How to Make a Memorial Candle
Memorial candles make lovely wedding gifts and keepsakes. Memorial candles are also used to decorate at a loved one's funeral or memorial service. Whether you are making a memorial candle for a wedding or a funeral, the crafting process is the same.
Things You'll Need
- Pillar candle
- Wedding invitation
- Ribbon
- Hot iron
- Three old, metal teaspoons
- Old cloth
- Paraffin wax for dipping
- Thermometer
- Double boiler for melting wax
- Stearin (optional)
Instructions
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1
Purchase or make your own pillar candle. The pillar candle should be at least 3 inches in diameter. It is best to choose a candle color that matches the color of the invitation.
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2
Set up a hot iron and lean the handles of your three spoons against it. The spoons will get hot, so use caution.
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3
Position the wedding invitation on the memorial candle. You will most likely need to place the candle on its side to do this. Holding the invitation in place, pick up a hot spoon by the bowl (remember, the handles of the spoon are resting on the iron.) The bowl of the spoon will also be hot, so protect your hand with an old cloth.
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4
Press the spoon handle gently on the 4 corners of the invitation. Make sure your placement is correct before you heat each corner. Then, use spoon handles to heat around the edges of the invitation. Be mindful not to leave air bubbles between the candle and the invitation.
As one spoon cools down, wipe the hot wax off of it with the rag and place it back on the iron to heat up again. Then pick up the next spoon. -
5
Heat the wax in your double boiler to about 205 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using stearin, add a spoonful at the last minute and stir. Dip the memorial candle for 3 seconds. Press down any edges that are sticking out, and make sure the wedding invitation is smooth. Then, dip for 2 more seconds. Set the candle aside for at least an hour.
Be mindful that the candle will look ugly and opaque right after dipping, but will become clear as it cools. -
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Once the candle is completely cooled off, you may want to decorate with ribbon. Ribbons can be simply tied around the candle, or attached on the back with spoon handles, as before. Do not attempt to dip a candle that is decorated with ribbons.
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Tips & Warnings
Stearin is a candle wax additive that causes the wax to shrink more as it cools and make the cool wax harder. Use thick ribbons tied at the top and bottom of the wedding invitation. Use a thick pillar; after burning for an hour or two, one can place a votive in the top and make the memorial candle last forever.
Do not touch a warm candle or you may leave your fingerprint in its surface. The only safe way to melt wax is in a double boiler.
