Candle Making Recipes & Instructions
Votives
Votives are so versatile and everybody loves them. They make great gifts for any occasion and they are fast and easy to make. I recommend using my hassle free votive wax for this project and these instructions are based on using this wax. If you are using straight paraffin, you will need to add stearic and vybar (if desired). The layered votives (candy corn style) pictured above can easily be made by pouring the wax in layers of different colors into the votive cups. You can customize the pattern for any season or holiday like red/white candy cane votives for Christmas. Use these instructions for square votives also. This project was reprinted with permission from Candles and Supplies.com |
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Votives are so versatile and everybody loves them. They make great gifts for any occasion and they are fast and easy to make. I recommend using my hassle free votive wax for this project and these instructions are based on using this wax. If you are using straight paraffin, you will need to add stearic and vybar (if desired). The layered votives (candy corn style) pictured above can easily be made by pouring the wax in layers of different colors into the votive cups. You can customize the pattern for any season or holiday like red/white candy cane votives for Christmas. Use these instructions for square votives also.
Items
you will need:
Votive
molds
Melting
pot for the wax and thermometer
Pre-tabbed
wicks
Votive
wax
Suitable work area
A stove or hot plate
Pot for water (to double boil the wax)
Step 1
Prepare your work area - gather your materials - fill the bottom
part of your double boiler with water and place on the stove.
Step 2
Put all of the wax in your melting pot. Clip your thermometer on
the side of the melting pot. Put the melting pot in the double boiler
and start heating. Add water to the bottom of the double boiler
if necessary while heating the wax. Take care not to get any water
in your mold or wax - it will ruin your candles.
Step 3
When wax reaches 180 degrees and is melted completely you are ready
to add the color and scent. Using a knife or grater, shave off small
amounts of the color block and add them to your wax. It’s better
to start with small amounts of the dye block because you can always
add more to reach your desired color. Stir the wax with your thermometer
until the color is well dissolved. You can test your color by putting
a drop of wax on a white piece of paper. Keep in mind that when
the wax is hardened it will appear lighter than it looks in the
melting pot and darker than it appears on the white piece of paper.
Once you have the color that you want it’s time to add the
scent. I usually add 1 oz. of scent per # of wax for highly scented
candles. If you do not want highly scented candles, only add the
amount that you want. Stir the wax again with your thermometer.
Step 4
Pour the wax into the mold slowly but smoothly just below the top
of the mold. Save some leftover wax in the pot for later. Gently
tap the sides of the mold, and allow 45 seconds for the air bubbles
to rise. When the wax appears “cloudy” (within 1-5 minutes
after pouring), place a pre-tabbed votive wick in the center of
each mold. Chances are the bottom of the mold will feel tacky and
be able to hold the wick in place.
Step 5
As the wax cools, it shrinks and creates a “pit” around
the wick - this is normal. When the outside of your votive cup feels
cool and there is a pit around the wick you are ready to “top
off” the candles. This will take about 3-4 hours after your
original pour. Reheat the leftover wax to 180 degrees again and
pour enough wax in the mold to fill the “pit” and create
a nice smooth top on your votive.
Step 6
Allow the candle to cool fully before attempting to remove from
the mold. If the candle does not easily slide out of the mold, tap
it gently on the counter or place it in a refrigerator for five
to ten minutes then try removing it from the mold again. Never pry
or scrape the wax out of the mold.
Step7
Enjoy your candles! Watch them burn and enjoy the fragrance that
you picked. Handmade candles also make great gifts. Your friends
will enjoy receiving something that’s handmade and if the directions
are followed properly you will have made candles that are a better
quality than what you can buy in most stores!
I hope that you have had fun making your candles - I know I enjoy making candles more than just about anything! If you have any questions or need any supplies, feel free to contact me at any time!
Keep in touch too! I would love to hear how your candles turned out.
Happy candle making!