How to Make Flat Rock Candles
Rock candles are a wonder to look at because it looks like the flame is shooting out of the rock. You can make your own rock candle using the proper tools. The candle itself is oil based, similar to an oil lantern.
Things You'll Need
- Flat rock or stone tile
- Drill with stone cutting bit
- (2) Fiberglass wick holders
- 18-inch wick (1/8- to 1/16-inch thick)
- Flat top glass bowl or ashtray
Instructions
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A Basic Flat Rock Candle
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1
Drill two holes the same size as the fiberglass wick holder in the rock with the stone cutting bit. A piece of stone tile such as slate also works well. Be sure the holes are large enough for the wick holders to fit inside easily.
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2
Place a fiberglass wick holder in both holes. One is for ventilation; the other will hold the wick. Both should have a washer-type ring or grommet that separates them from the face of the rock.
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3
Thread the wick through the fiberglass holder. Make sure the wick is long enough to get all the way through and can be pulled up when it burns off. The wick should look like a skinny piece of woven rope.
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4
Pour a wax-based oil or an oil safe for indoor use into the glass bowl/ashtray. (Home lantern oils are suitable.)
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5
Soak the length of the wick in the fuel reservoir (glass bowl/ashtray). Allow it to soak long enough for the oil to be absorbed all the way through to the top of the wick. Place the rock top on top of the reservoir.
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6
Once the wick is fully saturated, it is ready to be lit. Fill the oil reservoir when it is empty, but not while the candle is lit.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you're not familiar with using a stone drill bit, talk to an expert before attempting this project. A larger hole can be drilled at the bottom so that the container for the fuel oil is completely covered by the rock. Larger wicks can be used for outdoor candles.
Never use gasoline or petroleum-based oil in a rock candle. Do not fill the fuel reservoir while the candle is lit.
