CANDLE MAKING AT HOME
Container candles are a beautiful way to accent your home. To make your container candles look the best, choose glassware that is sturdy and has a simple design. You can purchase this glassware for a very low price at most retail stores. You can also generally find great deals at yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores as well.
CLEAN JARS WELL!
Clean all the glass prior to using them to prevent dust or particles from building up inside. If you have a dishwasher, a quick rinse
will do the trick.
CANDLE MAKING SUPPLIES NEEDED!
You will need to obtain a few supplies in addition to your glassware before you can start the process of making container candles. You will need a double boiler for the wax, quality wax, dye, and fragrances if you desire to use scents. It is best to get wicks with tabs for making this type of candle. For container candles, you can use either paraffin wax or bees wax. Melt the wax in the double boiler to a temperature of about 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it has reached that temperature, add you color and scent.
HEAT THE JARS BEFORE FILLING WITH WAX!
For best results, microwave the glass containers for a minute or two (if it has no metal on it.) This will make sure the wax doesn’t leave unsightly air pockets in the container as it hardens. Place the glass containers on a cookie sheet to make clean-up from any spills a snap. Fill each glass container within one inch of the top. Leaving that extra space will allow room for the candle to burn and not drip outside the container. You will need to let your container candles cool for about 20 minutes.
ADD THE WICKS!
Gently place a wick with tab into each candle container. You will need to keep an eye on them as you will need to make sure the wick stays centered as the wax hardens. Once the candles completely cool, cut the wick to ½ inch of the top of the candle. A great way to make working with the wicks easier is to take a ball point pen apart. Place the shell of the pen around the wick and use it to guide the wick into place. Slowly remove the pen. As the wax hardens, the wick tab will stay firmly in place. Or you can clip the top of the wick with a clothes pin laid across the opening to help keep it in place.
DECORATE!!
You can add creativity to your container candles by decorating the jars with paints. If you intend to paint a design on the container, you may want to do that before filling it with the wax. Some acrylic paints for glass have to be baked after being applied so of course, you won’t want to bake it with the wax inside. (Read your labels for your paint. Some newer glass paints will air-cure after several days and do not require being baked.) Sequins and glitter make great design tools as well. For a simple yet attractive design, consider adding a pretty colored ribbon around the top of the container. The design of container candles allows them to burn down to almost nothing, ensuring you get the most out of each candle.
The possibilities for decorating container candles are endless. You will be fascinated at all the great ideas: holidays, special occasions, and fun themes. For a great family craft, consider allowing your children to decorate the jars while you take care of working with the hot wax.
ENJOY! BUT WATCH CAREFULLY!
Candles add beauty and wonderful smells to your home, but caution should always be used when burning them. It is important to keep them out of reach of children and to never leave them burning unattended. If you plan to move a container candle, be sure the jar has not become too hot as this can result in severe burns.
Container candles are very simple and inexpensive to make. They also add beauty and romance to any home or occasion. These candles give you, the candle maker, lots of room for being creative.