Simple Candlemaking Instructions
You can make your own homemade candles using special molds or simple items found around your house such as candy dishes, jelly jars or teacups. Candle molds are made out of materials such as polycarbonate, metal, flexible rubber or PVC, but you can use anything that won't break or shatter when filled with hot wax. Some candle molds can be left around the cooled wax, doubling as candle holders.
Things You'll Need
- Pot filled half way with water
- Cookie cutter
- Large heat-safe measuring cup
- Shredded wax (soy wax, beeswax or petroleum-based paraffin wax)
- Candy thermometer
- Glue gun
- Pre-coated wick
- Candle mold/holder (anything you want to use, such as a teacup or jelly jar)
- Fresh lavender
- Chopping knife
- Lavender essential oil
- Plastic spoon
- Clothespin
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Place the cookie cutter into the bottom of the pot filled about halfway with water.
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2
Set the heat-safe measuring cup on top of the cookie cutter, creating a makeshift double broiler.
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3
Heat the water on medium to medium-high heat but not to the boiling point.
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4
Place the shredded wax into the measuring cup with the candy thermometer. Allow the wax to slowly melt to 200 degrees F.
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5
Turn off the heat and let the wax cool to 120 degrees F.
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6
Put a dab of glue on the bottom foil part of a pre-coated wick and press it into the center of the bottom of the candle holder.
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7
Chop up fresh lavender and sprinkle it into the wax after it has cooled to 120 degrees F. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and stir it into the wax with a spoon.
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8
Clip a clothespin to the top of the wick perpendicular to the bottom of the holder and let it rest on the top edges of the candle holder. This will hold the wick in place and keep it from toppling over as the wax is poured into the holder.
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9
Pour the wax into the candle holder and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
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10
Cut the wick down to ¼ inch from the top of the wax.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you are using soy wax, holes may appear after the wax settles and dries. You can pour a second layer of wax to even it off.
Allow some of the wax to dribble over the edges of the candle holder to give it a homemade, artsy look.
If you add a second layer of wax, make sure you don't cut the wick until after the second layer of wax has cooled.
Don't get hot wax on your skin or in your eyes.
References
- Photo Credit Lighted candles. Glowing candles image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
