I set out on an adventure to make a candle. I figured it couldn't be that hard. It wasn't too bad but I definitely learned a few things along the way. I started out with an old pillar candle that I had used up. The wick was burnt out but the outside of the candle was still intact, if that makes sense? And it smelled REALLY good! I couldn't let it go to waste, that's what made me decide to do this. So I chopped up the remaining wax.
Found the perfect container at Goodwill :)
Found the perfect container at Goodwill :)
added a wick from the craft store...
and melted the wax over a double boiler. I lined the pan with some tinfoil, hoping for an easier cleanup. It did help some, but wax somehow still got everywhere! And wax is hard to clean up, especially when it gets wet.
and....
anyone tried this before? any helpful tips?
here is the finished product! It sunk in, in the middle a little bit (maybe the outside cooled faster than the inside?!?) But it still works! :)
anyone tried this before? any helpful tips?
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9 comments:
What a terrific idea. It's so easy to find containers too. During the holidays these would make great hostess gifts. If I got started now, I could have dozens of them ready by the end of the summer-more time for baking cookies and sipping egg nog in December!
This is so random but are you from VT? There is a Restore up there right near my boyfriends house. Just curious! I'm sure there are a lot of stores called the Restore, but it just made me wonder. Love your blog, you are so creative!
Yep, I've tried it before. I would say skip the aluminum foil altogether. If you wait until the wax is hardened, you can just scrape it off with a plastic scraper (like the kind you clean your pizza stones with) or a butter knife, depending on the surface. Also, you might try letting the wax set just a little bit before putting in the wick.
Oh, and melted wax is REALLY hard to scrape off gas burner elements and from underneath the stove top. In case anyone was wondering :-)
I just ran across your blog and love it - am now a follower! Your candle is amazing! So wish I could do that. I think you did a great job!
This is beautiful. I have tried this and caught the wax on fire...warning! Flammable! One hint: put your pan in the freezer and once it is very cold, you can easily scrape or chip out the chunks of wax. I love what you do.
In order to avoid the dip in the middle I usually pour in about 3/4 of the wax and let it cool for a while. Timing varies depending on the size of your candle - let it get relatively solid. Then I poke a few holes with a nail (if you are making a jar candle you'll need something longer like a bbq skewer), reheat the remaining wax and pour in the rest. It usually fills the dip and leaves you with a level top.
Thank you all for the sweet comments and tips! I will keep those in mind for next time. I think these would make great Christmas gifts too Karen! I've actually been collecting containers to do just that.
That's good to know, methodpam. It happens to me each time and they don't burn well.
I'm going to try old shredded candle(use old cheese shredder) and fill with new wick. I'm hoping it'll work. Has anyone tried this tip? I have tons of leftover wax (even from tealights!) I waste none! :)
Mrs. Devore... I love your candleholder!!
Instead of the upper pan on your double boiler use a cardboard milk carton, just melt slowly. It makes cleanup a breeze.
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