Taper candles are a timeless tablescape detail, elevating everything from your Thanksgiving feast to your birthday party buffet. Despite their classic status, these stick-shaped candles have recently received a trendy touch, thanks to a few viral TikTok videos. Instead of plopping plain candlesticks into a candelabra, crafters are now zhuzhing up their candles with paint…

If the thought of breaking out the paint set or working with melted wax feels a little intimidating, don’t worry — we found a surprisingly simple way to recreate the style. In a TikTok video, creator @ranialaluna shared how to achieve that trendy painted candle look using — get this — temporary tattoos.

Related: A Quick Fix for Leaning Taper Candles

(Temporary) Tattoo Your Tapers

Creating these DIY faux-painted candlesticks is as easy as sticking a temporary tattoo onto your skin. Start by selecting your preferred designs and cutting out each motif individually. This makes the application process much easier and allows you to customize the placement. Next, take one tattoo and wrap it around the candlestick exactly where you want it. Just as you would on your skin, use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently press on the tattoo for 30 seconds. Once the temporary tattoo is set, peel away the backing to reveal the transferred design. Follow these steps with the remaining tattoos until the candlestick is covered to your liking.

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Sheets for Every Season

This project is a fun way to add a small detail to your table or holiday decor — it even makes for a great DIY gift idea.

• For fall festivities, go with colorful leaf motifs, classic Thanksgiving themes, or these mini Halloween tattoos to recreate @ranialaluna’s spooky designs.

• For winter holidays, consider a festive Christmas or New Year’s Eve pack, or some sparkly snowflakes.

• In the spring, opt for whimsical flower designs or beautiful butterfly tattoos.

• Come summertime, try a playful seashell sheet or a variety of mini tattoos for a “sticker sleeve” effect.

Tip: Take this craft to the next level by designing your own temporary tattoos using special printer paper

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