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Candles can be found in every gift shop around the world and are often the top selling item at craft and gift shows. They are easy to make and decorate providing wonderful home decor and affordable holiday gift idea's.
You will need:
WAX
Block candle wax, or paraffin wax, can be found at most grocery stores.
WICKS
Buy cotton cord or cotton wrapped wire wicks
DOUBLE BOILER
Kitchen pots can be used if they will nest in each other.
MOLD
Grease the inside of your mold for easy removal when your candle is cooled and set. You can also pour your candles permanently into the container and save money by using a glass tumbler, sundae dish or even decorate tea cups from a flea market. If the tea cup some with a matching saucer, hot glue the bottom of the tea cup to the saucer and fill it with hot wax as instructed. You can even hot glue a small spoon and sugar cubes in place to finish the display!
To create another whimsical candle, cover the bottom hole of a small terra cotta pot with tinfoil and use it as your candle mold. Decorate the pot with decoupage cutouts to match any holiday and tie with a raffia ribbon.
CRAYONS OR COLORED WAX CHIPS
If you want to color your candles, use grated crayons. Choose the darkest colors of crayons for best results. For example, using a dark red crayon will give you a muted pink colored candle.
PENCIL, WOODEN DOWEL OR CHOP STICK
Using a candy thermometer watch the temperature of the melting wax carefully. It should never exceed 300 degrees. You will want to have your clean glass mold and waiting. Measure and cut the wick to fit the depth of your container and tie it around a pencil or a square chop stick works well and will not roll around. When your wax is completely melted, add grated crayon for color. Pour it into your container and center the wick. When it is cool make sure you do not trim your wick to close to the bottom.
Other decorative options for wax container candles would be to line the inside of your container with silk or dried flowers and potpourri. Small sunflowers look beautiful and can be attached with glue or a small piece of double stick tape which will not be noticeable. If you are removing your candles from the container mold you can also paint on your candles as well.
CANDLE OPTIONS
Experiment using different shapes for your candles. A visit to a gift shop can give you wonderful ideas for making pyramid shapes or layering colors.
You can use candy molds for creating small floating candles. Use a crystal glass bowl with clear or lightly tinted colored water. Float rose shaped flower candles to make a fun table centerpiece that can provide ambience lighting for a wedding or garden party. Wrap the small floating candles in cellophane and seal the back with a sticker to make a wonderful addition to a gift basket of bath and beauty items. Candles are always a welcome hostess gift as well.
To scent your candles look for essential oils available at most craft stores. Be careful not to add scents to the wax when it is too hot or you could alter the original scent.
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