TP Roll Candle Craft

Bring a gentle glow to your winter celebrations with this sweet TP Roll Candle Craft. This simple upcycled project is a lovely way to talk about light, hope, and warmth especially during Advent, Christmas, Candlemas, or even just as a cozy winter decoration.

Kids love being able to help “decorate the candle” with vibrant color and little details, and you’ll love how quick and low-prep this is. Display these on a windowsill, use them as centerpieces, or make a whole cluster to represent an Advent wreath. They’re charming, inexpensive, and totally customizable.

Two paper candle crafts made from toilet paper rolls, wrapped in white paper with paper flames and holly decorations.

Supplies You’ll Need

Cardboard tube or toilet paper roll
Colored craft papers (your choice of candle color, flame colors, holly/greenery, etc.)
Pencil
Scissors
Craft glue

(Optional: glitter paper, stickers, crayons/markers for extra decorating)

Close-up of two completed TP roll candle crafts with decorative holly.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1:
Choose your craft paper colors. Use the template (or freehand shapes) to trace and cut:

Candle wrap (to cover the tube)
Candle top circle
Dripping wax piece
Large flame + small flame
Light glow circle
Holly leaves + berries

Cut out all pieces.

Three green holly leaf cutouts folded down the center for added texture.

Step 2:
Slightly overlap the berry circles and glue them together.
Fold each leaf in half vertically to give them a little dimension.

Holly leaves arranged together before adding the red berry pieces.

Holly leaves and red berry paper shapes glued together for candle decoration.

Step 3:
Glue the leaves together side-by-side.
Attach the berries to the leaves to create the holly cluster.

Paper flame pieces cut out in red and yellow along with a circular glow shape.

Layered paper flame glued to the yellow circular glow background.

Step 4:
Layer the flames: glue the smaller flame shape on top of the larger one.
Then glue the flame onto the round glow piece.

Flame piece with the base folded slightly to prepare for attaching to the top of the candle.

Step 5:
Make a small fold along the bottom of the glow piece.
This little flap will help the flame stand upright later.

Rectangular candle wrap piece with melted wax detail glued to the top edge.

Step 6:
Glue the dripping wax piece to the top edge of your candle wrap.

Candle wrap glued around a cardboard tube to form the main candle shape.

Step 7:
Wrap the prepared paper around the TP roll and glue it securely in place.

Top of the cardboard tube covered with paper, showing the melted wax detail.

Step 8:
Glue the round candle top on the open end of the tube.

Paper flame attached to the top of the wrapped cardboard tube to form the candle.

Step 9:
Attach the flame to the top of the candle by gluing the folded flap to the center of the top.

Paper holly and berries being added to the front of the paper candle.

Step 10:
Glue the holly cluster to the front, bottom area of the candle.

Two finished paper candles made from cardboard tubes, decorated with holly and gold ribbon.

Step 11 (Final Touches):
Add decorative touches — glitter, stars, marker designs, extra leaves — anything you like!

Tips & Variations

Make 3 purple and 1 pink to use as Advent candles. You can add a fifth one in white to serve as the Christ candle.
Make these to place in your windows following the custom of lighting the way for Mary and Joseph on Christmas Eve.
Write names on the candles to use as place holders at the dinner table.
Cut the candle a bit shorter and place an LED tea light inside for a soft glow.
Display them in a prayer corner or on a home altar.
Make them sturdier by filling each candle with crumpled paper, part of a grocery bag, fiber fill stuffing, or other similar items. Dried beans, marbles or small stones will help weigh them down too.

Safety Notes

Always supervise young children when using scissors and glue.
Do not place real flames or heat near paper candles.

This is one of those projects that feels simple but meaningful. It’s perfect for slowing down, chatting together around the table, and adding just a touch of handmade beauty to the season.

When you use these candles to form an Advent wreath, you’ve got one that is safe for children to get close to and touch. This allows them to fully participate without fear of anyone getting hurt.

If you make these, I would love to see what colors and decorations your family chooses. Tag us on Instagram @creativecatholicmamas so we can share in the joy together!

You will find some lovely ideas for Christ-Centered Activities for the Holiday Season here.