How To Make DIY Pool Noodle Candles: Fun & Festive Decor

If you’re looking for a creative and inexpensive way to add some flair to your home, why not try making your own DIY pool noodle candles? These are easy to make, look great, and can be customized to suit any occasion. Plus, they’re a great way to reuse those old pool noodles that are lying around in your garage or basement. In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make DIY pool noodle candles step by step, and share some tips and tricks to make them look amazing. I’ll also answer some common questions that you might have about this project, and provide some links to other resources that you might find helpful.

What are DIY pool noodle candles?

Image credit: The Gahan Girls

DIY pool noodle candles are candles that are made from pool noodles. They’re just a decorative craft, not an actual candle, as the light comes from a battery-operated light, not a flame. Pool noodles themselves are those colorful foam tubes that you use in the swimming pool or at the beach. They’re usually made of polyethylene foam, which is lightweight, flexible, and water-resistant (but flammable so definitely no real candles allowed). I always see them at Dollar Tree so they are super cheap! 

How to make DIY pool noodle candles

To make DIY pool noodle candles, you’ll need to cut the pool noodles into smaller pieces, wrap them with tissue paper or fabric, and insert a battery-operated tea light or LED light into the center. You can also decorate them with ribbons, glitter, stickers, or anything else you like. Making DIY pool noodle candles is easy and fun. 

Here are the detailed instructions:

1. Gather the materials you’ll need

  •   Pool noodles (any color or size)
  •   A sharp knife or scissors
  •   A ruler or measuring tape
  •   Tissue paper or fabric (any color or pattern)
  •   Glue or tape
  •   Battery-operated tea lights or LED lights (one for each candle)
  •   Optional: ribbons, glitter, stickers, or other decorations

2. Cut the pool noodles

Use a sharp knife, X-acto knife, or scissors to cut the pool noodles into smaller pieces. The length of each piece will depend on how big you want your candles to be. For example, you can cut them into 4-inch pieces for small candles, 6-inch pieces for medium candles, or 8-inch pieces for large candles (Different sizes make for a better centerpiece). You can also cut them into different shapes, such as circles, squares, triangles, or stars.

3. Wrap the pool noodles

Use tissue paper or fabric to wrap each pool noodle piece. You can use one layer or multiple layers of tissue paper or fabric, depending on how thick and opaque you want your candles to be. You can also mix and match different colors and patterns of tissue paper or fabric to create interesting effects. Use glue or tape to secure the ends of the tissue paper or fabric around the pool noodle piece. You could even spray-paint it black for a cool pool noodle Halloween candle!

4. Insert the lights

Use a sharp knife or scissors to make a small hole in the center of each pool noodle piece. The hole should be big enough to fit the tea light or LED light snugly. Push the tea light or LED light into the hole until it reaches the bottom of the pool noodle piece.

5. Decorate the candles

This is the fun part where you can unleash your creativity and personalize your candles. You can use ribbons, glitter, stickers, or other decorations to embellish your candles. For example, you can tie a ribbon around each candle, sprinkle some glitter on top of them, use acrylic paint, or stick some stickers on them.

6. Enjoy your candles

You’re done! Now you can enjoy your DIY pool noodle candles and display them in your home. They’re perfect for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and more! You can place them on a table, shelf, mantel, window sill, or anywhere else you like. You can also use them as birthday candles, party favors, or gifts. To turn them on, simply flip the switch on the bottom of the tea light or LED light.

FAQs: DIY pool noodle candles

Why make DIY pool noodle candles?

  • They’re fun and easy to make. You don’t need any special skills or tools to make them, and you can involve your kids or friends in the process.
  • They’re cheap and eco-friendly. You can use pool noodles that you already have or buy them for a few dollars at a dollar store or online. You can also recycle old tissue paper, fabric scraps, or other materials that you have at home.
  • They’re versatile and customizable. You can make them in any size, shape, color, or design that you want. You can also match them to your theme, mood, or season. For example, you can make red and green ones for Christmas, orange and black ones for Halloween decorations, or pastel ones for Easter.
  • They’re safe and durable. Unlike real candles, they don’t pose a fire hazard or produce any smoke or smell. They also don’t melt or drip wax, so they won’t damage your furniture or floors. They can last for a long time if you take good care of them.

How long do DIY pool noodle candles last?

DIY pool noodle candles can last for a long time if you take good care of them. The pool noodles themselves are very durable and resistant to water, heat, and sunlight. The tissue paper or fabric might fade or tear over time, but you can easily replace them with new ones. The tea lights or LED lights might run out of battery after a few hours, but you can easily replace them with new ones. I’d keep them away from sharp objects or heat sources that might damage them.

How do I clean DIY pool noodle candles?

DIY pool noodle candles are easy to clean. You can simply wipe them with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dust or dirt. You can also use a mild soap or detergent to wash them if they get stained or dirty. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before using them again.

Are DIY pool noodle candles safe?

DIY pool noodle candles are safe as long as you use them properly. Just understand that real flames should not be used with pool noodles, as they are made of polyethylene foam and will melt or catch fire if exposed to an open flame. And, you should keep them away from small children and pets who might chew on them or swallow them. 

Conclusion

DIY pool noodle candles are a fun and easy way to make your own candles from pool noodles. They’re cheap, eco-friendly, versatile, customizable, safe, and durable. You can make them in any size, shape, color, or design that you want, and decorate them with ribbons, glitter, stickers, or anything else you like. You can also use them as centerpieces, party favors, or gifts.

If you liked this blog post, please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in making their own DIY pool noodle candles. 

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