Handmade Party Candles

Handmade Candles- Chapter 12

We had some extra fun with this project! My kids all got to make a little candle using dixie cups as the mold. The possibilities are endless, so don't be shy. Melt some wax and get started!

Measure the depth of a Styrofoam cup or other heat-resistant
but temporary container.

Cut cotton wicking one and a half times
the depth of the container.

Melt paraffin wax (one pound of paraffin
melts to about 20 fluid ounces) in a double boiler. Or if you melt scented wax, you can melt down your used wax from Scentsy candles, etc.

For this step, I had an old emergency candle that got melted in the summer heat of the trailer that my hubby and I lived in when we were first married! Yes, it was that hot in that tin can! I finally decided to do something with it since it couldn't be burned as a candle in its current state!

 After melting down, add essential oils for your favorite scent.

Stir in dried rose petals, eucalyptus leaves, berries,
or wood shavings, using about four parts wax to one part mix-ins.

Wrap one end of cotton wicking to a pencil that is slightly longer
than the diameter of your container, and tape the other end to the
inside bottom of the container. The wick should be slightly taut. Alternatively, you could set up something like I have pictured below. We put the candles on my cooling rack and taped the wicking to the underside of the cupboards.

Pour wax into your container and adjust the wick as needed. I poured in different colors of wax in layers and let each one set up for about five to ten minutes before adding the next layer and mix-ins. Once the wick is centered and taut, allow 24 hours for the wax to harden.

Then cut the container and peel it away to reveal the candle. Trim the wick to
¾ inch. This was quite the exciting step for my 4 year old!

Wrap twine or ribbon around the candle if desired.

In my book, this candle idea is used as a centerpiece for the wedding celebrations/reception. These candles also make great holiday gifts and fun decor ideas.

Here are four of my kids showing off their candle creations!

Learn more about Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things and all of the chapter tutorials here
Courtesy of www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com.