How to Make a Star Floating Candle
Floating candles make beautiful centerpieces and home décor accents. Instead of purchasing candles, you can make them using your favorite essential oils. You do not need to buy expensive candle molds to make floating candles because it is possible to use metal cookie cutters. Consider making a trip to your local craft store to pick up all the supplies you need to begin making your own star-shaped floating candles. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 1 to 2 lb. paraffin wax
- Double boiler
- Candle thermometer
- Clay
- Rolling pin
- Metal star-shaped cookie cutter
- Wick tabs
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Candlewicks
- Yellow candle dye
- Essential oil
Instructions
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1
Break apart the paraffin wax into small pieces. This will allow it to melt easier.
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2
Place the paraffin wax in a double boiler. Make a double boiler by filling a large pot with water, and placing a small pot on top of the large pot. You will then place the wax in the small pot to allow the wax to melt from the steam.
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3
Insert a candle thermometer in the wax. Slowly heat the wax over medium-high heat. Remove the wax once it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not allow the temperature to get higher than 325 degrees Fahrenheit or the wax will catch fire.
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4
Flatten out the clay on a smooth surface. Use a rolling pin to flatten the clay to 1/4 inch.
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5
Place the star-shaped cookie cutter on the clay. Slightly press the cookie cutter into the clay, but do not press it all the way through. You just want to make an indentation. Leave the cookie cutter on the clay.
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Place a tabbed wick in the center of the clay. Press the wick down so that it slightly sticks to the clay. Trim the wick down to 3 inches.
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7
Lay a pencil across the star-shaped cookie cutter. Wrap the wick around the pencil to ensure that it stays straight. If you do not have a pencil, use a wooden craft stick or a straw.
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8
Add a small amount of yellow candle dye to the wax once it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Test the intensity of the wax's color by placing a small amount on a piece of wax paper. It will dry instantly with the color of your wax.
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9
Add 1 oz. of fragrance oil per pound of paraffin wax. Fragrance oil is available at your local craft store or you can purchase it online through a candle supplier.
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Pour the wax into the cookie cutter. Fill the cutter close to the brim, but do not allow the wax to touch the pencil. Ensure that the candlewick remains standing straight.
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Allow the wax to cool for 1 hour. Remove the pencil and trim the wick down to 1/4 inch. Remove the star cookie cutter from the clay and candle. If you have trouble removing the candle from the cutter, place it in the freezer for 10 minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
Instead of using a star cookie cutter, consider shopping for cookie cutters during the holidays to make customized floating candles that match your holiday home décor.
Always watch wax while it melts. Never leave the melting wax unattended for even 1 second. Keep a fire extinguisher or a blanket nearby in case the wax catches on fire.
