How to make jar candles, or candles using other containers
Make basic jar or container-based candles.
You will need:
several empty jars or containers
a double boiler
candle wax
candle wicks (recommended: pre-waxed and wired wicks with wicks clips)
crayon pieces for coloring the wax
oven mitts
wax paper
optional: candle fragrance
Once you've chosen your candle containers – jars, glasses, tea cups, mugs, etc. – it's time to prep them.
Make sure the containers are clean and completely dry. Then, place them on a sheet of wax paper. This will ensure that any wax spills will be easy to clean up.
Finish by inserting a candle wick in the center of each container. If you are using wicks with wick clips (little metal disks on the end), the wicks should stand up straight without any assistance. If you are using wicks without clips, you can hold the wick in position by tying the top of the wick to a pencil or straw, and balancing the pencil across the top of the container.
Assemble a Double Boiler
For safety reasons wax should always be heated in a double boiler.
If you don't own a double boiler, you can create one by placing an empty can, pan or glass container inside of one of your pans. Just make sure its not something real special that you decide to use. It will be covered with wax by the time you are done.
Cut the wax into small pieces, and place it in the double boiler. Then, heat over medium heat until the wax is melted completely.
Color
Decide what color you want your candles to be; then, add bits of crayons in your chosen color to the wax, and heat until melted. Adjust to whatever color you would like.
Now is the time to add fragrance to the wax if want it to smell good. Turn off heat.
Never leave the stove unattended while heating wax.
Use oven mitts or pot holders to remove the wax from the stove. Then, carefully pour the wax into the the first container until it reaches the top of the container (or the desired height). Repeat with any remaining containers.
Allow the wax to cool undisturbed for several hours or until completely hardened.
Sometimes you will find a depressed area around the wick of the candle. This is a common occurrence and an easy problem to fix. Just melt some more wax, pour it into the depressed area. Once the new wax has hardened, simply trim the wick down to size; and your candle is ready to use.
Some notes, Never pour wax down a drain.
Allow any leftover, melted wax to cool; then, store the dried pieces for later use.
Clean up any wax you can find, as it can ignite if it gets hot enough. Remember to use all safety precautions. Enjoy
You will need:
several empty jars or containers
a double boiler
candle wax
candle wicks (recommended: pre-waxed and wired wicks with wicks clips)
crayon pieces for coloring the wax
oven mitts
wax paper
optional: candle fragrance
Once you've chosen your candle containers – jars, glasses, tea cups, mugs, etc. – it's time to prep them.
Make sure the containers are clean and completely dry. Then, place them on a sheet of wax paper. This will ensure that any wax spills will be easy to clean up.
Finish by inserting a candle wick in the center of each container. If you are using wicks with wick clips (little metal disks on the end), the wicks should stand up straight without any assistance. If you are using wicks without clips, you can hold the wick in position by tying the top of the wick to a pencil or straw, and balancing the pencil across the top of the container.
Assemble a Double Boiler
For safety reasons wax should always be heated in a double boiler.
If you don't own a double boiler, you can create one by placing an empty can, pan or glass container inside of one of your pans. Just make sure its not something real special that you decide to use. It will be covered with wax by the time you are done.
Cut the wax into small pieces, and place it in the double boiler. Then, heat over medium heat until the wax is melted completely.
Color
Decide what color you want your candles to be; then, add bits of crayons in your chosen color to the wax, and heat until melted. Adjust to whatever color you would like.
Now is the time to add fragrance to the wax if want it to smell good. Turn off heat.
Never leave the stove unattended while heating wax.
Use oven mitts or pot holders to remove the wax from the stove. Then, carefully pour the wax into the the first container until it reaches the top of the container (or the desired height). Repeat with any remaining containers.
Allow the wax to cool undisturbed for several hours or until completely hardened.
Sometimes you will find a depressed area around the wick of the candle. This is a common occurrence and an easy problem to fix. Just melt some more wax, pour it into the depressed area. Once the new wax has hardened, simply trim the wick down to size; and your candle is ready to use.
Some notes, Never pour wax down a drain.
Allow any leftover, melted wax to cool; then, store the dried pieces for later use.
Clean up any wax you can find, as it can ignite if it gets hot enough. Remember to use all safety precautions. Enjoy
Make a sea shell candle
List of what you will need before you start:
Bar of paraffin
Wicks
Metal wick holders
Double boiler with a pouring lip
Shells
Stubs of colored candles
A lot of these items can be found at your local craft store, like Michael's or Hobby Lobby, etc. Use stubs from colored candles to make candles in various shades.
Directions:
Clean shells in water with a few drops of bleach. Rinse well with cool water. Let fully dry.
Break apart the paraffin block into smaller chunks. (You can do this with a sharp knife, but be careful.)
Melt them in the top of the double boiler by heating the water below to a slow simmer. Use the paraffin as is, or you may wish to add bits of colored wax for different color combinations. Try a variation and see what you like.
This is a great way to use up your excess candle wax that wasn't burned away completely. Experiment with color blends.
Cover a steady surface with newspapers, or whatever you have handy. Balance one of the shells on a small cup and slowly pour in the melted wax. Immediately place the wick and wick holder in the center of the shell. Leave wax to cool for at least 30 minutes so all the wax will harden fully.
Light up and enjoy your beautiful sea shell candles! Great to remember your trip to the ocean, or bring a bit of the coast to wherever you are. Would be fun to use anytime, or for a party or get together.
Bar of paraffin
Wicks
Metal wick holders
Double boiler with a pouring lip
Shells
Stubs of colored candles
A lot of these items can be found at your local craft store, like Michael's or Hobby Lobby, etc. Use stubs from colored candles to make candles in various shades.
Directions:
Clean shells in water with a few drops of bleach. Rinse well with cool water. Let fully dry.
Break apart the paraffin block into smaller chunks. (You can do this with a sharp knife, but be careful.)
Melt them in the top of the double boiler by heating the water below to a slow simmer. Use the paraffin as is, or you may wish to add bits of colored wax for different color combinations. Try a variation and see what you like.
This is a great way to use up your excess candle wax that wasn't burned away completely. Experiment with color blends.
Cover a steady surface with newspapers, or whatever you have handy. Balance one of the shells on a small cup and slowly pour in the melted wax. Immediately place the wick and wick holder in the center of the shell. Leave wax to cool for at least 30 minutes so all the wax will harden fully.
Light up and enjoy your beautiful sea shell candles! Great to remember your trip to the ocean, or bring a bit of the coast to wherever you are. Would be fun to use anytime, or for a party or get together.
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