DIY Candle Holder Dragonfly Craft

While browsing the website for one of my favorite candle stores, I came across a simple dragonfly tealight holder that I really loved. It was made of metal, but I realized I could create a DIY candle holder myself using paper materials I already had on hand. If you have a die cut machine, this craft is a snap. No die cut machine? Try printing this image directly on printable vellum instead. (Note: Since this dragonfly craft is a paper-based, I recommend using only electric tealight candles.)

DIY Candle Holder Dragonfly Craft Materials

• Shadowbox with removable back and simple shape so it will stand on its side (size shown here is 8″ x 6″ x 1″)
• Cardstock (choose color to coordinate with your frame style – I used metallic silver since my frame is brushed nickel)
• Vellum (use plain white for a traditional frosted glass look, or try other colors or patterns as desired)
• Dragonfly image (Right click on image below and save to your computer)
• Die cut machine and supplies of your choice (I use a Cricut Explore One)
• Scotch tape
• Scissors and ruler or paper cutter
• Glue stick

DIY Candle Holder Dragonfly Craft Instructions

• Follow the instructions for your machine’s design site to upload the image and cut it from cardstock. Cut it just slightly smaller than your shadowbox frame and ensure it will lie flat on the inside of the glass.
• Use a paper cutter or scissors and ruler to cut a piece of vellum the same size.
• Use the glue stick to attach the cardstock piece to the vellum (the cardstock will face front with the vellum behind it)

• Lay the paper(s) flat against the inside of the glass. Secure with very small pieces of scotch tape as needed – be careful or the tape will show through when the candles are lit.

• Stand the shadowbox upright. Set the candles just behind it, or rest them on the inside ledge of the frame if it’s wide enough. Again, since this is a paper-based craft, I recommend using ONLY electric tealights. Alternatively, you can use a string of battery-powered mini lights laid flat along the bottom, which is the lighting I used in the photos below.

Looking for more fun birds and blooms projects for your home? Click here.