Container candles are beautiful when used during holidays and special occasions. They are made by pouring hot wax into a jar or novelty container, which come in all shapes and sizes. Anything from Mason jars, fancy glasses or holiday containers gives a magical touch to your home. Container candles are easy to make with items found around the house, such as jars, glasses and bowls. For a more elaborate containers, check craft and department or dollar stores. These candles look great in champagne glasses, Santa or snowmen jars, apothecary jars and glass holiday containers.
Instructions
• Assemble equipment and tools.
• Shred wax.
• Boil water in the bottom of a double boiler. Note: A Presto Kitchen Kettle is safe and easy to use.
• If using a double boiler, place wax in the top portion.
• Heat wax to approximately 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Add dye.
• Add scent if desired.
Heating the Container
• Preheat the oven to its lowest setting.
• Heat container to the same temperature as the wax. Heating the container gives your container candle a smooth, shiny surface.
Adding the Wick
• Use pre-tabbed wicks for this step.
• Straighten the wick.
• Adhere the wick to the bottom of the container, used a dab of hot glue from a glue gun.
• Center the wick in the candle.
Pouring the Wax
• Ladle the hot wax into a pouring jug.
• Pour hot wax into the container to the desired height.
• Save approximately 1/5 of the wax for the second pour.
Making Relief Holes
• Allow the container candle to rest and cool without being disturbed.
• Using a toothpick or skewer, make relief holes near the wick. These should go to within ¼ inch of the bottom of the candle.
• Continue making the relief holes as the wax shrinks to prevent air pockets from forming.
The Second Pouring
When the candles have thoroughly cooled and hardened, a second pouring is necessary. This fills the relief holes and any indentations that have been caused from the wax shrinking.
• Heat the remainder of the wax to the same temperature as the first pour.
• Pour the wax into the container until it reaches the original level.
Cooling and Wick Trimming
• Allow the candle to rest undisturbed until it is thoroughly cooled and hardened. This can take up to 24 hours. A medium candle will take 6 to 10 hours. A smaller candle will take from 3 to 5 hours.
• When the candles have completely cooled and hardened, trim the wick to ¼ inch.
• Enjoy!
Making your own container candles can be fun and it’s easy. Once you’ve poured your first container candle, you will make candles for your home for every special occasion.
