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How to Make Floating Candles

Wax floats, of course, but not all candles do. What's the trick?

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    Difficulty:
    Moderate

    Instructions

    Things You'll Need

    • Skewers
    • Stearine
    • Candle Dyes
    • Candle Scents
    • Shop Aprons
    • Wick Tabs
    • Wicks
    • Baking Soda
    • Paraffin Waxes
    • Candy Thermometer
    • Double Boilers
    • Individual-serving Jell-O Molds
    • Kitchen Knives
    • Old Wooden Spoons
    • Pot Holders
    • Pudding Dishes
    • Fire Extinguishers
    • Pot holders
      • 1

        Keep in mind that wider is better as far as stability goes. Look for molds that fit this rule - pudding dishes and some Jell-O molds work well.

      • 2

        Put several chunks of wax into the top of a double boiler and set the heat on high. Stir frequently.

      • 3

        Prepare the molds and wicks (see Related eHows). You'll want to use wick tabs with these candles.

      • 4

        Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. Turn off the heat when the paraffin reaches 180 degrees F.

      • 5

        Stir coloring into the melted wax. (See Related eHows.)

      • 6

        Add scent by shaving off a few pieces from a scent block or adding 1/8 oz. undiluted candle scent for every 1 lb. wax.

      • 7

        Pour the wax into the mold, but don't fill it completely.

      • 8

        Wait until the wax begins to form a skin, and then insert the wick by pressing the tab down into the bottom of the mold with a spoon or skewer.

      • 9

        Top off the candle and let it cool.

      • 10

        Pop it out of the mold, trim the wick to 1/2 inch, and float it in a bowl of water.

    Tips & Warnings

    • If you just can't get your candles to float, look for floating candle molds at your craft store. It's not as much fun, but it's not as frustrating.

    • Only float your candles on water, never any kind of oil.

    • Be sure that small children and pets are kept out of the candle-making area.

    • Don't pour wax down your sink - it will cool there and plug up the pipe.

    • Wax is flammable at high temperatures and should never be left unattended.

    • Use a fire extinguisher or baking soda rather than water if you have a wax fire.

    • Paraffin wax will catch fire at 375 degrees F. Flash points for other types of wax vary.

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