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High-end football decor made entirely from simple household recyclables!

The warm glow of the finished football candle creates the perfect atmosphere for a Super Bowl party.

$0 Super Bowl Hack – Genius DIY Football Candle (2026 Decor!)

The Super Bowl 2026 countdown is in the final stretch, and I am so excited to show you how to make a DIY football candle! If you’re looking for a genius $0 Super Bowl hack that looks high-end, you have to try this ‘trash to treasure’ project. It looks like a boutique find, but the secret ingredient is a recycled paper towel roll you probably have around the house right now! It is the perfect, budget-friendly way to light up your game day table without spending a dime.

I love a good genius $0 hack that saves money while making a huge impact. This project takes less than 5 minutes to put together and adds that perfect warm glow to your football-themed party.

Watch the 10-second tutorial below to see how to make the recycled Super Bowl Candle Hack!

Let me know what you think in the comments in my YouTube video!

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Materials You Will Need

To keep this project at $0, use what you have on hand:

• An empty paper towel roll or wrapping paper roll

• An LED flameless candle you may already have (I love the ones from Dollar Tree!)

• Brown acrylic paint and a foam sponge (or crumpled piece of paper)

• Thin white ribbon (or cut pieces of white cardstock)

• Rubber bands

How to Make a DIY Football Candle

Step 1: Create the Football Leather Texture

Start by cutting 2 pieces of  your paper towel roll to the height of your LED candle. Cut them in half lengthwise.

To get that realistic “pigskin” look, take your brown paint and paint the outside of the two cardboard tubes. Lightly dab the a darker color paint onto the cardboard with a natural sponge or crumbled piece of paper. This creates a football texture. Let it dry for a few minutes.

Step 2: Add the Laces

Now, give it some character! Glue a strip of white ribbon vertically down the center of your brown tube. Then, cut small horizontal pieces to create the laces. This simple detail is what makes the “football” look so high-end.

Tip – Use a quick drying, clear craft glue.

Step 3: Assemble the Football Candle

Slide your decorated cardboard sleeves over the LED candle. Secure it with rubber bands at the top and bottom, then cover those bands with a final ring of white ribbon for a polished finish.

Styling Your Party Table

Place these candles on a green felt field or next to your DIY Football Centerpiece. They look amazing when grouped together in different heights! 

Check out this 1-minute napkin hack and more budged friendly Super Bowl DIYs using reused items!

This matching DIY Football Vase is the perfect $0 centerpiece to go with your napkin twirls!

This DIY Football Napkin Twirl is a genius way to elevate your game day table for $0!

I want to know: Are you team Candle or team Fairy Lights for your party decor? ️✨ Let me know in the comments on my YouTube video!

This “Trash to Treasure” football candle looks high-end but costs absolutely nothing to make!