How to Cut Candles

Cut candles add elegance to any occasion.

Fancy cut candles with their swirling ribbons of color make incredible gifts, as well as unique holiday centerpieces. These candles can be expensive in stores, but not if you make them yourself. You can create your very own cut and curled candle, using a star core candle dipped in a kaleidoscope of color and carved into a classic spiral design.

Things You'll Need

• Star core candle
• Double boiler or large cooking pot
• Stainless steel can
• Sharp knife
• Round router blade knife
• Wax paper

Instructions

1. Spread wax paper on carving station surface, to make cleanup easy later. Have all of your supplies out and ready to go.

2. Cut the drippings from the bottom of your star core candle that has been freshly dipped into vats of colored wax. The core candle should have 20-30 layers of wax, be predipped in at least two different layers of color and still be warm.

3. Using your round router knife, cut a strip from bottom to top out of the valley on one side of the candle.

4. Take the strip of freshly cut wax and twist it into uniform spirals with your hands. Take care to twist the strip of warm wax evenly.

5. Press the spiral of wax back into the groove.

6. Repeat the process for each valley in the candle. Move quickly because all cutting and shaping must be done while the wax is still warm.

7. Cut short strips of wax alongside the spirals, from top to bottom. Curl these strips downward and press into place.

8. Trim wick to one-quarter inch and you're ready to light your candle.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to cut a uniform depth at all times for the best outcome.

References

• "Cut & Carve Candles: Beautiful Candles to Dip, Carve, Twist & Curl"; Dana Marie Brooks; 2004
• One Stop Candle: "Cut 'n Curl Project I"; Bob Sherman

Resources

• "Home Made Best Made: Hundreds of Ways to Make All Kinds of Useful Things"; Reader's Digest; 1998