This wheat candle DIY is a great way to add all the fall feels to your home decor. The organic, golden wheat offers all the autumnal vibes, while the candlelight flickers adds the perfect ambiance to the colder and darker days of the season.

This is a fairly simple DIY with a big seasonal impact. I shared these wheat candles earlier in the season on a living room mantel styling. They would also be great on a dining room table as a simple centerpiece design for Thanksgiving or to light up a tablescape. I think they would be fabulous inside lanterns as well.

supplies for the wheat candle DIY
- Battery operated candles
- Dried wheat bundle
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- Ribbon (optional)
I bought my candles and wheat bundles on sale at Hobby Lobby, which made this DIY super inexpensive. I chose a trio of candles in different heights and widths.

inspiration for the wheat candle DIY
The wheat candles were inspired by a couple of things. First, my sweet friend Donna over at An Organized Season posted a super clever idea with {Simple DIY to Make a Dried Wheat Arrangement}. I loved the idea, but I did not really need any more wheat arrangements. Although it did start my wheels turning.

Then we received these candles at Whim House, and it all came together. Initially I wanted to buy the wheat candle at the store. I have so many Rosy Rings botanical candle carcasses from previous years though, that I simply did not want to add to the collection. And then I had that “aha” moment! Why not make my own wheat candles that I can use year after year? Viola!

how to make the wheat candles
Assembling these wheat candles is pretty simple.
- Cut your wheat stalks the length of your candles altering the height to create interest.
- Apply a dab of hot glue on the floret of the wheat stalk and adhere to the candle making sure the stalk is flush to the bottom of the candle.
- Hold the wheat against the candle as the glue sets.
- Repeat process, working around the candle applying stalks next to each other all the way around.
- Adhere ribbon as accent if desired.

the stumbles & falls of the wheat candles DIY
So although these wheat candles came out great, it was a rough start. Once I figured out how to make them though the process was pretty smooth.

Originally, I planned to create the wheat candle DIY using spray adhesive. We’ll that turned out to be a hot mess. The spray adhesive was super sticky but yet did not adhere the wheat stalks well and they ended up falling off. Go figure.

I ended up shelving the project and putting it on pause. I was so frustrated and disappointed for not achieving the clear vision in my head. Lol.

Fast forward to a couple weeks later and I had another “aha” moment and pivoted to a hot glue gun instead of the spray adhesive. BUT then my glue gun conked out!!! Seriously?!? I have owned said glue gun for over twenty years so it was time.

Anyway, off to the craft store I went. With the new glue gun in hand, it was smooth sailing after that. The project came together rather quickly. And Viola! I chose to add the velvet ribbon to add a pop of color to the mantel design but it’s totally optional.

“In every grain of wheat there lies hidden the soul of a star.”
Arthur Machen
What a fabulous idea MaryJo! Even with all the glue challenges, you did a great job! These are lovely and so very fall! Thanks for the ideas and tips!
Thank you so much Barbara. I love how the wheat literally shines. Thanks for stopping by! XO- MJ
This is beautiful. You do such lovely work. Thank you for sharing this tutorial.
Visiting today from Unlimited Linky Party 88 #25&26
Thank you so much for your kind words. Have a great day! XO- MJ
Your adventures with spray adhesive sounds like something I would do! LOL. Love the final glue gun friendly wheat candle. They add such a warm and cozy feeling to your home.
Thanks Anna. Yeah I almost scrapped the whole project until I had an “Aha” moment. Lol. XO- MJ