MATERIALS:
- 2 lbs. Household paraffin
- Candle scent (either essential oil or scent blocks – combine apple
& cinnamon for a delicious aroma)
- large pot (for boiling water)
- clean, empty 1 lb. size coffee can
- empty frozen orange juice containers (The paraffin here will make
2 candles)
- candle wicks and holders (or you may use the pre-wicked holders)
- piece of wallpaper border (make sure it will wrap all the way around
your juice can)
- miscellaneous supplies: aluminum foil, craft glue, scissors
INSTRUCTIONS: This candle is a two-step
project. Do not expect to complete it in one day, as the first set of
candles needs to thoroughly set up before you can apply the wallpaper
design.
Begin by placing the paraffin in a clean coffee can. One pound of paraffin
will make 2 of these candles, with some wax leftover. Place the coffee
can into the large pot and add water to the pot only until it is about
½ full. Bring water to a boil, and then reduce heat to low so that you
melt the paraffin slowly. This double-boiler method of melting the
wax is very important – wax is flammable and you must never leave it unattended.
Do not try to melt it too quickly and exercise caution if there are children
nearby.
When the paraffin is totally melted add your scent. If you are using
scent blocks (which I prefer because they seem to last longer) put it
in now and mix thoroughly while the paraffin is still very hot. Slowly
pour the melted paraffin into the clean juice cans, filling them 2/3 full.
Again, use caution, as the wax is VERY hot. After the cans are filled,
place an appropriate length of wick in a wick holder and submerge it into
the can. Take care to center your wick and be sure that you have at least
2" of wick standing clear above the wax. (This is for lighting your
candle later if you wish to burn it.) One trick I find helpful is to criss-cross
some Scotch tape across top of the can as a guide for the center. If you
do this after you set the wick inside, you can leave a space between the
pieces of tape that will hold the wick in place.
Set your candles aside to set up thoroughly. After they are pretty firm,
you may want to place them in the refrigerator. The important thing is
to make sure they are solid.
The next day, carefully remove the candle from the juice can. I use these
cans because they are usually slick inside, and the cardboard sides slit
easily. Cut the can above the candle and gently peel it away.
Now you are ready to decorate your candle with wallpaper. Choose a border
that matches or compliments your décor, making sure it is not too
wide for your candle. Trim the border so that it fits all the way around
the candle, overlapping about ¼". With white craft glue, glue it
directly onto the candle – placement is purely individual taste – it does
not have to be at the bottom.
While the glue is drying, melt the other paraffin in the same manner
as you did to make your candles. This time you do not need to add scent.
Remember, the melted wax will rise when you insert the candle, so you
do not need to have a full can of melted wax – about half full is plenty.
(You will have extra paraffin left over from the second 1 lb. box.)
When the paraffin is completely melted, hold the candle by its wick
and dip it into the coffee can so that hot wax reaches up as far as the
base of the wick. Immediately remove the candle and place it on a sheet
of aluminum foil to cool.
Continue dipping and cooling your candle until you have the look you
desire. The more times you coat the candle and wallpaper with wax, the
more muted the look will be.
Note: There might be some concern about burning your candle with a paper
border added to it. I have burned several and have never had a problem
with them. However, as with all candles, exercise diligence and never
leave them burning unattended. |