How to Make Floating Gel Candles at Home

Floating on Rose Petals

A centerpiece of floating candles in a bowl of roses can set the mood for a romantic dinner, mark a special occasion or simply enhance a relaxing evening. Use your good china and silverware and set the table. Dim the lights and watch the flicker of the flames as it seems to dance off of the water in the dish, as the soft music plays in the background.

Things You'll Need

• Double boiler or pot and empty can
• Wick
• Wax
• Mixing stick
• Miniature cupcake tin

Instructions

1. Have a "find the candles" treasure hunt with the kids and gather up those old, broken pieces of Crayola crayons. Gather all of the half burned down decorative candles that you no longer use, and those that are broken and should have been tossed in the trash long ago.

2. 

   Get out your double boiler. If you do not have one, add water to an old pot, and place an empty soup can in the center (remove label). Add water to the bottom of the pot, and bring to a boil. Add the candles (to the top of the double boiler, or the can in the pot), lower the heat and allow the candles to melt.

3. Check on the wax every few minutes to see if it is melted. It should be of a consistency that allows it to pour easily. While the wax is melting, add coloring or scents if desired while stirring with a long wooden spoon. Allow to continue to melt while you prepare the wick.

4. Cut half-inch pieces of wick and set them aside. Remove the pot from the heat, and pour the wax into your small cupcake molds. Place a wick in the center of each mold and allow to cool in the refrigerator until there is a thin covering over the top. This is a good time to clean up the kitchen.

5. Remove the mold, turn it over and pop out each of the candles. The wicks should be about 1/4 inch, so trim with a scissor if they are longer.Your floating candle is now ready to be placed in water, floating roses, and placed on your table.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy plastic molds of various shapes in any craft store instead of using the cup cake tin. Buy candles at the craft store, if you do not have any around the house. Making Floating Candles can be a great hobby, and a wonderful money maker. Get molds of all shapes and sizes and colors,and start your own business.

• Wax while it is melting is extremely hot.Do not allow child to stir the wax,or go near the pot. Do not walk away from the pot, not even for a moment. Do not put the wax in the freezer to cool. It would be almost impossible to remove the wax from the tins.

Resources

• video make floating candles
• Wax differences
• Gel Floating Candles