From Paper to Candle: A Dark Fantasy Fall Centrepiece

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Some designs deserve a little time outside the journal. For this project, we’re taking the foliage artwork from the Dark Fantasy Fall Extension and turning it into decorative candle wraps using waterslide decal paper.

Styled with loose grapevine and autumn leaves, the finished candles make a wonderfully moody centrepiece for a bookish table or fall display.

Choose LED pillar candles for this project whenever possible. If you decorate real wax candles, keep them unlit and use them for display only. The decals and clear coat do not make a candle safe to burn.

A little dark woodland magic for the autumn table. Keep decorated wax candles unlit.

Gather Your Supplies

• Dark Fantasy Fall Extension artwork — the printable papers used for this project
• Waterslide decal paper suitable for your printer
• Epson EcoTank ET-2800 or a compatible inkjet printer, using ordinary printer ink
• LED pillar candles — smooth surfaces are easiest to decorate; test adhesion first
• Scissors
• A shallow dish of water
• A soft cloth or paper towel
• Clear acrylic spray sealer, if required by your decal paper
• Loose grapevine and artificial autumn leaves for styling

Check the instructions supplied with your waterslide paper before beginning. Printing, sealing, soaking and drying requirements vary between products. Clear decal paper allows the candle colour to show through; a pale candle helps the artwork remain visible.

Start with your candles and a foliage paper from the Dark Fantasy Fall Extension.

1. Choose and Size Your Artwork

Choose a foliage design from the Dark Fantasy Fall Extension papers. Measure the height and circumference of your candle, then size the artwork to fit the area you want to decorate.

A quick test print on ordinary paper is helpful here. Wrap it around the candle to check the placement before using your decal paper.

For LED candles, keep the design clear of switches, battery compartments and other working parts.

Remove packaging and measure the area you want to decorate.

2. Print and Seal

Print on the correct side of your waterslide paper using the settings recommended by its manufacturer. Allow the ink to dry.

If your paper requires sealing, apply the recommended clear coat before soaking. Work in a well-ventilated area and follow the spray label’s drying instructions.

Don’t rush this step. An inadequate seal can allow the printed colours to run or the design to break apart in the water. Use the number of coats and drying time specified for your paper and sealer.

3. Trim and Soak

Trim the design neatly, removing excess blank space where appropriate.

Place the decal in water for the time recommended by the paper manufacturer. It is ready when the printed film begins to slide gently on its backing. Avoid pulling or forcing it.

Soak the sealed decal according to your waterslide paper instructions.

4. Slide the Design into Place

Make sure the candle surface is clean and dry.

Hold the decal against the candle and gently slide the backing paper out from beneath it, keeping the printed film supported as you go. Work slowly around the curve.

Use a damp, soft cloth to smooth from the centre towards the edges, easing out trapped water and air. Handle the film gently while it is wet—it can stretch or tear.

For LED candles, keep water away from the battery compartment and electrical components.

Support the film as you slide the backing away, then gently smooth out trapped water.

5. Leave It to Dry

Set the candle upright and allow the decal to dry fully according to the paper instructions. Avoid handling the decorated area during this stage.

Only apply an additional finish if the product instructions recommend it and it is compatible with your candle’s surface. Test unfamiliar materials on a small, inconspicuous area first.

The finished foliage wraps, ready for an unlit seasonal display.

6. Build Your Autumn Display

Arrange the finished candles on a tray with loose grapevine and a scattering of artificial fall leaves. Let the vines curve naturally around the arrangement for a relaxed woodland feel.

The dark foliage brings a touch of enchanted forest to the table—just right beside a stack of autumn reads.

Use the glow from LED candles only. Decorated wax candles must remain unlit, and the entire arrangement should be kept away from flames and heat.

Give Your Printables Another Life

This is such a lovely way to carry a favourite collection into your seasonal decorating. A paper chosen for a journal can become the detail that ties a whole display together.

Shop the Dark Fantasy Fall Extension on Etsy to find the artwork for this project. This is a digital download; candles and craft supplies are purchased separately. You can also explore all My Grandma’s Teacups printable collections.

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