How to Make a Faux Grubby Candle
Grubby candles, also known as cake candles and grunge candles, date back to primitive times. As with other primitive crafts, natural elements often are present in the design and construction. To make a faux grubby candle, or one that has the appearance of a primitive candle without all of the necessary steps, begin with an existing candle. You can make any size or style of candle into a faux grubby candle, even electric candles, but pillar candles best represent the overall primitive design.
Things You'll Need
- Potpourri
- Wax paper
- Rolling pin
- Tin pie plate (disposable)
- Paraffin wax
- Double boiler
- Stirrer
- Essential oil
- Wax dye
- Rubber gloves
- Pillar candle
Instructions
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1
Spread potpourri or a mixture of dried flowers, herbs and spices onto a sheet of wax paper. Cover the mixture with another sheet of wax paper. Crush the material with a rolling pin. Do not make powder. Just make small bits. Place the material inside a disposable pie tin or other disposable tin pan that fits the length of the candle.
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2
Melt a small amount of paraffin wax in a double boiler according to the manufacturer's directions. Some types of paraffin wax melt in the microwave; follow the directions to melt the wax.
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3
Stir in at least five to ten drops of your choice of essential oil if you'd like to add fragrance to the grubby candle. Stir in wax dye or a piece of a wax crayon to color the candle wax. Primitive grubby candles were often dark colors, such as burgundy and deep green.
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4
Put on rubber gloves. Pour the melted wax over the crushed potpourri mix in the pie tin.
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5
Lay the pillar candle on top of the melted wax and potpourri mix. Carefully roll the candle over the melted wax until all of the sides are covered. Remove any pieces that stick to the bottom of the candle before the wax hardens or the candle will not sit straight.
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6
Stand the candle upright. Discard the pie tin and its contents. Let the wax harden overnight.
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Tips & Warnings
Another way to make faux grubby candles is to brush melted wax onto one section of the candle, then press the same section into crushed potpourri. This method allows you to make stripes or other patterns on the sides of the candles.
When burning the candle, pay attention to make sure that the candle burns down in the center.
