Candles are a universal decoration and extremely popular. When there are so many people using candles, creative ideas start to turn up. Do you light a candle in its votive and leave it in your house? Do you use tall candlesticks?

When you're looking to do something different with your candles, try one of these cool ideas:

Colored Rice. Inspired by the spring season, one blogger created decorative candles by dying rice in different spring colors. It's an easy project: 

• Put a small amount of rice in a plastic zip bag.
• Add a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol and a couple of drops of food coloring.
• Shake and push the rice around until it's evenly coated, then put it out on a plate to dry.

There are a lot of ways to use this—candle beds like in this project are great, but you could also layer it or use it to coat the bottom of a tray and then place the candles on top!

Bundled Candles. Like the look of bigger, more elegant candles but not the cost? Here's a way to have an elegant looking candle for not very much at all!

• Take 3 thin candles.
• Tie them together with thick, sturdy ribbon.
• Place in an appropriately-sized jar or holder.

You don't want to go with much more than 3 candles, otherwise your distinct flames will look more like a small torch!

Assorted Candleholders. You probably have a few different candle holders of assorted shapes and sizes. Have you ever thought of putting them altogether in one display? 

Get the right candle for each holder, then put them all in the center of a table for a bold centerpiece. The asymmetry of the sizes and shapes will make it look creative and unique!