A Holy Night in Gold: Sculpted Nativity Candles

Have you ever wondered how to turn simple glass candles into heirloom holiday décor?

In this project, Donna from Mason Creations etc. shows how to create a luminous Nativity candle trio with a cracked-glass rice-paper backdrop, sculpted figures, and warm gilded highlights. Watch the video below and follow the steps to build your own keepsake set.

Step 1: Prep the glass so paper and finishes grip

Wipe each candle glass with alcohol to remove oils. Brush on a thin coat of Polyvine Multi-Surface Lacquer (Dead Flat) to de-gloss and give the surface micro-tooth. Let it fully dry—an overnight cure provides the best adhesion.

Step 2: Wrap the “cracked-glass” backdrop with rice paper

Measure your rice paper with a slight overlap at the seam. Water-tear the edge so it feathers and disappears. Brush on a smooth, even film of clear varnish (Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish works beautifully as your decoupage medium), lay down the paper, and burnish gently with a silicone tool or your fingertips. Let it dry, then sand off any overhang with light, downward strokes only.

Step 3: Mold the Nativity figures in air-dry clay

Press DAS clay into a Nativity silicone mold (stable, Holy Family, angel, Magi, animals). Level the backs. A quick 15–20 minutes in the freezer helps pieces release cleanly. While the clay is still slightly damp and flexible, glue each piece to the candle so it conforms to the curve; Aleene’s Tacky Glue provides a reliable hold. Use low-tack tape on heavier elements until set.

Step 4: Seal, then antique the details

Brush a clear gloss varnish over the molded areas to create a barrier coat. Make a thin antiquing wash (acrylic + water and a glazing medium) and float it over the details. Wipe back the high spots so the color settles in the creases and wood-grain lines. Let dry, then seal again to lock it in.

Step 5: Gild with leaf/flakes for holiday sparkle

Apply Polyvine Metal Leaf Size wherever you want the gold to catch—edges, halos, star lines, garment trims. When the size reaches tack, press on imitation gold leaf or flakes. Use a stiff brush to knock back loose bits, then buff with a soft cloth for a gentle glow.

Step 6: Final highlights and rim finish

Do a final clear-coat pass to protect your work while keeping that glass-like sheen. Next, add a whisper of gold decor wax across the highest relief areas and rim the candle tops for a refined, finished look.

Tips for best results

• Work in thin coats—multiple light layers of varnish dry clearer than one heavy layer.

• Freeze clay briefly for crisp releases; glue pieces on while they’re still a little flexible so they curve nicely.

• When antiquing, keep that barrier coat glossy so the wash stays in the crevices instead of staining flats.

A heartfelt thank-you to Donna at Mason Creations etc. for sharing this beautiful holiday keepsake idea. If you loved this project, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for 10% off your next order.