Candle molds come in a range of shapes, from fruits and vegetables to geometric. You can also improvise molds with household items, such as tin cans, tart pans and flowerpots.
Supplies:
- Candle mold and wicking
- Double boiler
- Paraffin wax
- Wax paper
- Mold seal
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Candy thermometer
- Wax dyes or crayons
Instructions:
- With scissors, cut a length of wicking 3 to 4 inches longer than the height of the mold. In a double boiler, melt some of the wax over very low heat and soak the wick in it for 5 minutes. Lay the wick on a piece of wax paper to dry; make sure it's straight. If your mold isn't watertight, seal it with mold seal. Lightly spray inside the mold with nonstick cooking spray.
- Secure the wick to the bottom of the mold with a bit of mold seal. Tie the other end to a small stick or skewer. Pull the wick taut and lay the stick across the mouth of the mold.
- Melt the rest of the wax in a double boiler; don't let it exceed 200°F (use a candy thermometer). Then lower the heat and add the dye or crayon; stir until dissolved. Pour the wax into the mold, stopping 1/2 inch from the top.
- Using pot holders or mitts, place the mold in a bowl of cold water. Don't let any water splash onto the wax. Let cool for 1 hour.
- As the wax cools, a hollow will appear near the wick. Use a fork to prick small holes in the candle; then fill the area with melted wax.
- When the wax is completely cool, grab the stick and pull the candle from the mold. Trim the wick and smooth the bottom of the candle by standing it in a pot of warm water.
The Reader’s Digest Association Inc./GID
You can mold candles into just about any shape you like.
