Candles, for even the most novice of crafters, can be simple and fun to make. Choose a variety of your favorite scents and get inspired for how you might share these this holiday season.
Materials Needed:
- double boiler
- thermometer
- stovetop
- soy wax (burns longer than paraffin)
- wick rope
- wick tabs
- needle nose pliars
- scissors
- fragrance oil for scenting candles
- chopstick or popsicle stick for pressing wax
- candle containers
Directions:
- Gather materials and assemble wicks if you opted not to buy the preassembled tabs. To assemble the wicks, cut lengths of the waxed rope for the size candle you desire. For ease, cut a few inches longer than needed so you can later trim the wicks to length. Secure one end of the wick rope into the wick tab base, and use needle nose pliers to pinch the metal tight.
- Melt the wax in a double boiler system on your stovetop. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature of the wax. Should heat to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When the wax is 180 degrees and all of the flakes have melted, remove it from the heat. Add your fragrance oil and let it cool down to about 125 degrees. Do not add the oil while the wax is over the heat because it will evaporate away. Watch your wax–it will remain liquid during this time!
- When it reaches 125 degrees, carefully pour the wax into the container(s) of your choosing. Allow the wax to sit for a few moments, watch for the bottom and top edges to begin solidifying around the container, and then drop in the assembled wick and tab. A chopstick helps push the tab down to the base of the container and center it. You might position a construction pencil over the container and loop the wick over it until it is ready to trim.
- Let the candle solidify for several hours and then trim the wick down to 1/4 inch. Any excess braided rope can be used to make a shorter candle.
- Light on a cold winter’s night and enjoy!
Thanks to DIY Network for this original post. We hope you enjoy a fun, festive, and well-scented holiday season!