Over Thanksgiving break, I went to Pottery Barn with my mom to do some window shopping. I previously saw their beaded birch pillar candles in the catalog, but they were even lovelier in person. The large pillar candles on sale were $23 so I decided to make my own painted birch tree candles for free. Want to make some too? I’ll show you how!
How to Make Painted Birch Tree Candles
What you will need:
- White pillar candles. (I have a ton on hand. I think most of mine came from Dollar Tree.)
- Brown paint. (I used glitter paint mixed with other brown paint. Use whatever brown acrylic you have on hand.)
- Spray adhesive. (You can find this at any craft store.)
- Epsom salts. (These are typically found near the pharmacy of any convenient store or Target, etc.)
What you do:
It is seriously that simple. For a fraction of the price you can have your own birch tree candles to enjoy this season! I am loving mine 
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Oh Beth! These are super cute. Love the DIY aspect and I always adore anything shimmery. Might have to give these a try
Beautiful Beth! I love them! And you are right…so easy! Angie xo
FANTASTICO!!!!!!!
NOW you tell me! I coughed up the cash for two of them a few weeks ago…they were lovely and I didn’t even think about trying to replicate them. I guess I could always make a few more, though…now that I know the secret. Thanks!!!!!
Beth – I am loving these candles!! I’ve seen them at PB and was on the fence about getting them – now, there’s no excuse but to make them myself! As always, thanks to you for your DIY inspiration!!
Hmmm…I think I can manage this! Thanks, Beth.
So cute! I’ve seen the PB ones but hated the price. You can get Epsom salts at the Dollar Tree too.
So pretty! I love the vignette!
They turned out great. They look so authentic. I can hardly tell you achieved the look with paint and salt!
These are awesome!
Wow! Those are so pretty! It reminds me of some winter crafts I wanted to make…hope I can get to them after all my Christmas crafts. Might need to add these to the list as well.
These are so pretty and simple! LOVE them!
I just made 4 of these!! So easy! I’m gonna make more for gifts!!! Thank you so much for the great idea!!
You’re so welcome Rhonda! And yes, I was thinking that they would make fab gifts as well
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Great idea! And what is that fabulous stacked log wall I spy in the background? I hope a post about that is coming soon!
Ha, I was waiting for someone to say something about that fab wall. I love the candle idea, but I can’t stop staring at your log wall! Gorgeous!
I too love that PB Catalog and try to come up with excuses why I should buy this and that. Not this year!
Will you please explain what the Epsom salts do?
Thank you!
Hi Jane! The original candles are rolled in tiny beads and look sparkly and snowy. The epsom salts mimic this look. You certainly don’t have to do this step but it makes them look sparkly and pretty.
Hi Beth, Thanks for the how-to on these candles. You’ve inspired me to make some myself.
WOW! Such a simple project and almost free! My favorite type of project! Super creative–great job on this knock off!
Beth, another great idea to “pin” to my boards….thank you for sharing, they look wonderful wyour display!
These candles look great- and I love that they are such an easy project! Love your candle sticks, too!
Awesome job! They turned out lovely!
Are these safe to burn.
They look great.
Hi Meg! I don’t really burn my candles for very long but the epsom salts will form a crust on the exterior of the candle as it burns down. Obviously burn at your own risk.
i have some white battery operated pillar candles from costco that i am going to try this on. i love that i can enjoy the candle ambiance without open flames, but they are sooooo boring. this is the perfect thing for them!
Your candles turned out great & the whole display looks so pretty – I love that “Winter Wonderland” look. What is that in the background with the wooden tree circles? Did you blog about it because I missed it & I’d like to see how you created it.
Warmly, Michelle
The candles look wonderful!! These would look great with my Christmas theme, burlap
Wow. I was totally expecting it to be WAY more complicated than that!
Nope. A kiddo could do it it’s so easy!
Those are fabulous!! Such a great project…so simple and they really do look real!! Now when are we going to hear about the wood on the wall?!
Ha! As soon as I finish. I actually broke my brand new compound miter saw doing this project so I’m at a standstill at the moment
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I love it Beth! I am loving how you put the wood disks in your board and batten spaces! I had my gramps cut me out some wooden disks the other day for ornaments. I never thought about putting them in my wall. I’m liking your project!!! Do I see I reveal coming soon???
They look great Beth! I was just in Pottery Barn today and I saw them up close, yours look just as good! Great job!
I love pottery barn knockoff projects! I just did a PB wreath knock off at my blog. I’ll have to try these to add to my collection of DIY replicas!
In case any of you want to check it out…you can find it here
Thank you! Thank you! I made these today and they turned out beautifully!! I sprayed them with glitter on too of the Epsom salt for a little extra sparkle.
Yay, Beth!! Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been wanting those very candles since Thanksgiving, but couldn’t wrap my head around the price. love, love, love. Oh, and I was just reading your capiz shell garland post – genius! And now, to actually make them. Ha.:)
So Cool! Thanks for the ideas! These will be the perfect addition to my mantel.
Kelly
Clearly, I am craft-challenged! First time using spray adhesive and didn’t use enough on the first candle. Learned my lesson and got the second and third coated really well. I’m doing three each of short and tall pillars, so I hope at least three turn out good enough to display! Thanks for the great idea!
Is there any concern about as the candle burns and possibly turns in on itself- the fumes from the spray adhesive? Thanks
Hi Tricia, I don’t burn my candles very often and they are very slow burning. If there was a concern, I’d recommend just using LED candles instead.
I love the LED candle idea! Thanks.