How to Make Cool Candles

Make cool candles in funky tin containers.

Candles are one of those decorative accents that helps transform a house into a home. Most candles are plain or traditional, which can pose a problem if you're going for a certain decorative style. If you're looking for something cooler and more custom, you can make your own candles in recycled tins. Candles in funky tins add a cool, vintage look to your decor. They're gifts for the quirky and stylish people in your life, and they're easy and fun to make.

Things You'll Need

• Tin
• Cotton string
• Scissors
• Waxed paper
• 4 to 8 oz. paraffin wax or recycled candle ends
• Double boiler
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Choose a tin that represents your style. Make sure the tin is clean and dry. Decorate it if you'd like to add embellishments or change the color or style of the tin.

2. Fill the bottom of your double boiler with water and bring that water to a boil. Add 4 to 6 oz. of paraffin wax or used candle ends to the double boiler top and place it over the boiling water. Melt the wax completely, then reduce heat to a very low flame to just keep the wax warm and melted.

3. Lay out a sheet of waxed paper about as long as the depth of your tin plus six inches. Cut a length of cotton string so it's about 2 inches shorter than the length of your waxed paper. Measurements don't need to be perfect.

4. Hold the string by one end and dip it into the wax as far as you can without touching your fingers to the hot wax. Pull the string up and let the excess wax drip off. When it's done dripping, lay it in a straight line on the wax paper to harden for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This will be your candle's wick.

5. Tie the end of your wick around the center of a pencil. Use the end with the small, undipped portion of string.

6. Pour melted wax into the tin until it's 3/4 of the way full.

7. Stick your wick down into your candle until the bottom of the wick touches the bottom of the tin. Roll the pencil to gather up the excess string until the pencil rests across the top of the tin.

8. Let the wax harden for several hours. As it hardens, it may leave a dip or indentation in the center. If this happens, reheat your wax and pout more into the tin.

9. Snip off the wick 1/2 inch above the surface of the wax and discard the end still attached to the pencil.

Tips & Warnings

• Add fragrance oils, glitter or coloring to the wax for further embellishment.

• Check the bottom of your double boiler often to make sure the water hasn't all evaporated.

References

• "Country Living" Magazine: How to Make a Candle
• "Country Living" Magazine: Making Candles in Tins