candle holders and decided to fabricate my own version to incorporate into the theme. Since using fire in a haunt is never a wise idea, I substituted a real candle with an LED one.

• One large vinyl doll head
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat black*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat brown*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flesh tone*
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat red*
• One 8 oz. bottle of wood glue*
• One battery-operated LED candle
• One hot glue gun and glue sticks
• One 0.44 oz. bottle of clear nail polish*
  

1. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, crackle paint the doll’s head. To do this, begin with a base coat of black paint and, once that has dried, use a thick brush to smear a smattering of wood glue onto the prop. Try not to over think your application (a random pattern produces the best results). Let the glue sit for a minute to become tacky and then cover the head with a coat of flesh-tone paint. As the glue and paint dry, they will form cracks. To further the aging process, give the prop a light smudging of brown paint to simulate dirt.

2. Use a sharp knife to cut a hole in the top of the head large enough to accommodate the candle. You may have to gradually trim the opening until the candle passes easily through it. Once this is done, feed the candle through the hole and ensure its base sits flush with the base of the head (this will allow access to the battery compartment and on/off switch).

3. Using hot glue, give the candle extra girth by building up layers and piping drips of wax down the sides and onto the head. I found that pumping the glue along the top of the candle and allowing it to naturally run downward creates the best results. For added effect, cover one of the eyes with glue to make it appear that wax is pouring out of the socket.

4. Apply three coats of red paint to the candle. I used three because I wanted a deep, vibrant red to contrast with the dull blacks and browns of the head. You, of course, are free to use fewer (or more) coats based on your chosen appearance for the prop.

5. To make the candle look waxy, cover the red paint with a layer of clear nail polish. If you want the candle to seem old and unused rather than freshly melted, do not add the nail polish, but give the candle a light brushing of brown paint to mimic dust.

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