Things You'll Need:
- Wax Colorant Or Crayons
- Candle Wax
- Candle Wicks
- Glitter If Desired
- Coffee Cans
-
Step 1
Collect your supplies - you'll need wicking, wax, and color for starters (wax colorant is available but crayons work well too). You'll also need at least one fairly tall, thin container - one 1-lb. coffee can per two participants is a good idea - and a few pencils, pens or chopsticks for easy dipping. Silver and gold glitter comes in handy too.
-
Step 2
Put a coffee can in a double boiler and fill half- to three-quarters-full with wax and colorant (you'll probably need to break the wax into chunks with a hammer and chisel).
-
Step 3
Melt over low heat.
-
Step 4
Cover your work surface with newspaper or other protector.
-
Step 5
Tie a length of wicking to the center of a pencil, pen or chopstick. Make sure the knot is solid. The wick should be long enough so that when you rest the pencil across the coffee can the wick reaches to the bottom of the can.
-
Step 6
Stir the wax to mix color evenly. When it's melted, remove it from the heat and set it on a trivet or other protective surface (remember, it's been in a double boiler so it's hot and wet).
-
Step 7
Grasp the pencil and dip the wick quickly into the wax. Continue doing this, allowing the wax to harden on the wick between each dip (and dipping quickly so that you don't melt off the wax you just dipped on). As the candle forms, it will naturally assume a triangle shape - the level of the wax in the can will drop gradually and thicken as it cools (if it gets too thick, reheat - but don't add more wax). Every so often, gently but firmly drop the growing candle down onto the tabletop so that the bottom begins to flatten.
-
Step 8
Continue the dipping process until you are satisfied with the shape and size of your candle. At this point, hold the candle and gently but firmly press it down onto the table to flatten the bottom and create a stable surface. (Your hand will probably slip, so you'll probably need to dip a few more times to fix the surface. Don't worry about it.)
-
Step 9
Hang the pencil over the coffee can overnight to allow candle to harden.
-
Step 10
Trim the wick.
