I'm out of control.
I never thought I would go so far, but let's make some candles!
You always need little gifts for random events that come up, they're perfect to give as a gift. It's great to have something like this on hand to grab as you walk out the door.
Cast of characters:
- Wax paper (to protect your work surface)
- Pot
- Glass container (this measure cup works perfectly, even has a spout)
- Cutting board and knife
- Candle or candy thermometer (VERY IMPORTANT!)
- Bulk candle wax (purchased at Michaels, or you can use old candles)
- Candle wax coloring (I'm using a Yankee Candle tart)
- Wicks
- Containers for the candles (these adorable mini wine glasses were cheap at the Goodwill)
Here's a close up of the important supplies.
Seriously, protect your work surface. You'll most likely spill some wax, and wax paper perfectly holds the spilled wax an keeps it from going all over your table.
Okay, so cut up your giant wax block into small chunks.
Place the chunks into the measuring cup.
Place your pot on the stove, add a few inches of water, then put the measuring cup into the pot.
This is really important. You obviously don't want to heat the measuring cup up on the stove directly and it's difficult to melt the wax in the pot directly. The water in the pot helps to slowly heat the wax up.
Slowly heat the wax, and I mean it, slowly on LOW.
Cut up a piece of the wax tart and add to the wax mixture. This serves two purposes, to color the wax and to add scent. You can use crayons to color the wax, it must be waxed based not things like food coloring. You can use liquid scent as well but it's easier to add pieces of the tart.
Place your pot on the stove, add a few inches of water, then put the measuring cup into the pot.
This is really important. You obviously don't want to heat the measuring cup up on the stove directly and it's difficult to melt the wax in the pot directly. The water in the pot helps to slowly heat the wax up.
Slowly heat the wax, and I mean it, slowly on LOW.
Cut up a piece of the wax tart and add to the wax mixture. This serves two purposes, to color the wax and to add scent. You can use crayons to color the wax, it must be waxed based not things like food coloring. You can use liquid scent as well but it's easier to add pieces of the tart.
Grab the thermometer, and place in the melting wax. DO NOT HEAT THE WAX ABOVE 200 degrees, because, surprise, wax is flammable.
While it's melting, get your containers ready and place the wicks inside. Make sure they're straight in the container.
Dip the metal end of the wicks in a small amount of melted wax and place in the bottom, it'll help keep the wick in the right spot when pouring the wax.
Okay, when the wax is completely melted and see through, it's time to pour.
Pour till you reach the top, make sure the wick stays in place.
Let cool.
Repeat process until you fill all of your containers.
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