There’s something about Halloween décor that makes me want to buy everything—until I see the price tag.
This year, I fell in love with West Elm’s adorable Spider Candle Pins, but at $29 for a set of 12 (and that’s without the candles), I knew I could recreate the look for much less.
Even better? My version lets you reuse the candle holders year after year without worrying about pushing pins into fragile taper candles.
If you’re looking for high-end Halloween décor on a budget, this quick DIY is for you.
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Why I Decided to DIY These Spider Candles
The original West Elm candle pins are designed to be pushed directly into taper candles.
While they’re undeniably cute, I wasn’t convinced repeatedly inserting pins into wax candles would end well. I imagined cracked candles, broken wax, and decorations that wouldn’t stay in place.
Instead, I created a version that’s:
- Less than half the cost
- Takes only 10–15 minutes
- Completely customizable
- Perfect for spooky but elegant Halloween decorating
Supplies You’ll Need
- Tiny plastic spiders (I found a pack of 54 on Amazon for under $6)
- Four white taper candles (mine were $6.99)
- Ryobi hot glue gun
- Craft hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- Candle holders (seen in my photos)
- Candle holder option 1
- Candle holder option 2
That’s it!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Lay out your candles and sort through the spiders before you begin.
I loved having plenty of extra spiders because it gave me freedom to experiment with different layouts.
Step 2: Hot Glue the Spiders to the Candles
This is the most important tip of the entire project.
Always apply the hot glue to the spider—not the candle.
If you place the glue directly on a wax taper candle, the heat can melt the wax before you have a chance to attach the spider.
Instead:
- Add a small dot of glue to the spider.
- Quickly press it onto the candle.
- Hold it for a few seconds until it cools.
Using flameless candles?
If you’re decorating artificial taper candles, you don’t have to worry about melting wax, so either method will work.
Step 3: Create Different Spider Designs
Rather than making every candle identical, I mixed up the designs.
For some candles, I grouped several spiders together to create little clusters that crawled upward around the candle.
For others, I placed the spiders in a loose spiral wrapping around the taper.
The variety makes the finished display feel much more collected and designer-inspired.
Step 4: Display Your Candles
Once the glue had cooled, I placed the candles into my favorite candle holders.
The finished look is spooky without being over-the-top and fits perfectly with elegant Halloween décor.
Best of all, the entire project took about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.
Cost Comparison
West Elm Version
- Spider Candle Pins: $29
- Candles sold separately
DIY Version
- 54 plastic spiders: Under $6
- Four taper candles: $6.99
For less than the cost of the original pins, you’ll have enough spiders to decorate multiple candles—or even use the leftovers for other Halloween DIY projects.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the simplest DIYs are my favorite.
This project is inexpensive, quick, and gives you the same high-end Halloween look for a fraction of the price. Whether your style leans spooky, vintage, or elegant, these spider candles make the perfect centerpiece for a dining table, mantel, or entryway.
If you’re decorating for Halloween on a budget, this is definitely one DIY worth trying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you burn these candles?
A: Yes, but use caution. Since the spiders are plastic, they’re intended to decorate the lower portion of the candle. Always burn candles safely, never leave them unattended, and extinguish the flame before it reaches any glued decorations. If you want a worry-free display, use flameless taper candles instead.
Q: Will hot glue damage the candle?
A: No. As long as you apply the glue to the spider first and then press it onto the candle, it adheres well without melting the wax.
Q: Can I use black taper candles instead?
A: Absolutely! White candles create a classic black-and-white Halloween look, but black tapers would make these even moodier.
