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Create your own terracotta votives for a sweet, rustic touch to any table. They’re simple to make, endlessly versatile, and add the perfect dose of charm to gatherings year-round.
If you’re looking for more DIY candle projects try my beautiful oil candles and DIY tiki torch bottles.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItMini terracotta votives! I mean… how adorable are these for fall or summer entertaining?! You can make them any size you want – even oversized ones for a glowing centerpiece or tiny ones for each place setting.
I love the idea of using the mini ones as wedding favors (you can even paint names on them!). They add such a cozy, flickering vibe outside and were so easy and affordable to make.
I grabbed all my supplies at Michaels, but I linked some online sources too in case you want to shop from home. I’m seriously obsessed!
DIY Terracotta Votives Supplies
- Soy Wax: Clean-burning, natural wax that’s easy to melt and perfect for homemade candles
- Twigs (or chopsticks, skewers, pencils, or clothespins): Add a rustic touch or use to hold the wick upright while the wax sets.
- Wick: The heart of the candle, allowing it to burn evenly and beautifully
- Pennies: Drop one in the bottom of the pot to help with heat distribution and safety
- Mini Terracotta Planters: The cutest little vessels for your votives – earthy, charming, and heat-safe for candle-making
How to Make
- Place a penny in the bottom to close the hole. With the wick, tie a loose knot around the twig and cut so it fits nicely in the terracotta planter.
- Melt the wax and add any oils or scents you like. Pour into the planter. Make sure the wick is centered.
- Let the wax harden for an hour or so. Then remove the twigs and cut the wick down to around 1/4 inch.
- Light and watch the glow!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering terracotta pots for your candles, there are a few things to keep in mind. Terracotta is a porous material, which means it can absorb wax and fragrance oil. This can cause the pot to become discolored or even cracked.
Finally, keep in mind that terracotta pots are not water-tight, so they’re not ideal for use with floating candles.
Yes, you can burn candles in terracotta pots since they’re heat-resistant and have a charming, rustic look. Just be sure to seal the inside or use a liner, as terracotta is porous and can absorb wax.
Candle Making Tips
- After curing for a few hours, you can light one of these candles without fragrance.
- As these wicks are sized for tea lights, you don’t need to trim them.
- You can clean up by placing your candle pitcher back in the double boiler and allowing the wax to melt a bit more. With an old cloth or paper towel, remove it from the double boiler and wipe away any excess wax.
More DIY Projects You’ll Love
- Lavender Sachets with Photos
- Indoor Herb Garden with Printable Labels
- Essential Oil Candles
- DIY Citronella Candles
- Homemade Fire Starters
I hope you enjoy making these cute terracotta votives! Let me know what you think by leaving a review and comment below!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
DIY Terracotta Votives
Ingredients
- 1 lb soy wax
- 6 wicks , small
- 6 pennies
- 6 twigs, small
- 6 mini terracotta planters
Instructions
- Place a penny in the bottom to close the hole. With the wick, tie a loose knot around the twig and cut so it fits nicely in the terracotta planter.
- Melt the wax and add any oils or scents you like. Pour into the planter. Make sure the wick is centered.
- Let the wax harden then remove the twigs and cut the wick down to around 1/4 inch.
- Let the wax harden before lighting the candle.
I love this idea! It’s perfect as a holiday gift.
I love this idea!!!! Will be great as gifts and to use ourselves!!!
Nice. It’s just so expensive to buy the main stuff.
And you didn’t say how you poured the liquid wax I’m sure it would liquid trough the bottom hole.
That’s what the penny is for to plug the whole at the bottom.
Or even a bit hot glue at first before pouring the wax
My pennies will not stay and wax is coming out bottom how do you fix this
Beth at
grace.beth.bopp@gmail.com
Try adding a dot of hot wax under the penny first and let it cool before adding the other wax.
Can you paint the pots
I like this idea! Very pretty n creative. Where do you buy the wax and wicks? Are they very expensive?
We buy them at a local craft store. They’re not very expensive.
Can you do it with regular wax?
Yes of course!
Love these little candles. We sell the materials needed to make these including the terracotta pots in various sizes.
Price for 10 is as little £8.99 including free P&P
Great idea and you can decorate the little pots
Esta genial para toda ocasión felicidades por tan genial idea.