Creating your own votive candles can be an enjoyable and creative project to embark on. Whether you’re looking for the perfect addition to an event or simply want to bring a unique flair to your home, making votive candles yourself is a great way to customize the look and feel of your space. Not only are they beautiful and fragrant, but they are also budget-friendly and surprisingly easy to make.
Gather Materials
Start by finding a suitable container for your candles such as a glass or metal cup. Make sure the cup is heat-resistant and won’t easily melt when exposed to high temperatures from the hot wax.
The type of wax used in votive candle-making will depend on your preferences; you may choose paraffin or beeswax. Purchase wax chips or pellets that are specifically made for candle-making purposes. If you use paraffin, it’s important to select one with a melting point between 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit; higher melting points will result in brittle candles that won’t burn properly. You can also extract wax by cutting the candle from a store into small pieces on a sheet of newspaper.
When choosing which kind of wick to use, you should consider what type of wax you’ll be using as well as how large or small the candles will be. Cotton and linen tend to work best with paraffin waxes while paper usually works better with soy waxes due to their slower melting points.
Choose any desired scent such as rosemary, peppermint, lavender, etc., along with a wick and essential oil if needed to enhance the aroma of your candle.
Prepare the Wax
For best results, melt wax over a double boiler (or save time and effort with a wax melter), stirring occasionally until completely melted. If using beeswax, melt it gently over low heat before adding any fragrance or colors.
You should never attempt to melt wax directly on your stovetop without a double boiler, as it can easily cause a fire hazard. When melting wax, ensure that you are constantly stirring the wax until it reaches its desired consistency.
Add Coloring
Adding color to votive candles can add a unique touch of elegance and beauty to any setting. Whether it’s for decoration, aromatherapy, or pure ambiance, making your own unique votive candles is a creative way to express yourself.
The most commonly used type of dye is paraffin wax-based dye. This type of dye is non-toxic and has excellent color retention when heated. It also offers an even dispersion in the wax when melted so that the color will be consistent throughout the candle. Paraffin wax-based dyes can be found in both liquid and powder form, which makes them easy to work with when creating colorful candles.
When working with dye, it’s important to remember that too much of one color can overpower the other colors in your composition.
Place In Molds
First, evenly grease the mold with oil so that it will be easier to get the candle later. Then, attach a wick inside the mold using metal tabs or clips, which help keep the wick centered while also providing stability during the pouring and cooling processes. Make sure it’s centered properly so that the candle will burn evenly when lit. Once the wicks are in place, carefully pour the liquid wax into each mold until they’re full. You can make layers of different colors, allowing each layer to cool before adding the next layer on top. To create a gradual transition between colors, add dye drops to each layer at random intervals.
Also, you can tilt the mold to make some interesting transitions between colors
Let Cool And Remove
Let your votive candle sit overnight so that it has sufficient time to cool and harden. Also, it’s important to freeze the candle before attempting to remove it from its mold. This will make it much easier to handle as it won’t be pliable or too soft when cold. After placing in the freezer for at least thirty minutes, take out and turn the mold upside down while holding firmly onto both ends of the mold and gently shaking until you feel or hear a pop. The candle should slide right out with no effort. If necessary, use a butter knife around any edges that may still be attached before completely removing it from the container.
Finishing Touches
Adding a simple ribbon or decoration can give your candles a unique look that no one else will have. For those looking for a more personalized touch, there are some fun and creative finishes you can try with just a few materials.
Also, you can add some prints to a candle. Or, if you’re feeling extra creative, you could even paint designs directly onto the wax with food coloring or dye tablets.
Related Video: DIY Color Block Candles
Conclusion
In conclusion, making votive candles is an enjoyable and rewarding craft activity that can easily be done at home with a few simple materials. The end result is beautiful and aromatic candles that can be used to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Moreover, with this process, you can customize your candles to match any décor or even special events. With a little practice and creativity, you too can make hand-crafted votives in no time. So why not give it a try today?
