Create your own autumn tea light candle holders adorned with beautiful bright colored leaves. Autumn leaves can be found in shades of red, yellow, purple, black, blue, orange, magenta, and brown. Collect the colors that you love most & showcase their beauty with these gorgeous DIY candle holders.

These instructions contain a recipe for homemade glue that can be created zero waste (no plastic packaging). You can also use whatever glue you have around as long as it dries clear. School glue or kids glue would work fine if you have some on hand. I recently discovered that I can actually make my own glue for projects like this very easily. It’s a small way to help save our planet.

Supplies List

autumn leaves in bright colors (small-sized leaves are best)
small mason jars or oui yogurt jars
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup water
tea light candles
matches
small paintbrush

Instructions

1) rinse leaves off and pat dry with a cloth kitchen towel
2) boil 1/2 cup of water and pour into a small mixing bowl
3) add flour slowly while whisking water
4) whisk in cornstarch slowly and then sugar (it’s ok if the glue is clumpy)
5) remove the stem from the leaf you want to adhere to the candle holder
6) apply a thin coat of the glue to the back of the leaf, leave about 1/16 inch space glue-free around the edges of the leaf
7) press the leaf onto the glass jar and then apply pressure to it with a cloth towel, let the glue dry for several minutes
8) place a tealight candle inside the jar, light the candle

Tips:  As you create your own autumn tea light candles – if the glue is not holding – try microwaving the leaf glue side up for 10 seconds before applying it to the jar.  If glue smears on the jar, remove the leaf, clean the jar and start the process over. Leaves will only remain brightly colored for a few days after being collected.  For best results, make these votives close to the date of your event.  As the colors fade, the leaves will still look beautiful when lit with candles.