How to Add Glitter to Container Candles

Jazz up that flame with glitter.

Glitter candles shimmer and sparkle for a special touch. Prepare these candles for a thoughtful and budget-friendly gift or to spice up your decor. While there are straightforward techniques that let you jazz up purchased container candles, you can get crafty and make homemade glitter candles. Glitter candles look best in a clear glass container that allows their colorful touch to shine.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pots OR 1 pot and metal pitcher
• 1 lb. paraffin wax
• Wax paper
• 1/2 to 1 oz. glitter
• Tongs
• Paintbrush (optional)
• Scissors
• 4 oz. roll candle wick OR pre-cut wick
• 2 bamboo skewers

Instructions

Glitter Outside

1. Pull your candle out of its container. This technique works for pillers or votives in containers, because they slide easily in and out. Set the candle on a table.

2. Create a double boiler by filling a small pot with water and placing a second pot or a metal pitcher on top of the first pot. Turn this on medium low heat. Put 1 lb. of paraffin wax into the top bowl or pot and melt it over medium low heat until it liquifies.

3. Pour 1/2 to 1 oz. of glitter onto a piece of wax paper. Make an even layer.

4. Dip your candle into the melted wax, using tongs to hold the candle. Alternately, hold the candles with tongs and "paint" wax onto the candle with a paintbrush.

5. Place the candle directly on the bed of glitter. Grab the edges of the wax paper and pull them up straight, so the candle rolls back and forth on the paper. The glitter will adhere to the sides of the candle.

6. Transport the candle to a fresh piece of wax paper and roll the wax paper around the candle (this helps the glitter adhere while the wax dries and prevents dripping). Let it set for 24 hours. Place the candle back in its container.

Homemade Glitter Candle

1. Create a double boiler by placing a pot on the stove and putting a second pot or a metal pitcher on top or inside the pot. Fill the outer pot with water and put your paraffin wax in the second pot or pitcher. Turn the stove on medium low and heat the wax until it melts.

2. Cut a wick that is 1 inch longer than the container's length if using wick from a roll. Dangle the wick inside the container. If you're using pre-cut wicks with tabs -- available at craft stores -- you can glue the tab to the bottom of the container for convenience.

3. Remove the melted wax from the stove and pour it into your container, stopping ½-inch below the lip of the container. While you pour, hold the wick in the center of the container with your other hand.

4. Sprinkle a small amount of glitter (1 tbsp. or less) into the candle while the wax is still hot. Using a bamboo skewer, push the glitter through the wax. Look at the candle. Add more glitter if there's not enough. Work in this manner until you're happy with the glitter accent in the candle.

5. Wind the top of the wick around a clean bamboo skewer. Rest the skewer on the top of the container. This keeps the wick straight while the candle hardens.

Tips & Warnings

• Let the size of your jar dictate the size of the pre-cut wick if using. Pre-cut wicks are sold by size, so use a votive-sized wick for a votive candle, a 2-inch pillar wick for a 2-inch tall candle and so on. For example, pre-cut wick size "44-24-18" works for 2 to 3-inch pillar candles, and a "34-40" size pre-cut wick works for votives. Your candle supplier can help you choose.

• Ba careful when working with hot wax. You can burn yourself. Never leave wax unattended, and always use a pot holder or other protective mitt when grabbing hot bowls and pitchers.

References

• Happy News: Make Sand or Glitter Covered Candles
• Brighter Scents: How to Make Gel Candles
• Candle Tech: How to Make Container Candles

Resources

• One Stop Candle: Wick Chart