How to Carve a Candle

You can customize ordinary candles by carving designs onto them. There are several ways to carve a candle. One involves over-dipping a candle so that the original color shows through in the carved out spaces. Using another method, spaces are carved out then filled with colored wax. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• Stencils or printed designs
• Paper
• Graphite paper
• Sharp pencil
• Pillar candle
• Wax
• Dye for wax (liquid or bar)
• Tongs or pliers
• Linoleum carving tools
• Masking tape
• Beeswax pillar candle
• Dye for wax

Instructions

Carve Through a Top Layer of Color

1. Print out the design you want to carve on your candle or trace a stencil onto paper.

2. Melt wax in a double boiler. When it is melted, add coloring. Stir until the color is melted and blended.

3. Dip the pillar candle into the colored wax with pliers or tongs until the outside is fully coated with the colored wax.

4. Set the candle aside to cool for a least an hour.

5. Place the paper pattern on top of a piece of graphite paper. Attach both to the candle with tape, with the graphite paper on the inside. Trace the design onto the candle.

6. Use carving tools to cut the design into the top layer of wax so that the candle underneath shows through. Brush off wax shavings.

Fill Carved Out Spaces With Colored Wax

1. Print out the design you want to carve on your candle or trace a stencil onto paper.

2. Cover the candle with masking tape.

3. Place the paper pattern on top of a piece of graphite paper. Attach both to the candle with tape, with the graphite paper on the inside. Trace the design onto the candle.

4. Mark each part of the design with the color that will be used to fill it. Carve each color separately, about 1/8 inch deep.

5. Melt small amounts of wax. When it is melted, add coloring and stir until it is blended.

6. Paint the colored wax into the carved part of the candle. Scrape excess wax from the top of the design until it is flush with the candle. When you have filled each part of the design, remove the masking tape.