I love to make my own
candles. Candles are especially fun to make as you experiment with
different colors and designs. I hope you find this page informative
and that you will come to enjoy making them for gifts and yourself.
These candles are also excellent things for children to make, with
adult supervision.
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Lacey Candles
You will need the following;
Pot of boiling water
Tongs
Bags for melting candle wax
Candle wax granules in your choice of color(s)
Candle wicks
Tape
Empty wax-coated cartons such as ones used for milk, cream, etc.
Ice cubes
To make a Lacey Candle:
Pour some candle wax granules into a bag and seal. Drop into the
boiling water. While the wax is melting, carefully open the top of
an empty carton and measure the length of wick you will need from
the bottom to the top of the carton leaving about 1-2 inches over
the carton. Tape one end of the wick to the inside bottom of the
carton and while holding the wick straight up in the center fill the
carton with ice cubes. Once the wax has melted, carefully pour the
wax into the carton over the top of the ice cubes (try alternating
colors for a variegated look). Once the carton is full set aside and
start another candle. Once the wax has set and cooled, carefully
peel the carton away from the wax. I would strongly suggest doing
this outside or over the sink as water from the melted ice cubes
will come pouring out *grin*. Smooth the bottom of the candle with a
knife or file until it stands flat and trim the wick to the proper
level.
Note: Instead of the candle wax granules you can also use leftover
candle stubs or broken candles...just put them in the bag and melt
as you would the granules. Its a great way to reuse those stubby
candles you always have left over.
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"Sand Art" Candles
You will need the following;
Candle wax granules in your choice of color(s)
Candle wicks
Decorative glass containers
(If you have one of those dollar stores near you, its a great place
to pickup inexpensive glass containers)
Pencil or other object to poke through the candle wax granules
To make a "Sand Art" Candle:
Measure a wick to fit your glass container allowing 1-2 inches to
hang over the top. While holding the wick in the center of the
container pour the candle wax granules into the container
alternating colors every so far until the container is filled. Once
the container is filled poke a pencil or other object down the
inside of the container along the glass to disturb the granules into
a design of your choice. Once you have the look you like trim the
wick to the desired length.
The candle wax will melt as you light the candle...but if you're
like me you will find it hard to actually use the candle once you
get a look you really like. *grin* These make wonderful gifts but do
not ship well as the granules will shift around in shipping messing
up the design you have made.
