The holiday hustle is here. School’s in full swing, schedules are bursting at the seams, and the days of leisurely creative projects feel like a distant memory. But creativity doesn’t have to wait. Some of the best DIYs are quick wins—projects you can knock out during nap time or while the kids are at soccer practice.

Enter: fall-inspired candle charms. In just 15 minutes, you can transform your candle holders into showstoppers that look straight out of Anthropologie’s fall collection. These charms are as practical as they are beautiful—interchangeable for every season.

We used the crumpled leaves from the Autumn Cottage mould, but you can easily switch it up with elements from the Oak Leaves and Acorns mould or any IOD favourite. Ready to create something stunning? Let’s get started!

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• Autumn Cottage Mould

Other Supplies: 

• Candle Holder
• Twinea
• Amazing Cast Resina
• Q-Tip
• Sanding Block
• Creamy Beige Chalk Paint
• Fusion Mineral Paints Antiquing Glaze
• Gloves for Protection

*There are many brands and types of paint. Talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

*We recommend following the safety guidelines from the resin manufacturer when using your preferred brand of resin.

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: PREP AND CAST YOUR MOULDS

Grab your resin kits and mix up a 1-to-1 ratio of quick cast resin. We chose a few leaf cavities from the Autumn Cottage Mould and filled them with resin. While the resin is still setting, cut a Q-tip in half and place it in the middle of one of the leaves. We were looking for a trio to be better proportioned to our mould. Let the resin set around the q-tip, wiggling it down to reach the bottom of the mould cavity. You could also drill a hole using a small drill bit, but this process was easier for us.

Side note: You could also use the Oak Leaves and Acorns Mould with this project. 

STEP TWO: DE-MOULD THE CASTINGS

De-mould the casting while the mould is still warm but fully set. Remove your Q-tip (you might need to wiggle it to push through in case any resin manages to seal over the hole). Take a pair of scissors and carefully cut around the leaves you want to use. The rest can be used in other projects! If there are any ragged edges, just take a sanding block and gently file those down. 

STEP THREE: PAINT YOUR CASTINGS 

Next up, take a creamy chalk-type paint and paint both sides in an even layer, getting in all the nooks and crannies of the casting. Allow to dry. 

STEP FOUR: APPLY A GLAZE

Next, we applied a glaze that really brought out the beautiful veining on the leaves. You could mix your glaze with brown chalk paint and water, but we opted for an antiquing glaze. Check with your local stockists for advice on what works best with your paint! Apply liberally, blotting off the excess from your high points with a damp paper towel. Let dry completely. 

STEP FIVE: SECURE TO CANDLE HOLDER

Take a long piece of twine, longer than you think you’ll need. Feed the twine through the hole you made with your Q-tip, and bring your ends together so they’re even. Tie a knot however long you want your charm to lay on your candle holder. Wrap the excess around the mouth of the candle holder, finishing in a bow. Trim to the desired length. 

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!