DIY Mother’s Day Poem Candle

Our family was never one to exchange cards (besides Christmas of course), so I was looking for a creative way to incorporate a poem into a gift this year for a Mother’s Day twist. I’ve also been hoarding candles lately, so this DIY seemed like a serendipitous fit! I love the simplicity and emotions of Rupi Kaur’s poems and used a section from her Milk and Honey book. Other good options would be excerpts from a childhood book, lyrics, or psalms!

Also, a big Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, dog moms, friend-group moms, soon-to-be moms, honorary moms and more!

You’ll Need
vellum paper (explanation & faves after the tutorial)
straight edge cutter (or ruler + Exacto blade)
double-sided tape
candle

Typeset your poem in your text editor of choice. I did this in Illustrator since that’s what I’m used to for type printing, but you can use Word or even a Google Doc.

Take a scrap piece of paper and wrap around your candle to determine the size of the label you want to create. Make sure to add at least one inch to the length so you can tape it later. Create a rectangle outline with the same measurements in the text editor and center your text horizontally and vertically within the box. Load your vellum into the printer and print!

Use a straight edge or ruler & Exacto blade to trim just inside of the label outline. Wrap tightly around the candle and use a piece of double-sided tape to first adhere one edge of the label to the candle, then the overlapping edge.

Add to a little basket with flowers (or skincare favorites like last year’s idea!) and you’re all set.

What the Heck is Vellum and Where to Buy It

Vellum is the translucent paper traditionally used for illustration or technical drawings. It’s also used a lot for modern wedding invitations because of its beautiful texture and is perfect for printing.

I usually get a vellum paper pad from the art or office supply store (actually got this one from Office Depot!) because you can purchase larger sizes more cheaply. While vellum is used for tracing, make sure you get a pad that says velum, not tracing paper! Some will say both, and that’s fine. It just has to say vellum. Tracing paper (or trace paper) feels like tissue paper and will not print as easily or hold its shape.

The vellum pads tend to be in the paper or illustration sections of office or craft stores and craft stores tend to run coupons that will help bring down the price. I used a few brands while in design school and like Canson and Clearprint. Each brand will have a slightly different texture, so if you can, go in person to see which one you like best. (Though if you like almost perfectly smooth option, go Canson). You can trim down a larger piece from the pad to fit your printer, or you can buy a standard, printer-friendly pack online as well.