My daughter came across this idea on Pinterest, and I’ll admit I was very skeptical that this could actually work. It seemed too simple; using nail polish to tye dye votive candle holders. However, if it worked, I could envision this being a great way to add some decor to centerpieces, buffet tables, party, holiday and home decor, not to mention making them as very inexpensive and fun hostess or really anytime gifts. I decided to give it a shot and headed to Thrift Town for the votive candle holders.

I scored these for $0.29 each! Talk about an inexpensive craft!

 

Next up, I gathered up the rest of the supplies needed, all of which most people have on hand at home:

1. Dish of Warm Water

2. Nail Polish (multiple colors)

3. Nail Polish Remover

4. Cotton balls or Q-tips

5. Toothpicks

6. Clear sealer (optional…I prefer the modge podge spray)

 

First step is to clean off your votives and remove any price tags, etc. Second step is to fill your dish up halfway with warm water. You don’t want to get the water too hot, or the paint will cure too quickly. This step is very important.

Once the water is just above room temperature, select your nail polish colors, and quickly add 4-5 drops of each color into the water. This too is a VERY important step that must be completed quickly or the colors will cure and become lumpy (as you can see on the video below that we did live on Good Day Sacramento). Once the colors are in, swirl them with the toothpick and immediately submerge the votive.

Tip on submerging the votive; hold the votive on it’s side and roll it through the water. The color will automatically start adhering to the glass. It’s really very cool how it works. If it gets clumpy or doesn’t turn out the way you like, simply use the cotton ball and nail polish remover to remove all the paint and start over.

 

Once done, turn them over and let dry for at least an hour.

You can use a paint sealer such as modge podge spray in order to seal in the color. I skipped this step, but if you want something that is going to withstand the test of time or a lively party, you may want to do this. Here’s how mine turned out.

Here’s the link to my Thrifty Thursday segment on Good Day Sacramento where we debuted this project. Ju’s didn’t turn out as well as the ones above, but at least you can see what not to do and why it’s so important to drop and mix the nail polish quickly.

http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/10573633-thrifty-thursday/

Happy thrifting!

Gina Doglione-Nielsen is featured every week on Good Day Sacramento’s Thrifty Thursdays, and owns GNJ Consulting which handles Public, Social, and Media Relations for Thrift Town Stores. Gina lives in Northern California with her amazing husband Josh, and is constantly on the go with three “very active” and “strong personality” bambinos; aka Team Nielsen, and loves every minute of it.