5 Simple Steps to DIY Curvy Taper Candles: A Delightful Twist on Tradition

I love candles, tall ones, short ones, chunky ones, beeswax ones, and even cake candles! If it flickers, I’m a fan. Since I don’t have a cozy hearth to set the mood, I create the same warm, glowy vibe by burning candles late into the night. My aging eyes don’t allow for candlelit reading anymore, but having candles flickering beside me as I read a good book? That’s still a whole vibe.

But why stop at just lighting them? Enter my latest obsession: DIY curvy taper candles! They’re a fun, easy way to give plain tapers a stylish little updo and trust me, once you try them, you’ll never look at straight candles the same way again.

These dreamy, fairytale-like candles feel straight out of a vintage storybook, flickering in a cottage window. And the best part? You can make them right at home with just a few simple steps. No fancy candle-making skills required, just a little patience, warm water, and a touch of whimsy. Let’s get twisting!

DIY Curvy Taper Candles: A Twist on Traditional Glow!

What You’ll Need to Make Your Own Curvy Taper Candles:

• Taper candles (unscented candles work best, they’re more flexible and better for air quality)
• A deep bowl or baking dish (I use my kitchen sink because… cats. If they see a dish, they assume it’s food.)
• Warm water (not too hot, just nice and toasty!)
• A flat surface
• A towel (because things might get a little messy!)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Soften the Candles
Fill a deep bowl or baking dish with warm water—warm enough to soften the wax but not so hot that it melts. Place your taper candles in the water and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them flexible and ready to twist, wave, or curve. (As I mentioned above, I’m using my kitchen sink because, well… cats. If they see a dish, they assume it’s food.)

Step 2: Test the Flexibility
Gently take one candle out of the water and give it a slight bend. If it feels soft but not mushy, you’re good to go! If it’s still too stiff, let it soak a few minutes longer.

Step 3: Flatten the Candle (Optional)
I usually skip this step, but when I’m making gifts, I sometimes go for a flattened look. Today, though, I’m making more to scatter around my cozy cottagecore home. If you’d like me to make some candles using this technique and show you how, just let me know!

If you want a flatter look, place the softened candle on a flat surface and use a rolling pin to gently press it down. This helps create an even twist later, so don’t skip it if that’s the look you’re going for!

Step 4: Twist Away!
Now for the fun part! Holding both ends of the candle, carefully twist in opposite directions to create that gorgeous spiral effect. You can make tight twists for a dramatic look or looser ones for a subtle wave, curve, or whatever, just go with whatever speaks to your cottagecore heart.

Step 5: Let Them Set
Once you’re satisfied with the shape, place your twisted candles in a bowl of cold water or, like I did, on the cooler side of my kitchen sink. Let them cool and harden. If they lose their shape while cooling, don’t worry, you can always dip them back into warm water and reshape them!

Step 6: Display and Enjoy!
Once fully set, place your curvy taper candles in vintage brass holders, set them on a lace-covered table, and bask in their dreamy, romantic glow. They make the perfect centerpiece or a magical gift for a kindred spirit! It’s going to take 6 to 12 hours or longer to dry the wicks.  When I make some for a special occasion, I make them the day before and let them dry all night.

And of course, what kind of cottagecore home would it be without a pair of mice? I found these adorable little ones from Maileg USA, and they’re as sweet as can be.

Tips for the Best DIY Curvy Taper Candles:

• • Go for high-quality tapers to get better flexibility and a smooth, even burn.
  • Skip the scented candles—they’re more likely to crack when twisted.
  • Play around with thicknesses—thicker candles hold their twists more securely.
  • If a candle breaks, don’t stress! Just melt the ends a little and press them back together.

Now that you know the secret to crafting these whimsical candles (which can run $30 and up a pair on Etsy), it’s time to get your twist on! Whether you’re making them for your cozy cottage nook or giving them as a heartfelt, handmade gift, they’re sure to bring extra magic to any space. Happy crafting, my fellow cottagecore dreamers! And if you’re craving more enchanting DIY ideas like this, head over to my homepage here at cottagecorelifestyle.com for all the goodness!

In the meantime, I’ll keep adding little touches here and there to make my space even cozier. The photos I’m sharing today offer a glimpse into my cottagecore living room, still a work in progress, but already full of charm. Plants fill every corner, bringing life and warmth to the space, while my dozen windows bathe everything in soft, natural light.

Creating a true cottagecore home is all about the journey, not just the final look. So, stay tuned for more updates, and if there’s a particular space you’d love to see next, let me know! I love sharing this process with you all. And if you have any tips on how I can add even more cottagecore magic, I’d love to hear them!

Related posts:

1 Game-Changing Martha Stewart’s DIY Laundry Detergent Recipe – My Results Savory 15 Minute Italian Cabbage and Sausage Stew Recipe 3 Beautiful Cottagecore Dreams Contact Terri – Let’s Connect & Create!