How to Make Homemade Grubby Candles

Grubby candles are a mainstay of fashionable decorating and primitive accents for the country home. They are a hit because they appear to look old and almost antique in nature with an accented warm and cozy undertone. By adding rusty hearts and stars to a grubby candle, you can accessorize while allowing your room to look and smell good at the same time.

Things You'll Need

• Solid wax paper surface to work on
• 8 oz. paraffin wax
• 8 oz. red color block
• 1/2 ounce of fragrance oil (optional)
• 8 oz. candle mold or 8 oz. unwaxed paper cup
• Paraffin wax
• Double boiler with spout
• Wick
• Candy thermometer
• Paint brush
• Country gingham fabric scraps
• Rusty stars or hearts
• Cinnamon shaker

Instructions

1. Set your supplies out on a table near the double boiler for easy access.

2. Place 4 oz. of the wax into the double boiler over medium high heat. Stir constantly. Watch closely and cook the wax for about 5 minutes and then use your candy thermometer to check for the exact temperature of 150 degrees F. When the temperature reaches 150 degrees, stir in the half of the color block and all of the fragrance. Wait 10 minutes and then remove the double boiler from the heat source.

3. Pour the wax mixture into your desired mold, place the wick into the middle and allow the mixture to fill around it. Allow to cool overnight.

4. Remove the candle from the mold and set aside.

5. Begin to melt the remaining 4 ounces of wax in the double boiler and add color, if desired. Once the mixture reaches 150 degrees, remove from the heat and set aside.

6. Take the cooling mixture and look for a thin skin to begin forming on the top. Once it has reached this stage, dip the candle into the mixture in a quick turning motion. Take your paintbrush and add blotches of wax in a consistent manner around the candle. Sprinkle with cinnamon for an added grubby effect, if desired.

7. Allow the candle to cool for 6 to 12 hours, then decorate with rusty stars and a gingham ribbon of your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a crock pot also to make grubby candles. You will not be able to reuse the crockpot for food.

• Use natural fragrance oils. Only two to three drops are necessary per 4 oz candle.

• Popular scents for grubby candles are cinnamon, apples and French vanilla.

• Add cinnamon sticks and cloves to the wax as it cools to create an added grubby effect.

• Cranberry and brown colors work best for grubby candles.

• Avoid burns by using equipment that has spouts; this will prevent spillage and accidents.

• Do not add chemicals or perfumes to candles that are not recommended for heated wax.