Make unique candle holders by adding beading to plain glass candle holders. What an elegant way to turn ordinary pillar candles into a showpiece!

Bead crafts are not limited to jewelry making. You can use beautiful beads in all types of craft endeavors, as shown here by this elegant and unique, beaded candle holder.

Made with very ordinary and inexpensive items, you will get lots of wide-eyed, “You made this?” exclamations from your friends and family. Although it takes a little time and patience, it makes an extraordinary homemade gift. I made this one in about 2 hours (about the time it takes to watch a movie).

These unique candle holders would also make lovely wedding candle centerpieces. You can vary the look completely by your choice of beads.

First gather the supplies you will need.
You will need:

• pillar candle to fit the glass candle holder
• a glass candle holder or vase, slightly taller and larger around than your candle (you will be putting glass pebbles in between the vase and the candle, so make sure the glass vase is roomy enough.
• flat glass pebbles – I chose a mix of clear and lavender in both shiny and matte finishes
• variety of beads to coordinate with the glass pebbles and candle
• heavy upholstery thread or jewelry thread
• very thin sewing needle or jewelry needle – small enough to go through your smallest beads
• ordinary glue

Make Beaded, Unique Candle Holders: Step 1

First measure your vase at the narrowest part, where your beading will rest. Cut a length of thread about 3 times as long as this measurement. My vase measured 13 inches, so I cut my thread 40 inches long.

You can tie a knot in one end of the thread, if you like, to keep the beads on. I just laid my thread on the table as I put the beads on, making sure not to pick it up, so they wouldn’t slide off. Thread enough small beads to go around the part of the vase you just measured. I used bugle beads, but seed beads would also work.

Once you have enough beads threaded, hold it around the vase to make sure it fits. It should fit with just a tiny bit of slack so you can slide a needle between the beads and the glass. Pick up each end of the thread, and let the beads slide, so that the beads are centered in the middle of the thread. Tie it onto the vase, knotting it about three times. You may need an extra pair of hands for this step. The ends of the thread on each side should be about even. Do not cut them off. You will use these to form the scallops of beads around the vase.