As satisfying as unmolding your umpteenth scented candle can be, you are by now more than willing to try your hand at something with a little more flair. Try any, or all, of these 3 creative homemade candle making projects
Dried flowers, leaves and ferns add to the warmth of a candle. Choose a candle with a large circumference to prevent the flame from reaching the flowers. White candles set off dried foliage to perfection but you may choose other colors. Arrange your design on white paper cut to the circumference of the candle. Have a narrow and a wide paintbrush ready, and some newspapers to handle any dripping wax. Melt some wax (same color as your candle) in a double boiler; remove from the fire and bring to your work area over the newspapers. Using the narrow brush, dab melted wax onto the candle and press the dried flower/leaf in place. Work quickly as the candle wax cools fast. As each section is done, paint over the dried flowers with the wider brush to keep it firmly in place. Wait for it to cool before touching it or it could smear. The end result will be a bit bumpy but will have a rustic look that is pleasantly restful to the eyes.
You can have your java and sniff it too by making coffee scented candles in clear coffee mugs. For an added kick, make a pillar candle with coffee scented candle making fragrance oil; reserve some of the wax. Place your finished pillar candle in a mold of the same height but slightly wider, just enough for you to fill with a layer of coffee beans. Re-melt the reserved wax and pour over the coffee bean-filled gap. Poke the space with a barbecue stick or tap the mold with the flat side of a spoon to get rid of air bubbles. When cool and hardened, unmold your candle for a caffeine fix.
Candles can ward off unwanted flies at picnic or garden parties. Here’s a decorative candle that also recycles old wax. Wax that has been over-heated or re-melted several times tends to darken. Make use of them by adding brown dye and mint fragrance. Pour this into cupcake wrappers with tabbed wicks, placed in old cupcake pans. While waiting for them to cool, whisk a little melted white wax in a tall container (like a coffee tin) with a wire whisk, incorporating air into it until it froths. While still warm, spoon the “frosting” around the wick and sprinkle shavings of candle dye on it for a festive look. Or, use yellow wax and citronella candle making fragrance oil. Citronella and mint are known to keep flies and mosquitoes away. Light the candles once they’re on the table otherwise someone might bite into them! Yellow wax, citronella scent and the “froth” can be used in beer mugs for “grown-up” type parties.
In a pinch, you can use store bought candles for these quick and easy candle making at home project or ramp up plain looking candles, and have a whole new line of products to offer. Now tell me that wasn’t easy.
