How to Make a Gel Candle Centerpiece
Make a gel candle centerpiece using pre-made gel candles or make your own that are specifically designed and poured for your centerpiece. Gel candles can complete your centerpiece whether it's for your wedding, party or everyday home decor. Decide what you'd like the centerpiece to contribute, the other existing decor in the room, and how large or small you want the centerpiece to ultimately be. Let the gel candle centerpiece tie into your theme or decor, or use it as inspiration for the rest of your decorations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Glass container(s)
- Pre-tabbed zinc candle wicks
- Hot glue
- Pencil or stick
- Gel candle wax
- Knife
- Stainless steel pot (no longer used for food)
- Candy thermometer
- Dye (optional)
- Fragrance (optional)
- Decorative embeds (optional)
- Mirror
- Decorative accessories
Instructions
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Making the Candle(s)
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1
Cut your pre-tabbed wick so it is only 3 inches taller than your glass container. Secure it to the middle of the container with a dot of hot glue.
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2
Cut your gel wax into small chunks to make it easier to melt. Add it all to your stainless steel pot and melt it to 200 degrees. Keep it at that temperature until all of the wax is melted. Use your candy thermometer to help maintain the proper temperature.
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3
Add any dye if you want a colored candle, a little bit a time. Any decorative items you plan to embed will be easier to see in lighter or clear candles.
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4
Add fragrance to your wax once it's completely melted if you desire. One third of a teaspoon is sufficient for most candles. Only use essential oil fragrance that is specifically for wax candles.
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5
Wrap the end of the wick around your pencil or stick and secure it in a way that the wick is sticking straight up. This will keep it in place until the wax cools completely and hardens.
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6
Use a spoon to remove any air bubbles you see at the surface of the melted wax. Slowly pour the hot wax into your container.
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7
Insert any decorative objects you wish to embed in the candle. Use a long, thin object to move them into place if you desire. Silk rose petals, seashells, marbles, faux gemstones, glass beads, glitter or other items can be embedded into your gel candles.
Create the Centerpiece
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Place your largest gel candle (if using more than one) on the center of a mirror or decorative glass plate or tray. If the candle and mirror are square, place the candle so that container edges are not parallel with the mirror sides. An oval candle can go from corner to corner rather than straight across the center. Position the candle in a way that adds visual interest instead of appearing boring.
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Add two smaller candles on either side of the large one. Other options include a large flower head (silk is ideal) or bud vase. The idea is to add pieces that complement the main candle without competing with it.
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10
Complete your centerpiece with a few small, loose items such as silk flower petals sprinkles around the candles. Glass pebbles, stones, beads, shells or other attractive items that naturally pair with the candle will pull it all together.
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Tips & Warnings
A large martini glass candle would go with smaller containers in the shape of other stemware. Small votive candles with a glass fish would complement a variety of glass fish inside of a large fishbowl with colored aquarium gravel. Use a complete silk flower inside of a large container with buds or petals inside of smaller candles.
Never leave a burning candle unattended or fall asleep with a burning candle, as it is a dangerous fire hazard.
