Simple Handmade Crafts for Children: Candle Decorating

Candle Decorating — Simple Handmade Christmas Crafts for Children

Simple Handmade Crafts for Children: Candle Decorating

As the year unfolds, children—and often adults—can get swept up in the rush of holidays, school breaks, and special occasions. Yet these moments also offer the perfect opportunity to pause, reconnect, and enjoy the simple joys of time together. Whether it’s a summer holiday, a long weekend, or a quiet afternoon at home, families can shift the focus from schedules and screens to creativity, calm, and meaningful connection.

This thoughtful approach is at the heart of Erica Russell’s work. A former teacher and homeschooling mum, Erica grew up immersed in the rhythms of Steiner education. Through The Steiner Connection, she guides families toward slower, more intentional ways of celebrating, learning, and enjoying free time. In this blog, she shares a child-friendly beeswax candle decorating activity—an inviting craft that brings imagination, calm, and connection into any holiday or break.

Preparing for Beeswax Candle Decorating

Working with beeswax can be a satisfying and soothing experience. It carries a subtle honey scent, softens in your hands, and provides rich nourishment for children. Decorating candles with coloured beeswax sheets is one of the simplest yet most beautiful crafts for little ones.

You’ll need:

Pure beeswax candles (rolled from a beeswax sheet or pillar style)
Coloured decorating wax
A knife or scissors for cutting beeswax (optional and best suited to older children)

Photo by Kelly @mumz.world

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Tips for Working with Children

TIP 1: If it’s a very cold day, gently warm the coloured wax between your fingers or place it in a sunny spot to soften.

TIP 2: Invite your child to cut, tear, or roll small pieces and press them onto the candle. If the wax doesn’t stick, warm it in your hands; however, the natural warmth of your child’s hands is usually enough.

TIP 3: Young children often use small dots and “snakes” of beeswax to create patterns and colour, while older children may plan and design more deliberately.

This is a lovely opportunity for creative expression — see what your child comes up with! There’s no right or wrong. You may like to create themed candles or simple nature scenes

Photo by Erica Russell

Bringing Warmth & Joys for Holidays and Time Together

Once your candle is decorated, it’s ready to use just like any other candle. These handmade creations make thoughtful gifts for grandparents, friends, or anyone special. They can also be enjoyed throughout the year to mark holidays, school vacations, or quiet moments at home.

Depending on their size, your candles pair beautifully with seasonal decorations, celebration rings, or festive figures, adding a gentle touch of magic to any holiday, special occasion, or family tradition.

Photo by Bea @_simply_bea_

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