Looking for a fun, easy, and creative activity to celebrate Christmas or the festival of lights? This colourful 3D Paper Candle Craft is perfect for kids of all ages!
With a simple origami folding technique, kids can make springy paper candles that are as fun to play with as they are to display.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Diwali, these candles are a fantastic addition to any festive season.
Why This Paper Candle Craft Is So Much Fun!
This 3D paper candle craft is super colourful and cute and it’s also interactive too! The paper candles have a springy design, so kids will love that they can push the candle down and watch it pop right back up!
Each paper candle stands on its own little candlestick, making it a great decoration for tables, classrooms, or next to Christmas trees.
Optional holly leaves and berries can be added to give the craft a festive touch for Christmas, or you can leave them off for a simpler look and other festivities. This makes this cute candle craft versatile for all kinds of celebrations and preferences!
Easy To Make Candles With Printable Templates
This 3D candle craft is super easy to make, thanks to our easy to use printable templates. There are three template options to suit everyone:
- Ready-coloured templates – Quick and easy for younger children or busy parents and teachers, with four mix-and-match colour choices.
- Black and white templates – Perfect for kids who love to colour in and decorate the candles themselves. Kids can also trace these templates onto coloured paper.
- Class set templates – Teachers can print these directly onto coloured paper for a fun classroom craft activity.
You’ll love how these paper candles can be made in different colours to match any celebration or decor. Kids will love using their creativity to decorate the candle with their own designs.
Benefits Of This Easy Candle Craft
This DIY 3D paper candle craft isn’t just fun – it also helps kids develop important skills:
- Motor Skills: Colouring, cutting, and folding build fine motor skills, which are essential for younger children.
- Creativity: Kids can personalise their candles by choosing colours, adding patterns, and optional decorations.
- Learning Opportunities: Teachers and parents can connect this craft to Bible lessons, share a meaningful Bible verse, or discuss the significance of candles in celebrations like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Diwali.
Paper Candles Perfect For All Celebrations
This craft works beautifully for any celebration involving light:
- Christmas: Place your paper candles on tables, shelves, or next to Christmas trees to represent real candles in a safe and decorative way.
- Hanukkah: A great way to explore the festival of lights and discuss the traditions of lighting candles.
- Diwali: Make colourful candles to celebrate the festival and brighten up your home or classroom!
These cute paper candles candles are safe, mess-free, and super fun for kids to make and display. Whether at home or in school, this craft brings a little bit of joy, creativity and light to your festive celebrations!
How To Make The 3D Paper Candle Craft
With the printable templates and easy-to-follow steps below, making these 3D paper candles is super simple.
Get your printable templates ready and enjoy this creative DIY craft with your kids. Happy crafting and happy holidays!
Craft Supplies:
- Printable Paper Candle Craft Templates (also available from our TPT store)
- White Printer Paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Optional: Coloured Paper
- Optional: Colouring Materials
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make 3D Paper Candles
Step 1 – Download the printable candle craft template and cut out the pieces.
Step 2 – To make the candlestick handle, curl the long piece under and glue the end of it to itself, near the circle.
Step 3 – Fold the coloured candles in half lengthways and glue them together, so that they’re coloured on both sides. (Skip this step if you have chosen to colour or trace around the black-and-white template.)
Step 4- To make the paper candle:
A – Glue the ends of two candle pieces together perpendicular to each other.
B – Fold the under strip (red) over the top of the upper strip (blue).
C – The upper strip (blue) is now the lower strip, so fold that over the upper strip (red).
D – Keep folding the strips over each other until you have used up the length of the paper.
Step 5 – Glue the two ends together. You’ll see that it is now a sort of spring that you can stretch out.
6 – Glue the flame to the top of the candle.
7 – Stick the base of the candle onto the middle of the candlestick.
8 – If you’re using the candle at Christmas time add the holly and berries to the candlestick.
More fun candle crafts for kids:
- Yarn Wrapped Candles – super colourful and great for building fine motor skills.
- Glitter Candles – adorable ornaments and lovely gifts.
- Tin Can Lanterns – perfect for holding battery tea light candles.
- Make Your Own Advent Candle – perfect for a Christmas countdown.
- Cork Candle Christmas Tree Ornaments
- Nativity Candle Holders – free printable template
More fun Christmas crafts for kids:
