How to Make Fruit Gel Candles

Gel wax is clear and enables you to see any objects you put in the candle.

Have you ever wandered through the candle section of a store and noticed how bright and wonderfully scented the candles with fruit in them are? There are simple and inexpensive methods to making these candles from the comfort of your own home. You will spend less money and the product is a craft that you can take pride in and use to decorate your home, give as gifts or make as a craft project for the entire family.

Things You'll Need

• Empty glass
• Stainless steel pot
• Gel wax
• Wax or plastic fruit shapes
• Candle wicks
• Hot glue gun

Instructions

Create Your Candle

1. 

   Use a candy thermometer to keep the wax close to 200 degrees while melting.

   Cut the gel wax into small pieces, approximately 1- to 2-inch squares. Place the wax pieces in the stainless steel pot and melt them slowly on low heat until the wax is completely melted and the consistency is similar to molasses.

2. 

   Securing the wick prior to filling the glass with hot wax will ensure the wick stays in the middle of the candle.

   Use a hot glue gun to secure the wick at the bottom of the glass container you chose for your candle. Dab a small amount of hot glue in the center of the bottom of the glass. Place one end of the wick into the drop of glue. Allow the glue to dry so one end of the wick is secured to the bottom of the glass.

3. 

   Plastic or wax fruit peices are easy to find at local craft stores.

   Heat the glass container in the oven to approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent the glass from shattering or cracking when you pour the hot gel wax into the glass. Dip the fruit pieces into the hot wax and arrange them inside the glass container along the sides.

4. 

   If you choose to add fragrance to your fruit gel candle, do so prior to pouring the wax into the glass container.

   Fill the glass container with the melted gel wax by pouring the wax into the glass slowly along the sides. This will help prevent air bubbles from forming in the candle. Pull the wick up through the middle of the gel wax and allow the candle to cool at room temperature.

5. Trim the wick to about a 1/2 inch or less once the gel wax has set and the candle has cooled.

Tips & Warnings

• As with any flammable item, never leave your candles unattended when they are lit.

References

• StreetDirectory.com: How to Make Homemade Gel Candles
• PioneerThinking.com: How to Make Candles