How to Make Floating Candles

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

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.